Indigenous participation in Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré: a priority

The Papal Visit to Canada team welcomes the concerns raised in this press release from the Assembly of First Nations of Quebec and Labrador.

July 1, 2022 – Benoit Thibault, who presides over the coordination table for the papal visit in Quebec, wishes to provide some additional information: ”We are in agreement with Chief Ghyslain Picard: the Pope is coming to the country first and foremost to meet with the Indigenous communities; as such, we are prioritizing their participation in every event organized.

At Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré, 70% of the indoor seats would be reserved for Indigenous communities, in addition to 70% of the outdoor seats as well. Of this, places must be allocated to Indigenous communities throughout Eastern Canada, including the Métis and Inuit. We are conscious of the thousands of people who come to the annual pilgrimage to the Basilica each year. 400 seats inside the Basilica have been allocated for members of the Association of the First Nations of Quebec and Labrador (AFNQL). This is the largest group represented. The timing to allocate the tickets to individuals, and to facilitate their participation including accreditation – is very tight and requires agility from everyone.

Thanks to all the people who work hard to achieve this logistical challenge. Many conversations have taken place with the AFNQL and we remain in constant communication with them and other Indigenous groups to make this mass a unifying event that will allow the survivors and their loved ones to participate in this mass of healing, reconciliation and hope.”

Indigenous participation expected at Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré:

– 70% of the 1600 seats inside
– 70% of the 10,000 seats outside
– 5,000 seats at Domaine Sainte-Anne, reserved in large part by Indigenous communities

Benoit Thibault, Chairman, Quebec Coordination Committee for the Papal Visit to Canada