A long awaited promise fulfilled

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Thousands huddled quietly around a huge 17 metre high tipi, watching and waiting patiently for Pope John Paul II to finish talking with their Native leaders.

The tipi and the 5,000 Indian, Dene, Inuit and Metis people had anticipated the Pope after his 1984 visit was cancelled when fog prevented the Pope's aircraft from landing in Fort Simpson, N.W.T. The Pope vowed he would return and Canada's Aboriginal people were rewarded for their long wait Sept. 20.

Although Native leaders gained political sway by the Pope's strong show of support for Aboriginal rights, resource claims and self-determination, the heavily anticipated Papal visit had enormous spiritual impact.

Matthew Lagasse, of Yellowknife, received his first communion from the Pope along with nearly a hundred others.

"It was all fluke," said the 11-year-old, who added that he was chosen for the "great honor" only hours before the Papal visit. He explained, "My priest said he'd try arrange it. But the decision was made so sudden, I didn't really expect it."

Fred Black travelled 20 hours from his home in Chard (located 120 km south of Fort McMurray) for a glimpse of the Pope. He was one of the many curious visitors who "just wanted to see the Pope."