For 50 years, Nicholas Black Elk led others to Christ, often melding his Lakota culture into his Christian life.

Blessed Cristobal, along with two other indigenous Tlaxcalteca youths, Blessed Antonio and Blessed Juan, will be canonized Oct. 15 at the Vatican

Bishop Lionel Gendron of Saint-Jean-Lonueuil, Quebec, said a possible papal visit was not a major topic at the bishops' plenary gathering Sept. 25-29, but reconciliation with indigenous people remains high on the conference's agenda.

Sainthood for Black Elk could help the inclusion of indigenous Americans within the Catholic Church, but it also raises questions about the church's role in erasing Lakota culture.

For Canada’s 150th anniversary, which has been met with frustration by indigenous people, the Jesuits had another dialogue in mind.