Phil Fontaine
Phil Fontaine is a prominent Indigenous leader and former national chief of the Assembly of First Nations, recognized for his lifelong dedication to advocating for the rights of Indigenous peoples in Canada. Fontaine was instrumental in the push for Pope Francis to deliver an apology for the Catholic Church's role in residential schools, culminating in the Pope's historic apology during his visit to Canada in 2022. He believes that acknowledgment of the past is crucial for healing and reconciliation among Indigenous communities.
Not in the pool (under ¢1).
Recent news mentions
Phil Fontaine, then-leader of Canada's Assembly of First Nations, attends Pope Benedict's weekly general audience.
‘Not a simple journey’: a rare Inuvialuit kayak is coming home from the Vatican Museums
Canada· 2025-12-06
Phil Fontaine, a residential school survivor, called the papal apologies a profound moment for many survivors ready to forgive the Catholic Church.
Indigenous leaders in Canada react to the Pope’s death with a mix of gratitude and unresolved painCanada· 2025-04-22
Phil Fontaine, a survivor and former national chief, spent much of his life fighting for the Pope to deliver an apology.
Pope Francis apologized for residential schools on historic Canadian visitCanada· 2025-04-21