Alberta, NWT Catholic bishops latest to apologize for residential schools

EDMONTON – The Catholic Bishops of Alberta and the Northwest Territories is apologizing for abuse that aboriginal children suffered in residential schools.

Edmonton Archbishop Richard Smith says his group is the last representing Catholic bishops in the country to make a public offer of regret.

Other Catholic groups have issued formal apology letters as the Truth and Reconciliation Commission held events in their regions.

The commission is to hold its final national event in Edmonton next month.

Smith told several dozen junior high school students in the city that it’s important to say you’re sorry when people get hurt.

In 2009, Pope Benedict expressed his sorrow for the abuse aboriginal students suffered in residential schools run by the church.