Living into Right Relations: July 2023

June 28, 2023 View this email in your browser

Reconciliation and Indigenous Justice News from The United Church of Canada Interim Report: Special Interlocutor on Missing Children and Unmarked Burial Sites   Kimberly Murray, the Special Interlocutor on Missing Children and Unmarked Burial Sites, has released her interim report after four national events and numerous meetings with survivors, communities, Indigenous organizations and other parties such as the churches which ran residential schools. The report tracks progress on the Special Interlocutor’s mandate, as well as on those Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) calls to Action related to unmarked burial sites and missing children. It shares a summary of what has been heard from survivors, communities, and groups such as churches and government who bear responsibility for these children.  It also addresses the barriers to justice posed by Canada’s legal system, and identifies a number of areas of significant concern: access to and destruction of records; access to and protection of sites; the complexity and timeline of ground searches; shortcomings of existing investigation processes; affirming Indigenous data sovereignty;  the challenge of responding to media and public disclosures; the increase in the violence of residential institution denialism; the lack of sufficient, long-term funding; the need for Indigenous health and wellness supports; repatriation of the children; Land Back: repatriation of cemetery and burial sites; and accountability and justice. The report concludes by laying out “the foundation for a new Reparations Framework to address the gaps and barriers within Canada’s current legal system, which is ill-equipped to provide accountability and justice for Indigenous Peoples in the face of genocide, colonial violence, and mass human rights violations.” The full report is available to download from the Special Interlocutor’s website. [image credit:Julie Graham, Prairie to Pine/Living Skies/Northern Spirit Regional Council Office] Launch of the National Residential Schools Monument     On June 20, National Indigenous Council co-chair Leeann Shimoda and Moderator Carmen Lansdowne joined with other faith leaders, survivors of residential institutions, Indigenous organizations, former Truth and Reconciliation Commissioners and political leaders to mark the space on unceded Algonquin territory (Parliament Hill) where the National Residential Schools Monument will be raised. This vision for the monument  comes from survivors, and the site was chosen with the approval of the Algonquin Nation – the first time this has happened for the many monuments that stand on the property.  Governor-General Mary Simon noted that its prominent position outside the West Block was intentional:   "The site selection on Parliament Hill allows as many Canadians as possible the opportunity to see this monument. It represents our history. So near to the House of Commons, it will serve as a constant reminder to parliamentarians that the policies and laws they create, debate, legislate and enforce have consequences." [image credit: Photo, left to right: Former TRC Commissioner Dr. Marie Wilson;  Ottawa Roman Catholic Archbishop Marcel Damphousse, NIC Co-chair Leeann Shimoda; Moderator Carmen Lansdowne; Presbyterian Moderator Mary Fontaine; Anglican Primate Linda Nicholls; and National Anglican Indigenous Archbishop Chris Harper. Credit: Sara Stratton.)] National Indigenous Spiritual Gathering     The Indigenous church gathers on Treaty 6 Territory in Edmonton, AB, from July 28 - 30, for the 2023 National Indigenous Spiritual Gathering.   Moderator Carmen Lansdowne will give a keynote address on Friday, July 28. Other program elements include installation of new members of the National Indigenous Elders Council and the new National Indigenous Council; panel and plenary discussions of the national drug use and suicide crisis, missing children and unmarked burial sites, and the remit removing barriers from the formation of the new Indigenous church; business from the five Circles of the Indigenous church; celebrations of students and those ordained/commissioned in last four years; and memorial to those who have passed on to the Spirit World since 2019. There’s a broad range of workshop opportunities, including Naloxone training; anti-racism; Two-Spirit issues; TRC Call to Action 46 (Covenant of Reconciliation); Indigenous Testamur; Care of Vulnerable Children; United Church Archives; Healing Fund; and the Indigenous Office of Vocation.   The National Indigenous Spiritual Gathering will also be a time for 35 Indigenous young people to come together and build community. They will be learning hand drum songs, making arts and crafts, and there will be time for swimming and other activities to enjoy together. A time for meeting new friends and re-connecting with old friends and having a fun filled time together this summer in Edmonton. As always, there will be evening entertainment, including the Silent Auction with a Twist. There will also be plenty of time to gather and share stories at the Sacred Fire.   Updates will be posted on social media and the United Church website. [image credit: The United Church of Canada] Facebook Twitter Website Email Instagram YouTube Donate to The United Church of Canada and help fund life changing work around the world!

Copyright © 2023 The United Church of Canada, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you indicated that you would like to receive updates about the work of The United Church of Canada. Our mailing address is: The United Church of Canada 3250 Bloor Street West Toronto, Ontario M8X 2Y4 Canada