By Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News
Established following the national Truth and Reconciliation Commission event in Saskatoon in 2012, the Diocesan Council for Truth and Reconciliation (DCTR) is continuing its advisory and advocacy work in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon under a recently re-vitalized Mission Statement.
“Grounded in the teachings of the Gospel and the Sacred Circle, the Diocesan Council for Truth and Reconciliation is called to build respectful relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Catholics; foster healing through listening and learning, sharing stories and praying together; support and educate parishes about the work of truth and reconciliation; and walk together to address social injustices,” states the new Mission Statement, developed after a year-long reflection process.
As a diocesan council, the DCTR serves as a consultative body for the diocese, and has undertaken a number of initiatives and workshops over the years, as well as giving ongoing guidance to the reconciliation initiatives of the diocesan Office of Justice and Peace.
The original Mission Statement was developed in 2013 after the DCTR was formed as one of the diocesan promises placed in the Bentwood Box at the national TRC event in June 2012 as a commitment to further the dialogue of reconciliation to heal relationships between the Church and First Nations and Métis people.
Since the diocesan council was first established, a number of historic milestones have happened, including the release of the TRC Final Report and its 94 Calls to Action, and the papal apology during Pope Francis’ visit to Canada in 2022. The composition of the DCTR has also evolved, with a shift to include Indigenous members who are not Elders.
Bishop Mark Hagemoen approved the updated Mission Statement in January 2025.
With the revitalized Mission Statement finalized, next steps for the DCTR will include the creation of a vision and strategic plan, as well as a review of membership.
Mission Statement – Diocesan Council for Truth and Reconciliation:
Grounded in the teachings of the Gospel and the Sacred Circle, the Diocesan Council for Truth and Reconciliation is called to:
- Build respectful relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Catholics
- Foster healing through listening and learning, sharing stories and praying together
- Support and educate parishes about the work of Truth and Reconciliation
- Walk together to address social injustices
Current Membership of the Diocesan Council for Truth and Reconciliation (DCTR):
- Bishop Mark Hagemoen
- Carol Zubiak
- Delores Smallchild
- Elder Dianne Anderson
- Elder Gayle Weenie
- Gertrude Rompré
- Elder Irene Sharp
- Fr. Kevin McGee
- Marilyn Jackson
- Fr. Matthew Ramsay
- MaryAnne Morrison
- Myron Rogal
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Kiply Lukan Yaworski is communications coordinator for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon: rcdos.ca.
Truth and Reconciliation, Justice and Peace, Communications, and Catholic Saskatoon News are supported by gifts to the Bishop’s Annual Appeal: dscf.ca/baa