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Aboriginal Church Justice Work in the United Church of Canada
Since the United Church of Canada offered its apology to First Nations Peoples in 1986, and later, in 1998, to former residential school students, there has been a concerted effort to find ways to live out those apologies and to “walk together”.The following links on the United Church’s website point to various related actions, programs, policies, and ministries:
- www.united-church.ca/aboriginal/schools
Everything regarding the legacy of residential schools and our involvement and response: history, frequently asked questions, quarterly Update, what congregations can do, news releases
- www.united-church.ca/en/funding/healing
Information about, criteria and application form for the Healing Fund
- www.united-church.ca/en/aboriginal/rights
Work related to advocating for Aboriginal rights including connection to KAIROS, the Sisters in Spirit Project, and support of Aboriginal land rights at Douglas Creek, Caledonia, Ontario.
- www.united-church.ca/aboriginal/relationships
Work related to building right relationships including the apology texts, Justice and Reconciliation Fund, worship resources, and ending racial harassment.
- www.united-church.ca/files/sales/magazines/mandate/2005/may/pdf/0810.pdf
Mandate, the United Church’s quarterly mission magazine has carried various stories about people and churches making a difference in Aboriginal communities from time to time. In particular the whole May 2005 issue is devoted to reflections on the 1986 apology and includes a timeline.
For a detailed chronology of actions taken between 1980 and the present, see this link.
The United Church has produced many resources, both print and video. Here is a listing of what has been produced, and is available from the United Church Resource Distribution Centre, or from the AudioVisual Lending Library (AVEL).
Also a listing of General Council staff related to residential schools, building right relations, and Aboriginal ministries. To contact them: irs@united-church.ca