Angie Crerar (Photo: Abby Zieverink, EverythingGP)

By Abby Zieverink

March 28 - April 1

Grande Prairie’s Angie Crerar to meet with Pope Francis on truth and reconciliation

Mar 27, 2022 | 5:00 AM

Grande Prairie’s Angie Crerar is in Rome this week as part of the delegation of residential school survivors and Indigenous leaders in seek of an apology from Pope Francis for the role of the Catholic Church in the residential schooling system.

Several meetings are scheduled between Indigenous leaders and Elders with Pope Francis from March 28 to April 1.

First Nations, Metis, and Inuit leaders from across Canada will have the opportunity to speak with the Pope directly where they will be seeking healing along with answers as to why residential schools were made out to be such a destructive environment.

Crerar is the Metis representative in Alberta and lives in Grande Prairie. She says she is set to discuss their history with the Catholic Church and its role in reconciliation.

“I never, ever dreamed that I would ever go to Rome and see the Pope,” she expressed.

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“When we were kids, we were told that he (the Pope) was the very most important man in the world because he whispers to the ears of our Lord and I sincerely believe it.”

“I’ve heard that he’s very gentle and understanding and I can respond so well to people like that. The idea of him coming and inviting us to go see him, that’s something very special, it says a lot about him,” she added.

Over 150,000 First Nations, Métis, and Inuit children were forced to attend residential schools. The government-funded, church-run residential schools ran for over 150 years across Canada and removed children from their homes, family, and traditions in an effort to assimilate the Indigenous culture.

Crear plans to tell the Pope about her experience at Sacred Heart residential school in Fort Providence located in the Northwest Territories.

She says her experience was similar to the way so many others had experienced.

“I will speak of my story from 1947, with my two little sisters when we were three, five, and eight. I never came out until I was 17, just turned 18,” she said.

“There’s so many others, all those years that we spent, there was so many others, other girls and boys, and we all suffered the same way. We all will never forget. I’ve learned to forgive, but not one of us can honestly say that we will ever forget because it’s something that lingers in your heart, your soul, your pain.”

Crerar says her hope is they will be able to bring everyone together to continue working towards truth and reconciliation.

“It’s a dream, but it can happen,” she expressed.

“If you’re really strong and if you really want something, you will move the earth, and I believe our people can do this.”

Crerar has called Grande Prairie home for the past 44 years and says she is thankful for the support she has received from the community.

“I feel humbled and I’m so grateful for the 44 years I have spent in Grande Prairie; all the friends that helped, supported, encouraged, and just loved me.”

“Without your help and support you have given me and always being there for me, I wouldn’t be anywhere. From my heart to yours, God bless.”

A schedule of the delegations at the Vatican can be found below:

March 28: Metis and Inuit delegates meet with Pope Francis at the Vatican in two separate meetings to discuss their history with the Catholic Church and its role in reconciliation.

March 29: Indigenous delegates are to get access to the Vatican’s collection of Indigenous artifacts that few people have ever seen.

March 30: First Nations delegates are set to meet with Pope Francis at the Vatican to discuss their history with the Catholic Church and its role in reconciliation.

April 1: Metis, Inuit, and First Nations delegates have a group meeting with Pope Francis at the Vatican after separately addressing the leader of the Catholic Church earlier this week.

With files from Canadian Press