An important session discussing the historical legacy of the Papal Doctrine of Discovery was presented by Archbishop Donald J. Bolen and Deacon Harry Lafond, Chief of Muskeg Cree First Nations, on Monday, August 12th at the Annual National Convention in Saskatoon.
Deacon Lafond expressed that we usually think of the word “discovered” as a positive term. But for Indigenous communities and the history they experienced from colonization, it is not a positive term. The Cree community sees all things designed to be interconnected and not as a commodity to be parcelled out into pieces, and we need to learn to talk and listen to each other. A standing ovation was given for their presentation as members were encouraged to make this topic a longstanding focus in their work.
Photos courtesy of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon
