Eight Catholic charities cited for 'cultural genocide' by historic sites board

The federal Historic Sites and Monuments Board has accused eight Catholic charities of complicity in “cultural genocide” due to their roles in operating residential schools, despite their previous recognition for contributions to orphanages, hospitals, and education.

Blacklock's Reporter said the board linked these organizations to the federally funded residential schools system, which aimed to assimilate indigenous children into Euro-Canadian culture and Christianity.

“Churches both Catholic and Protestant were substantially involved in the establishment, administration and operation of residential schools,” wrote the board.

“Catholic religious congregations ran the majority of the schools and were essential to their day-to-day operation from 1883 to 1969 when the federal government took over full control.”

The board noted the 2015 Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s conclusion that residential schools amounted to cultural genocide. It criticized earlier tributes to the charities for failing to address their “relationship with Indigenous peoples” and colonial assumptions.

Among the organizations cited were the Grey Nuns of Montréal, recognized in 1988 for establishing Western Canada’s first public hospital, and the Sisters of Charity of Ottawa, honoured for their nursing work. Others included:

• Jesuit Fathers of Montréal, for founding Canada’s first college in 1635 and subsequent postsecondary schools;

• Sisters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul of Halifax, for operating orphanages from 1849;

• Sisters of Providence of Montréal, for their 19th-century work with the deaf;

• Sisters of St. Anne of Vaudreuil, for aiding the sick and poor from 1850;

• Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, for studying indigenous languages in the 19th century;

• Sisters of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, for pioneering girls’ education.

The controversy reflects growing scrutiny of Canada’s historical figures and institutions. The monuments board has declined recent applications for new plaques recognizing Catholic leaders, citing concerns over their connections to colonialism.

For instance, in 2020, Newfoundland Catholics unsuccessfully petitioned for national historic recognition of Bishop John Thomas Mullock, who oversaw the construction of the Basilica of St. John the Baptist in St. John’s.

The board rejected the request, stating Mullock’s contributions were part of a broader effort to expand the Catholic Church in the region.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau requested a Vatican apology in 2017 for Catholic involvement in residential schools, saying, “Taking responsibility for past mistakes and asking forgiveness is core to our values as Canadians.”

Pope Francis issued an apology in 2022.