Image
Nearly 5,000 people waited in the rainy weather in Fort Simpson, N.W.T. for Pope John Paul II, who was keeping a promise made in 1984. That year, when he had attempted to land in the community, heavy fog prevented his visit.
The Pontiff, known locally as Yahtita—priest of priests—fulfilled the rescheduled trip on Sept. 20, 1987. The Pope donned a white caribou skin robe to celebrate mass. He talked about his support of Indigenous self-government. One hundred Elders had been chosen to receive communion.
The Pope praised his audience for their deeply-rooted faith in the Creator and also urged young people to enter the work of the church, especially as priests.
Visit our archives at ammsa.com for more on this story. See links below:
http://ammsa.com/publications/windspeaker-publication/5000-metis-inuit-indian-gather
Photo Gallery: http://ammsa.com/content/pope-john-paul-ii-visits-fort-simpson-1987