The Pope’s recent visit to Canada marked a historic milestone in the ongoing journey toward reconciliation and healing for the Indigenous Peoples of Canada. As I watched the events unfold, I felt an intense connection to the pain and resilience of the Aboriginal communities. Their stories of suffering, survival, and the pursuit of justice resonated deeply with the intergenerational trauma my own family has endured.

The Pope’s heartfelt apology for the horrors inflicted through the residential school system was a crucial moment of collective reflection on a dark chapter of our shared history. These schools, which operated from the 19th century until as recently as 1996, were not merely institutions of forced assimilation; they were tools of cultural erasure. Approximately 150,000 Inuit and Métis children were stripped of their identities, many enduring unimaginable suffering—physical and sexual abuse—and some never returning home; their final resting places remain unmarked graves.

Personal Reflections on Trauma

Listening to these stories echoes the painful history my own people have faced. As a child of Jewish parents who were persecuted in Hungary during World War II, I have always carried the weight of intergenerational trauma. My parents bore the loss of family members—parents, grandparents, siblings, aunts, uncles, and cousins—as an invisible burden that shaped our lives. Their stories of survival, of navigating a world that turned hostile and deadly, are ingrained in my identity. The Pope’s apology made me reflect on how acknowledgment and apology, while not erasing the pain, are crucial steps toward healing.

The Power of Indigenous Voices

Over the past twenty-five years, Canada has made strides in confronting this grievous past. I’ve been deeply moved by the personal narratives of First Nation communities shared on national radio and TV. Each story has deepened my appreciation for their resilience and the richness of their cultural heritage. Listening to these stories has also sparked a longing for a similar platform within our media for the Jewish community—where more Canadians could celebrate and understand our traditions, history, and vibrant cultural tapestry.

Indigenous communities have been at the forefront of reclaiming their history, art, and languages. Programs like CBC’s Unreserved have been a powerful testament to their resilience. These writers, chefs, activists, and artists are not just preserving their culture—they’re revitalizing it, using their creativity to challenge stereotypes and assert their identity. Through poetry, food, and art, they reclaim, repair, and reflect on their Indigenous selves, reminding us of the power of cultural renewal.

• These writers use poetry to reclaim, repair and reflect their Indigenous selves.
• Indigenous chefs and activists use food to talk about land, history and culture.
• These artists embrace new technology, challenging stereotypes of what counts as Indigenous art.
• Break bread, laugh and learn how to celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day.

Shared Trauma: A Jewish Perspective on Reconciliation

As a Jew, I feel a deep connection to the struggles of the First Nations. The trauma they face echoes the pain my family endured. The Jewish community, too, has suffered under colonial policies imposed by Christian rulers. A stark example is the Czarist decree of August 26, 1827, which conscripted Jewish boys as young as eight into Russian Cantonist schools, forcing them into twenty-five years of military service. These boys, often underfed and mistreated, were pressured to convert to Orthodox Christianity.

The Pope’s apology to the Indigenous community has prompted me to reflect on the meaning of apologies for unspeakable horrors. In Jewish tradition, the injured party has the prerogative to accept or reject an apology, yet acknowledging wrongs and offering reparations are crucial steps toward healing.

In my lifetime, I have witnessed the Catholic Church begin to take responsibility for its role in persecuting Jews. This acknowledgment culminated in Pope Paul VI’s encyclical Nostra Aetate on October 28, 1965, which renounced centuries of antisemitism. This declaration, which decried hatred and persecution of Jews, was a pivotal step toward reconciliation, further deepened by Pope Francis’s visit to Israel in 2014. True reconciliation requires ongoing dialogue and grassroots interactions to dispel stereotypes and foster mutual understanding.

“…the Church, mindful of the patrimony she shared with the Jews and moved not by political reasons but by the Gospel’s spiritual love, decries hatred, persecutions, and displays of antisemitism, directed against Jews at any time and by anyone.”

One of the most potent examples of reconciliation I have witnessed occurred during a church service in Winnipeg. This event, organized by Pastor Rudy Fidel of Faith Church, brought together Cantor Moshe Kraus, a Holocaust survivor, two First Nations Chiefs, and a Klezmer band for a Sunday morning service. I had the honour of documenting this event, which included powerful speeches and performances that bridged our communities.

• Two First Nations Chiefs: From 1:01 to 2:11 minutes, Jim Baird, Chief of Leech Lake of the Ojibwe Nation, introduced Grand Chief Jerry, recently elected as the Grand Chief of Thirty-two Nations. From 2:11 to 7:42 minutes, Grand Chief Jerry shared insights into his community’s current affairs.
• Hazzan Moshe Kraus: At 10:32-20:58 min, Cantor Kraus recounted a poignant incident from 1942 in Budapest. At the request of a Hungarian Bishop from Potok, Moshe assisted in securing the release of the Bishop’s colleague and Moshe’s cousin, a Rabbi in Potok, who was incarcerated in Budapest.

We must all journey toward reconciliation and healing in a world marked by historical injustices. The scars of the past have been passed down through generations, and it is only by coming together—acknowledging the past, promoting empathy, and dismantling oppressive systems—that we can hope to heal. This involves creating safe spaces for dialogue, supporting cultural revitalization, and investing in mental health resources.

A Call to Action

Reconciliation isn’t just about words; it requires action. Here are some ways we can all contribute to this ongoing process:

• Support Indigenous-led initiatives: Whether through donations, volunteering, or simply amplifying their voices, we can all play a part in supporting the work of Indigenous communities.
• Learn and educate: Take the time to learn about the history and cultures of Indigenous peoples and other marginalized communities. Share this knowledge with others to foster a more inclusive society.
• Advocate for policy changes: Push for reforms in education, healthcare, and other areas to better serve the needs of Indigenous communities and ensure that historical injustices are not repeated.
• Engage in grassroots efforts: Participate in or support local initiatives promoting dialogue and understanding between communities. These interactions are vital for building a more compassionate and just society.

The journey of reconciliation and healing is long and complex, but every step taken brings us closer to a world where all can thrive in dignity and peace.