Mackenzie-Fort Smith

Roman Catholic Diocese

Truth and Reconciliation

The ministry of Indigenous Truth and Reconciliation in the Diocese of Mackenzie-Fort Smith is shaped by the unique history, geography, and peoples of the North. Spanning a vast territory across the Northwest Territories and parts of Nunavut, the diocese is home to many Indigenous nations, including Dene, Métis, and Inuvialuit communities, whose cultures, languages, and spiritual traditions have long been intertwined with the life of the Church. Within this context, the work of Truth and Reconciliation is not an abstract concept but a lived pastoral reality grounded in relationships, memory, and shared responsibility.

This ministry begins with a commitment to truth-telling. The diocese acknowledges the painful legacy of colonialism and the role played by church institutions, including Catholic missions and residential schools, in systems that caused deep harm to Indigenous children, families, and communities. Truth-telling requires honesty about this history and a willingness to listen to the lived experiences of survivors and their descendants. In the North, where communities are small and relationships are close, this listening often happens not through formal programs alone but through presence, conversation, and the slow work of rebuilding trust.

Reconciliation in the Diocese of Mackenzie-Fort Smith is understood as an ongoing journey rather than a completed task. It is expressed through pastoral encounters that prioritize respect, humility, and learning. Clergy, religious, and lay leaders are encouraged to engage with Indigenous communities in ways that honour local leadership, elders, and cultural knowledge. This includes participation in community gatherings, cultural events, and moments of shared prayer that reflect both Indigenous traditions and Christian faith, allowing space for mutual understanding to grow.

The ministry also places strong emphasis on education and formation. Non-Indigenous Catholics are invited to deepen their understanding of Indigenous histories, cultures, and contemporary realities, including the intergenerational impacts of residential schools. Through workshops, reflections, and diocesan communications, the Church seeks to foster awareness that reconciliation is not only about the past but also about how relationships are lived today. This educational work helps move communities from silence or uncertainty toward empathy, responsibility, and solidarity.

Prayer and spiritual reflection are central to this ministry. Liturgical moments, memorials, and days of remembrance provide space for lament, healing, and hope. These moments acknowledge grief and loss while also affirming the resilience of Indigenous peoples and the possibility of renewed relationships. In a northern context, where faith is often closely connected to the land and seasons, reconciliation ministry naturally invites reflection on creation, stewardship, and the sacredness of place.

The diocese understands that reconciliation must be rooted in local realities. Geographic isolation, limited resources, and historical wounds present ongoing challenges, but they also highlight the importance of patience and perseverance. The ministry is not driven by quick solutions but by long-term commitment, guided by listening and shaped by the voices of Indigenous peoples themselves.

Ultimately, the ministry of Indigenous Truth and Reconciliation in the Diocese of Mackenzie-Fort Smith is a call to walk together in humility and hope. It seeks to honour the dignity of Indigenous peoples, acknowledge painful truths, and build relationships grounded in respect and justice. While the journey is incomplete and demanding, it reflects the Church’s desire to live the Gospel more faithfully in the North, trusting that reconciliation, though slow and imperfect, is made possible through honesty, compassion, and shared commitment.