FORT MCMURRAY – Father Turcotte School in Downtown Fort McMurray is getting a name change following sexual assault allegations by residential school survivors.
The Fort McMurray Catholic School Board approved the re-naming this week, and it will now be known as Our Lady of the Rivers.
According to a press release, discussions to change the name stemmed from an event last Summer.
During the ‘Blinding Light’ healing walk, allegations of sexual abuse by Father Turcotte were brought forward by survivors of the Holy Angels Residential School in Fort Chipewyan.
The school division took the allegations seriously and reached out to local Indigenous leaders to learn more.
“It was through listening to Indian Residential School survivors and First Nation leaders that we now take these next steps in reconciliation and support action to bring healing on behalf of the School Division,” reads a FMCSD press release.
“Fort McMurray Catholic School Division acknowledges the great injustice done to Indigenous families and we recognize the ongoing harm the residential school legacy has created.”
Chief Allan Adam, President of the Athabasca Tribal Council, was the one to voice the allegations against Father Turcotte last July.
He says Indigenous communities have been telling their stories for many years without action and that the announcement of the school’s re-naming is a positive step, but that much more still needs to be done to change the pattern.
“Today’s announcement demonstrates the school board’s commitment to advancing reconciliation and healing with the First Nations communities of Northern Alberta and we are willing to remain on this path together, and welcome deeper discussions on the changes we can make to recognize the work still to be done,” Adam states.
Fort McMurray Catholic School Board Chair Cathie Langmead says we must listen and work with the Indigenous communities to support healing through meaningful change.
“It is important that we continue to listen to our Indigenous brothers and sisters as they share their stories and the stories of their ancestors,” Langmead states.
“We wholeheartedly acknowledge the sins of our forebears and will continue moving forward on the path to healing and reconciliation. By renaming the school we pray that this action shows our continual commitment to work in consultation and cooperation with the original peoples of Treaty 8. Through listening, love, and faith, together we will be the change that unites us.”
Individuals can call 1-866-925-4419 to access emotional and crisis referral services via the 24-hour National Indian Residential School Crisis Line.
