Living into Right Relations: More Consultation Needed in Bill C-15 Implementation

Reconciliation and Indigenous Justice News from The United Church of Canada April 22, 2021   National Indigenous Council Speaks on Bill C-15: UNDRIP The National Indigenous Council of The United Church of Canada has written to the Standing Committee on Indigenous and Northern Affairs as it meets to review Bill C-15: An act respecting the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The Council expressed its concern about the breadth and depth of community consultation in drafting the bill and noted that “when we make decisions we take the time necessary to seek the wisdom and counsel of our communities.” It concluded that it “cannot at this time make an informed statement either in support of or against Bill C-15.” Other faith communities have signaled their support for the Bill. Citing its ongoing commitment to a new relationship, the National Indigenous Council closed its brief by stating: “We are Indigenous Peoples and Nations, not a single group nor a select organization. We must all be present in the process of consultation and cooperation that the Bill foresees. We hope that you will respect our ways of decision-making.” [Photo credit: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld] News from the National Centre on Truth and Reconciliation The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, home of the archival records about residential schools and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) has launched a new website to ensure the survival of these important materials and make it easier for all Canadians to access them. It even includes a way for  communities to share their truth and reconciliation news and events. The NCTR has also announced that its new Executive Director is Stephanie Scott, who previously worked as the Manager of Statement Gathering for the TRC, and joined the NCTR in 2016.  “If I do not stand up and try to make change and work towards Reconciliation, I am doing a disservice to me, my family and the community at large,” said Scott. Selkirk Reconciliation Mural Indigenous and non-Indigenous artists and community members are coming together in Selkirk, Manitoba to ensure that the history of residential schools and the ongoing work of reconciliation are not forgotten. The project, entitled Mashkawigaabawid Abinoojiiyag — Stand Strong Children, was designed by Jordan Stranger of Peguis First Nation. His grandparents attended residential schools. For more information and images of the project, see this story by Lenard Monkman of CBC Indigenous. Facebook Twitter Website Email Instagram YouTube Donate to The United Church of Canada and help fund life changing work around the world!

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