Reporting a priest's abuse led to his transfer but no penalties, inquiry told

WARNING: This story contains distressing details. All stories were shared with consent of participants.

An Innu man says speaking out about the sexual abuse by a priest when growing up in Sheshatshiu only led to a transfer, rather than discipline, a decision that allowed the abuse to continue. 

Gervais Penashue spoke to the Inquiry Respecting the Treatment, Experiences and Outcomes of Innu in the Child Protection System on Tuesday. The inquiry is investigating the treatment of Innu children by the Newfoundland and Labrador government and church officials.

Penashue said he grew up in a home with addictions and violence, as his parents were battling their own traumas. He said his father was a survivor of Mount Cashel in St. John's. When things would get challenging at home, Penashue said, they were sent to the priest's home. 

"My parents thought that was a safe haven, safe haven for us. Safe place for us to sleep, to eat," Penashue said. "That was not the case. That was the worst house. Evil place."

Penashue said the abuse started when he was about eight. He said he didn't know what touching or consent meant as a child. He and his brothers would hide in the woods, he said, but the priest would drag them to his house when he found them. 

"We were vulnerable. My parents were alcoholics, and the priest knew that. He took advantage of my parents," said Penashue.

"You felt trapped because there is nowhere to turn to.… You didn't know which direction to ask for help because church was like a government."

One year, the priest offered to take Penashue and his brother to the Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré, east of Quebec City. It's a yearly pilgrimage many Innu make from Sheshatshiu to this day. Penashue said the prospect excited his parents and the boys couldn't say no. 

"I don't know if he ever slept or not. It seemed that he was always awake," Penashue said. "I remember at times my brother would pinch me to warn me, to give me warning that he was after him or me."

Penashue said it was supposed to be a spiritual place but he felt sick to his stomach. He testified he's not sure how they got home because sometimes he would black out to avoid what was happening. 

One day, Penashue's parents overheard the boys talking about the abuse. He said his mother set up a meeting with the bishop, and the boys told the bishop about the abuse. 

"The bishop told us what he's gonna do is transfer this preacher to Davis Inlet. I felt OK about it but I felt bad about the kids in Davis Inlet," Penashue said. 

Penashue said his parents blamed themselves, but through counselling Penshue recognized that they thought they were doing the right thing. Penashue said his father truly thought the child abuse stopped after he left Mount Cashel. 

"He never thought his kids would be abused," Penashue said. 

Penashue now teaches youth about sexuality and consent. 

The inquiry is holding community sessions in Natuashish in November before beginning formal investigations into the deaths of children in care early in the new year. 

The Inquiry website contains phone numbers for anyone in Natuashish, Sheshatshiu, or elsewhere in the Labrador-Grenfell Region looking for healing and crisis help.

Mental health counselling and crisis support is also available 24 hours a day, seven days a week through the Hope for Wellness hotline at 1-855-242-3310 or by online chat.

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