Discussion about this post

User's avatar
Chris Meier's avatar

Thanks for another quality explainer. This was an interesting quick dip into history and a reminder of how slowly some wheels of the Vatican turn compared to others.

Expand full comment
Sergius's avatar

The original intention of the so-called "doctrine of discovery" was to prevent rival powers from creating wars that would increase suffering and death amongst its participants (and collateral damage). Second, I'm not sure what effect any of Church matters on this issue had with England (which was establishing itself as being Protestant) and France (which had tenuous relations with the Church at best...didn't the king of France kidnap the Pope and kept the papacy in France for almost 70 years?)

Also, "For much of this time, attendance was mandatory for tribal children, who were required to cut ties to their language, traditions, and cultural practices."

Not sure that that was the case: https://www.dorchesterreview.ca/blogs/news/they-were-not-forced

and https://indianresidentialschoolrecords.com/

These sites have official government records, first-hand accounts, even photographs, etc. that show otherwise.

Here are some examples of first-hand accounts:

"June 4, 1916 - The next day, Sunday, June 4, all the Indians came to attend High Mass; the church was full. All sang at the services; they pronounced Latin quite well, recited the Rosary in Montagnais; the hymns were also mostly in that language."

"Students from several schools, including Kuper Island and Marieval, travelled to Expo '67. Many schools had bands choirs, and some offered individual music lessons. A number of radio programs were recorded featuring the children singing both English and Cree."

Expand full comment
7 more comments...
Latest

No posts