Justice for Missing and Murdered Indigenous People

On March 7, it was confirmed that human remains located at the Prairie Green landfill in Winnipeg MB are those of Morgan Harris of Long Plain First Nation. This was followed on March 17 by the identification of the remains of Marcedes Myran, also from Long Plain. On March 26, Mashkode Bizihiki’ Ikwe (Buffalo Woman) was identified as Ashlee Shingoose from St. Theresa Point First Nation. Ashlee’s remains are believed to be the Brady landfill in Winnipeg, and discussions about a search there have begun.

The United Church of Canada offers its prayers for the Harris, Myran, and Shingoose families, and for the families of all missing and murdered Indigenous peoples.

Take a stand against colonization, racism and the injustice of the Murdered and Missing and speak out against this epidemic. You can show your support for the families, and demand justice for the missing and murdered, by participating in two upcoming days of action:

May 5 is Red Dress Day, the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit People (MMIWG2S). On this day you can wear red, hang a red dress outside your home or church, and participate in Red Dress events in your community.
May 15 is Moosehide Campaign Day. This year, we are invited to walk and fast to end violence. The United Church supports the Moosehide Campaign. For more information on this year’s Campaign Day activities, please visit the website. And don’t forget to order moosehide pins for your community of faith.

[Image credit: The United Church of Canada]

Indigenous Spirituality, Land Rights, and Climate Justice

The World Council of Churches has just released a publication on Indigenous spirituality, land rights, and climate justice. The papers in the publication were written by Indigenous people from around the world, including the Rev. Shane Goldie from Spruce Grove, AB, who is a North American representative to the WCC’s Ecumenical Indigenous Peoples Network. There are also some video contributions. Please visit the WCC website to learn more and download the report.

[Image credit: Albin Hillert/WCC]

Recent GCE Decisions: Orange Shirt Sunday, NCTR Funding, and an Updated Apology

A number of proposals related to reconciliation were discussed at the final meeting the 44^th General Council Executive March 7-9.

United Church communities of faith across these lands observe Orange Shirt Day (Sept. 30), also known as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, but it has never been designated as a "Special Sunday" in The United Church of Canada. The GCE approved a proposal to make the Sunday before September 30 an official observance. Keep up to date via Indigenous Ministries social media and the website.

The GCE also earmarked a contribution from United Church reserves to add to a collaborative donation to the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation from the Anglican, Presbyterian, and United churches.

A proposal related to an updated apology was discussed. The GCE agreed to form a task group to review the ongoing commitments and work of reconciliation that have emerged since the 1986 and 1998 Apologies from the United Church, exploring necessary actions including but not limited to an updated apology. The proposal confirms that consultations with Indigenous communities must be in ways that are trauma-informed, collaborative, respectful of nation-to-nation relationships with caretaker communities, and rooted in a theology of care and reparative justice.

Apply to be a Sandy-Saulteaux Spiritual Centre Keeper of the Vision

The Sandy-Saulteaux Spiritual Centre (SSSC) has a number of Keepers of the Vision volunteer positions opening up this year. SSSC is a place of spirit where both Indigenous and Christian spiritual beliefs are respected, shared and understood. It fosters teachings of respect, healing, and wholeness among all peoples and with all of creation, and is an important place of learning for Indigenous leadership roles in The United Church of Canada. To learn more about the toles and responsibilities of the Keepers of the Vision, please visit the SSSC website.

[Image credit: SSSC]

Committee Vacancies: Indigenous Ministries and Justice

Interested in being part of the work of Indigenous Ministries and Justice? Nominations are now open for appointments to the Healing Programs Working Group; Indigenous Justice Advisory Group; Justice and Reconciliation Fund Committee. Visit the UCC website to learn more about these opportunities and how to apply. Deadline is April 24.