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Native Americans and Mission

In recent years, historical narratives about the experiences of Native American/First Nation communities have been revisited by the majority cultures of the United States and Canada. As more facts about colonization and the role of the Catholic Church have come to light, the USCCB and the Vatican have responded and continue to explore avenues for healing and reconciliation.

Personal Testimonies

Fr. Henry Sands provided some of his personal and family experiences in our Go Forth podcast and in a talk he gave in Canada before Pope Francis' historic visit and apology (both available on our show notes page).

Listening Session, 2019
The Black and Indian Mission Office & USCCB Subcommittee on Native American Affairs convened a listening session in March 2019.

From the USCCB

Two Rivers: A Report on Catholic Native American Culture and Ministry
February 2019.

From the Vatican

First Nations, Métis and Inuit Peoples Meeting with Pope Francis in Maskwacis
Address of Pope Francis
July 25, 2022 during visit to Canada

Visit of Pope Francis to the Indigenous Peoples of Canada

Additional Links

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