The Northwest Métis Council sent a delegation to Edmonton to attend the Pope's visit a couple of weeks ago.
Vice-President Frances Chartrand was a member of that delegation and she says that her visit with the Pope was inspirational.
"His sincerity showed through when he was reading the apology and recognizing the wrongs of the church and making people accountable... He was very empathetic in recognizing everything that Indigenous peoples went through regarding the abuse that happened in the church," she adds.
Chartrand also says that he's willing to move forward and lead the way to make sure that there is programming and services and that he wants to have an open dialogue with all Indigenous people.
Furthermore, Frances Chartrand says that she's hopeful for the future.
"I'm from a small Métis community and some of the central focus of programming and support came from the churches and the schools... so I think if we look at it with a holistic approach and we work with the church and... all the players involved... we could build our small Métis communities right across the Red River Métis nation," she adds.
According to Frances Chartrand, she never had any concerns or got any complaints about them going to meet with the Pope, the elders were enthusiastic and they were so proud to be a part of it.
"When we dropped our elders off... in Dauphin at the Best Western and their loved ones picked them up, they were crying and they were so thankful that they went on the pilgrimage and the journey to meet the Pope and the Pope prayed for everyone in the audience," she adds.
Frances Chartrand feels that since the church completely supports what the Pope said, the reconciliation efforts will still continue even if the Pope retires.
