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Winnipeg Free Press - ONLINE EDITION
Fontaine apologizes to Catholics during reconciliation ceremony
Archbishop James Weisgerber (centre) and his adopted brothers Tobasonakwut Kinew, Bert Fontaine, former Assembly of First Nations national chief Phil Fontaine and Fred Kelly dance around the Thunderbird House after a reconciliation ceremony Saturday. (MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS) Photo Store
A sombre Phil Fontaine apologized Saturday afternoon for indiscriminately blaming all Catholics for his treatment in residential schools.
"I tarred everyone with the same brush -- I was wrong, simply wrong," the former Assembly of First Nations national chief told a gathering of reconciliation at Thunderbird House. "I apologize. I say that from my heart."
Fontaine was part of a traditional ceremony, in which he and three other men adopted Archbishop James Weisgerber as an act of reconciliation.
But as the five men each spoke in turn, Fontaine issued his own apology.
His past public reaction to his experiences in residential schools overshadowed the goodness of many people, Fontaine said: "My words have also hurt a lot of people, my bitterness, my anger. I was indiscriminate in my words."
Weisgerber said that he was deeply moved by the willingness of aboriginal people to forgive, after the church did so much damage to aboriginal people and their culture. "I believe we have a very long way to go, but it’s a road worth travelling," Weisgerber said.
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