Diocesan Council for Truth and Reconciliation (DCTR) – February, 2024.

As a result of participation in the local TRC process in June 2012, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon has created the Diocesan Council of Truth and Reconciliation (DCTR) — a local dialogue and consultative body in the diocese, alongside the Diocesan Priests’ Council and the Diocesan Pastoral Council.

Mission Statement for Diocesan Council of Truth and Reconciliation

The Diocesan Council of Truth and Reconciliation is a sharing and consultative circle of Indigenous, First Nations, Métis, and non-Indigenous people providing guidance to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon. It arises out of the promise made at the Saskatchewan Truth and Reconciliation Commission event held in Saskatoon in 2012. After prayer, reflection and discernment in 2024, the Mission Statement for the DCTR was updated and released in January 2025.

MISSION STATEMENT (2025)

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

Initiatives discussed, initiated and supported by the DCTR have included:

  • “Voices of Our Sisters: Standing Together in Hope” An ecumenical event held in response to ongoing issue of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (2015),
  • Treaty Six Medal installation at the Cathedral of the Holy Family, as well as at St. Anne’s Parish in Saskatoon,
  • Treaty Elder Series presentations in a number of parishes, including St. Francis Xavier, Sts-Martyrs-Canadiens, and St. Joseph in Saskatoon and Sacred Heart in Davidson (2016-2018),
  • Work with a West-Central Reconciliation Committee established after the shooting death of a young Indigenous man on a local farm,
  • Presentations at meetings of the Diocesan Pastoral Council, at Diocesan Congress gatherings  in various locations across the diocese, and at an annual diocesan Administration Day and other events over the past decade,
  • Assisting with a Walking Together in Healing local event to view the papal apology online in Saskatoon during Pope Francis’ visit to Alberta,
  • Providing ongoing guidance to the reconciliation initiatives of the diocesan Office of Justice and Peace.

 

The Diocesan Council for Truth and Reconciliation in 2018.