Truth and Reconciliation during the Jubilee Year

September 30 has been designated as an observed ‘National Day for Truth & Reconciliation.’  

In the face of historic and present injustices toward and among Indigenous Peoples in the lands of Canada, this is a day to bring forward reflection, to recognize wrongs, to hear the silenced voices and encourage bridge-building, peace-making and healing between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people between and among us as individuals and institutions. The Catholic Church has been, and continues to be, a part of Canadian culture for Indigenous peoples, people of settler descent and the newly immigrated. Here we present to you a personal reflection from Julia and Adam Kozak who are actively involved in seeking Truth & Reconciliation with Catholic and Indigenous Peoples. 

Adam, a Lay Pastoral Associate, writer and musician, was the National Project Manager for the Programs Team for the 2022 Papal Visit to Canada. Julia, a member of the Nisga’a Nation, Pow Wow dancer, presenter, designer and artist, was the Maskwacis Site Coordinator for the Programs Team on the 2022 Papal Visit to Canada.

On December 24, 2024, Pope Francis opened the Holy Doors at St. Peter’s Basilica to welcome people into the Year of Jubilee. A unique time of pilgrimage begins! To set forth on a pilgrimage is to say we are going somewhere. To participate in a pilgrimage is a statement we make acknowledging things are not as they should be. This agitation of the heart stirs us, even pushes us, to heal. Pilgrimage is not random wandering in the wilderness, it has direction, a point, a purpose.

In July of 2022, Pope Francis participated in a “pilgrimage of penance” in Canada to address the real, ongoing pain and wrongs done toward Indigenous people throughout these lands, with a unique focus on relationship to the Church and Her people. This historic pilgrimage moved hearts and minds of Indigenous and non-indigenous people across Canada. The stirring up and movement on the pilgrimage brought forth the lived experience of thousands of Indigenous peoples lives and interactions with non-indigenous people that is interwoven with the spiritual life. Stories told and listened to. Traditions shared. Successes and failures. Beautiful joys and heart-wrenching pains. A truthful acknowledgement that there is work for us to do today.

The 2025 Year of Jubilee calls us to be “Pilgrims of Hope”. Seeking truth and reconciliation between Indigenous and non-indigenous people in Canada calls us to be humble and faithful pilgrims. Pilgrims of Hope. Our hope is in that facing the truth we repent of our sins. We forgive the sins of others. We receive forgiveness. We heal. Now and for future generations to come. The direction of our pilgrimage is to Jesus, our Lord.

As we continue our pilgrimage in this Year of Jubilee, we journey toward Reconciliation and Healing:

• For the spiritual well-being of all Indigenous Peoples of these lands, we pray.
• For the wrongs done to Indigenous Peoples, we ask for forgiveness.
• Supporting the Indigenous Reconciliation Fundso that we may uplift Indigenous organizations in Canada who encourage healing and well-being for Indigenous People.
• Recognize in our parishes, past and ongoing contributions from Indigenous Catholics, such as St. Kateri Tekakwitha.
• Take part in educational opportunities that highlight the dignity of Indigenous Peoples and traditional culture.

Let us encourage and support our Bishops and fellow Catholics in a renewal of commitments to what Pope Francis outlined during his Penitential Pilgrimage to Maskwacis in 2022: “I trust and pray that Christians and civil society in this land may grow in the ability to accept and respect the identity and the experience of the Indigenous peoples. It is my hope that concrete ways can be found to make those peoples better known and esteemed, so that all may learn to walk together. For my part, I will continue to encourage the efforts of all Catholics to support the Indigenous peoples.”

St. Kateri Tekakwitha, Our Lady of Guadalupe, Servant of God Nicholas Black Elk, pray for us!