Fort McMurray Catholic School Division (FMCSD) has officially approved changing the name of Father Turcotte School.
Moving forward the downtown school will be called Our Lady of the Rivers.
The FMCSD approved the name change on Monday in what they’ve said is a “step to assist in the healing for many in our Indigenous community.”
Changing the name was initiated after allegations arose of sexual abuse by Father J.A. Turcotte.
Allan Adam, Chief of the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation, made the claim to a large crowd following the ‘Bring Our Children Home Healing Rally’ held on Canada Day last year.
The FMCSD had vowed to take the allegations seriously and said they would work with all Indigenous communities towards truth and reconciliation.
In a recent press release, the FMCSD said “Fort McMurray Catholic School Division acknowledges the great injustice done to Indigenous families and we recognize the ongoing harm the residential school legacy has created.”
“Indigenous communities have been telling their stories for many years without action. Today’s announcement is a positive step in changing that pattern, but much more is needed,” said Chief Adam.