It’s an almost endearing image. Pope Francis wears a feather headdress after he Monday apologized to the indigenous people in Western Canadian Maskwacis for the immense suffering inflicted under the auspices of his Catholic Church in colonial boarding schools: more than 150,000 children of the indigenous population. were placed there, where they were forced to forget their own language and culture. Many were mistreated, abused and killed, and placed in anonymous graves.
The photo of the Pope is one that bursts with symbolism and disrupts it in such a way that it settles into our collective memory: in a hundred years’ time, our descendants will still know why the Pope’s skullcap was hidden under that fan of bird feathers. It marks the recognition of the systematic crimes committed in the name of Rome.
Bent posture
Franciscus’ old face, the closed eyes, his stooped posture and that feathered haircut give him at first sight the cuddliness of a vulnerable bird. None of the pride and dignity with which we associate the headdress of the native North American inhabitants. The kiss he is about to give also appears to be the disguised search for something to hold on to, which is not entirely imaginary given his frequent wheelchair use. The suspicious-eyed gaze of the papal attendant in the left background reinforces the concerns: will this be okay?
Francis has been given the bird of prey feather headdress from the man opposite, Chief Wilton Littlechild. As can be seen on video clips of the act, he places it over the headgear. To the Pope’s slight but unmistakable discomfort, his face betrays. The headdress is a bit too big, so that it sometimes falls over the forehead. He fiddles with the cords at his temples. After a long minute, his assistant helps him and removes the headgear.
Sharp reactions
It is a minute that evokes sharp reactions among native Canadians. In the Native American traditions, the headdress is much more than a pretty accessory: it is a ritual symbol of respect for the recipient, for showing courage and compassion. The more benefits, the more feathers. Not an award that is given only as a courtesy. And so Chief Wilton Littlechild faced criticism on social media when he donned the garb after Francis’ solemn apology. For example, the prominent Maka Black Elk from South Dakota called it ‘#toooon’, too early to reward the head of the Catholic Church with this ultimate respect. The pope was not to be blamed, he thought, but those who had decided to give him this gift should have taken the feelings of other native inhabitants into account.
Chief Wilton Littlechild’s grandson, Keeshon, took to Facebook for his grandfather: ‘It annoys me that people take it out on him. I understand how much respect it takes to [een hoofdtooi] gift, but in the end he paid the Pope respect that he had come all the way to Maskwacis to apologize.’
For one, wearing the attire of Francis, the incarnate symbol of the Catholic Church, is unpalatable to some. But looking with more benevolence at the Papal visit to Canada sees precisely a first possible step towards forgiveness by the people who have undergone cultural genocide.
l’Osservatore Romano, the official newspaper of the Catholic Church, featured the photo prominently on its front page, under the headline: Chiedo umilmente perdono: “I humbly ask for forgiveness.” Whether and how that plea will be answered is decided in the future. But regardless of the outcome: the sight of Francis’ feather crown will last.