Four members of the Penobscot Nation have sued the Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland Maine and Bishop Robert Deeley claiming they were sexually abused when they were children by three priests assigned to St. Ann Catholic Church on Indian Island. Since the law that barred accusations of long-standing abuse was overturned, these lawsuits are the first ones brought by Native Americans against the diocese. It is always hard to report abuse. It is even harder against powerful institutions. So, we are very grateful to every person who is playing a role in this case and bringing critical information to light. We hope their courage will inspire others to speak up, too, say advocates for the victims.
The United States Mission to the United Nations today announced the U.S. delegation to the 22nd Session of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, to be held April 17-28 at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. The theme of this year’s session is “Indigenous Peoples, human health, planetary and territorial health and climate change: a rights-based approach.” Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland and Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, U.S. Representative to the United Nations, will serve as Heads of Delegation. Secretary Haaland delivered a keynote address during the opening session yesterday.
Those are your headlines at this hour. I’m Colette Keith in the KIPI News center.
