To Council our Community

Trust between Indigenous Peoples and the Catholic Church is strained. Historic injustices have left a legacy of mistrust and a fear of the intentions of religious institutions.

Many living today have been personally victimized by the clergy. Because of this, Catholic Dioceses across Canada are actively making efforts to address the past, rebuild bridges, and face the harm they have caused.

In Northwestern Ontario, the Indigenous Ministry Office within the Diocese of Thunder Bay is helping to repair relationships through honesty, respect, and shared faith. The Office serves as a hub for reconciliation within the community, ensuring that communication, education, and partnership between Faith-based institutions and Indigenous communities remain active. It leads coordination efforts to support Indigenous-led projects, organizes Elders Council discernment meetings, assists with topical reports, and supports cultural and healing community initiatives. The Office has also collaborated with educational and Faith partners to discuss the creation of an Indigenous Catholic Theology Program to provide spiritual learning grounded in both Indigenous and Catholic traditions.

The Indigenous Reconciliation Fund (IRF) is lending its support to ensure reconciliation activities remain ongoing and that community outreach and cultural programming initiatives continue to operate. Since 2019, the Indigenous Ministry Office has led meaningful reconciliation initiatives such as moccasin-making workshops, bursaries for Indigenous students, and community healing circles to help mend the wounds of the past through consistent, compassionate engagement.

Diocese of Thunder Bay