Nation bestows chieftainship on local priest

Reverend Larry Kroker was named an honorary chief on Aug. 6 by the northwestern Ontario community of Fort William First Nation.

The event coincided with the 40th anniversary of Kroker’s ordination, the day upon which he became a priest.

It’s not a common event to hear of a priest being named an honorary chief. Thousands of First Nation citizens throughout the country continue to feel the effects of the abuses they experienced while in residential schools, run primarily by Christian organizations, including the Catholic Church. And that’s something the reverend is very aware of, he says. He’s not only been helping people pray and learn scriptures, but has also helped them work through the pain of that abuse.

“At first I felt disbelief that could happen within the church,” said Kroker. “Then, also what to do about it as far as reconciliation and the healing process.”

Phil Pelletier, Fort William First Nation councillor, agrees the church hasn’t always had a positive effect on community members, but he acknowledged Rev. Kroker’s work.

“Priests have not always been good in the community. There are people who don’t believe in the Catholic system anymore, mostly because of residential school… [Rev. Kroker]”, said Pelletier, “has had a real positive effect in our community.”

Kroker said the road hasn’t been without bumps for him, but the journey was worth it.

“I’ve grown with the people and we’ve met these different challenges and we’ve all grown because of it. I’ve become good friends with the people. They’ve really opened up my life, and really challenged and opened up my faith life as well.”

It was Kroker’s understanding for the people and his hard work that garnered him the honor from Fort William
“He’s provided leadership and service. He’s been a wealth of knowledge for the people, plus he’s always been there in time of need.”

Since 1971, he has worked in many of the northern Ontario First Nation communities, and he said he’s witnessed many changes over four decades.

Rev. Kroker is pretty happy with the community’s decision to bestow upon him an honorary chieftainship. He says, “It’s good that we have something to celebrate, and I’m grateful, mostly grateful, for the experience of being an honorary chief. It’s really a time of blessing.”