Local indigenous leader says Pope Francis’ apology is a good start, but the conversation must continue

Pope Francis completes his visit to Canada Friday with a visit to Iqaluit, before heading back to the Vatican.

Francis apologized for atrocities committed by the Church in the Indigenous Residential School system in our country during stops in Alberta and Quebec this week.

But some, like local indigenous leader Larry McDermott of Plenty Canada, which facilitates access to and shares resources with Indigenous peoples and other community groups, say they wish he had said more.

McDermott says the Pope should have addressed the greater responsibility of the church.

And he says the discussion has only begun.

McDermott has a personal family relationship with the Catholic Church.

He is also working on reconciliation through education on many levels in the communities of Lanark County.