Residential school records released day before archbishop testifies at Senate

A Catholic archdiocese that operated four Indigenous residential schools in Manitoba and Saskatchewan has finally surrendered a long-awaited trove of records that may hold clues about their tragic history.

A Catholic archdiocese that operated four Indigenous residential schools in Manitoba and Saskatchewan has finally surrendered a long-awaited trove of records that may hold clues about their tragic history.

The Archdiocese of Keewatin-Le Pas gave the documents to the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation on Monday -- just one day before Archbishop Murray Chatlain's appearance before a key Senate committee.

Word of the disclosure comes as church leaders face persistent accusations -- including from Indigenous leaders who testified before the same committee -- that they are dragging their heels on releasing records.

In 2021, a staff member found a box of files containing some residential school lists, and the archdiocese agreed to digitize the records in consultation with the national centre, Chatlain testified.

But until Monday, when the records were handed over, copies had been shared only with a local historical society -- and are likely the last of the records the archdiocese has to release, he added.

"Maybe there's a little surprise, but we are absolutely not holding anything back," Chatlain said. "But, for sure, the vast majority is there -- everything we know of."

The Senate committee on Indigenous Peoples has been investigating why some organizations aren't releasing records sooner. Asked by Sen. Scott Tannas if it will take another two years should more be uncovered, Chatlain responded: "No."