This was announced by the Canadian police on Friday (18). the arrest of a Catholic priest on suspicion of sexually assaulting an indigenous student Five decades ago, the latest allegations were made against a person implicated in the historic scandal at this country’s boarding schools.
Arthur Masse, 92, now retired, was charged with “indecent assault” and later paroled. He is scheduled to appear in court on July 20.
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The victim who led to Masses’ arrest was 10 years old when the abuse in the Fort Alexander Boarding School in Manitobabetween 1968 and 1970.
Indigenous leaders are calling for the former teachers and coordinators of these boarding schools to be prosecuted after more than 1,300 graves were discovered last year at the sites where these centers once operated, revealing a dark chapter in Canada’s colonial history.
About 150,000 Aboriginal, Métis and Inuit children were forcibly interned in 139 boarding schools across Canada from the late 19th century through the 1990s. They spent months, even years, isolated from their family, language and culture.
Many of them were physically and sexually abused. Thousands are said to have died from disease, malnutrition or neglect.
According to British broadcaster CTV NEWS, Canadian Police Sergeant Paul Manaigre said officers interviewed more than 700 people across North America during the investigation, collecting more than 75 testimonies or victims.
“Investigators combed through thousands of documents, including student lists, staff lists and quarterly reports, to identify potential victims,” he said.
The school opened in 1905 in the Fort Alexander community, which later became Sagkeeng First Nation, and closed in 1970.
2 of 2 Boarding School Fort Alexander — Photo: University of British Columbia/IRSHDC
Fort Alexander boarding school — Photo: University of British Columbia/IRSHDC
“The victim in this case went through a lot in the middle of the investigative process and stood firm to raise her voice about what happened to her,” the sergeant said at a news conference.
“The most important thing for her on a day like today is that she was heard,” he added.
In a statement, the Archdiocese of São Bonifácio said it was deeply saddened by the news of the arrest. Read below:
“Each time the heinous crime of sexual abuse is reported, all victims of such abuse, as well as their families and communities, are hurt anew,” they said in a statement. “The Archdiocese of Saint Bonifacio wishes to sympathize with all victims of sexual abuse, particularly those who suffered such abuse while they were students in Indian residential homes run by members of the Catholic Church. We want to express our shame and sadness. We want to listen, ask for forgiveness, and learn how the people of Sagkeeng can allow us to be a part of their healing and reconciliation.”