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Keeping his promise: The Pope travels North

Broadcast Date: Sept. 20, 1987

It takes three years but the Pope keeps his word, finally making his long-awaited visit to Fort Simpson, N.W.T.
The day starts off overcast with a steady drizzle. Panic sets in as organizers recall the conditions that prevented the Pope from visiting this remote village back in 1984. There's a collective sigh of relief when the sun finally breaks through just in time for the Pope's five-hour visit.

For people who have known too many broken promises, the Pope's presence in this Dene village takes on a special significance. John Paul II is especially sympathetic to the struggle for native rights and calls for a new round of constitutional talks. Federal ministers take notice. They tell the CBC that talks are already underway to find a new process to negotiate aboriginal rights.

Keeping his promise: The Pope travels North

• The Pope was on his way to the United States for a papal visit when he stopped over in Fort Simpson for five hours.
• Fort Simpson is situated on an island where the MacKenzie River meets the Liard River and is located 500 km from the Arctic Circle. Early missionaries first brought Christianity to this area in the 1850s.

Keeping his promise: The Pope travels North

Medium: Television

Program: The National

Broadcast Date: Sept. 20, 1987

Host: Peter Mansbridge
Reporter: Whit Fraser

Duration: 4:09

Last updated:
Jan. 6, 2011