Catholic Priest Charged with Sexually Assaulting 8-year-old Manitoba Indigenous Child

As a result of the allegations of sexual abuse perpetrated by a Catholic priest on an eight-year-old child in Little Grand Rapids, Manitoba, the Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) has expressed profound devastation. This deeply disturbing incident has again shed light on the harrowing history of sexual abuse within the Church and its systemic cover-up of these heinous crimes. The SCO calls for justice, support, and transparency for the victims while urging the Catholic Church to fulfill its responsibilities in healing initiatives for First Nations people.

SCO Grand Chief Jerry Daniels extends sympathies and prayers to the child, their family, and the entire Nation of Little Grand Rapids in the wake of this shocking revelation. Chief Daniels stands in solidarity with the survivor, commending their bravery for speaking out and emphasizing the need for a loving and supportive environment during the healing process. Furthermore, he urges any other individuals who may have suffered harm at the hands of this priest or others to come forward and share their truths, emphasizing the importance of building a safer society for First Nations children.

Chief Daniels acknowledges the long-standing issue of predatory behaviour within the Church, stating that First Nations communities have tragically endured such misconduct for generations. This revelation exposes a deep-rooted problem that demands immediate attention and resolution. The Catholic Church’s leaders are called upon to address this issue sincerely, recognizing the need for reparations and actively working toward healing and reconciliation.

Although the Catholic Church promised $25 million in compensation for healing initiatives as part of the Indian Residential School Settlement Agreement, this commitment remains unfulfilled. The SCO questions when the Church will genuinely “atone for its sins” and fully assume its responsibilities towards the survivors and affected communities. The Church’s failure to fulfill its legal obligations further perpetuates the mistrust and trauma endured by First Nations people.

In this case, the alleged perpetrator is Arul Savari, who is currently in custody facing multiple charges of sexual crimes. It is important to note that the RCMP believes there may be other victims. The authorities appeal to anyone with relevant information to come forward and contact the Little Grand Rapids RCMP at 204-397-2249.

The Catholic Church must acknowledge its historical wrongdoings, fulfill its legal commitments, and actively work towards healing and rebuilding trust with First Nations communities. We can only address the grave impact of these horrifying acts and strive toward a safer and more compassionate society through transparency, justice, and genuine efforts to atone for past sins.