Right Relationships

February 2006

August 1986:

Apology to First Nations Peoples

Long before my people journeyed to this land your people were here, and you received from your Elders an understanding of creation and of the Mystery that surrounds us all that was deep, and rich, and to be treasured.

We did not hear you when you shared your vision. In our zeal to tell you of the good news of Jesus Christ we were closed to the value of your spirituality.

We confused Western ways and culture with the depth and breadth and length and height of the gospel of Christ.

We imposed our civilization as a condition of accepting the gospel.

We tried to make you be like us and in so doing we helped to destroy the vision that made you what you were. As a result, you, and we, are poorer and the image of the Creator in us is twisted, blurred, and we are not what we are meant by God to be.

We ask you to forgive us and to walk together with us in the Spirit of Christ so that our peoples may be blessed and God's creation healed.

The 31st General Council of The United Church of Canada, August 1986

This apology was made by then-Moderator Bob Smith on behalf of The United Church of Canada to the First Peoples of Canada who had removed themselves from the 31st General Council. They were waiting in a parking lot at Laurentian University, Sudbury, Ontario, for the church's response to the request for an apology. The apology was not accepted. Nevertheless, it was "joyfully received" and acknowledged. A stone cairn was erected to mark the event. However, the cairn was left incomplete on the advice of the Elders who felt that time must be given to see how the church lives out the apology. More stones are to be added as the United Church lives out its apology.

The apology marked a turning point in The United Church of Canada's relationship with First Peoples. It opened doors to a number of developments: the establishment of three theological training centres for First Nations peoples, the establishment of four presbyteries, the formation of the All Native Circle Conference, the election of a First Nations person as Moderator of the United Church, and a formal apology to former United Church Indian Residential School students, to name a few.

August 2005:

Nineteen years later, First Nations people of The United Church of Canada gathered again in that same parking lot at the cairn. They gathered before a Sacred Fire to pray and prepare for the Fifth Consultation of First Nations United Church Congregants. At this consultation, participants reflected on their relationship with the church and assessed the church's progress and commitment to its apology as the 20th anniversary of the apology approaches in 2006.

The theme chosen for this consultation was "Listening to the Spirit: Preparing the Way." Three foci shaped the gathering: Leadership, Youth at Risk, and Right Relations.

At the close of the gathering, participants returned to the cairn. Elders had given thought to the church's endeavours to live out its apology. Yes, it was time to add more stones to the cairn. The church had made some progress. The various presbyteries and individuals each placed a stone on the cairn and explained why they were adding their stone. A new generation listened as the apology was recited once again by the current Moderator, Peter Short.

The love First Nations people bear for the church and their commitment to build right relationships with non-Aboriginal sisters and brothers was marked in a moving naming ceremony. The Moderator of The United Church of Canada, the Right Rev. Peter Short, was given a name-Shining Rock Chief-a blanket, and an eagle feather. Elders then spoke of the sacred responsibility these gifts and naming placed upon him in relation to First Nations people and the church.

The United Church of Canada has apologized. And yes, the church is making progress. However, there is still much to be done. Many people at the congregational level have very little or no knowledge of First Nations people, their struggles and pain. Most United Church members know very little, if anything, about the residential school system and the church's complicity in this colonial endeavour. Still, First Nations members trust that as they "Listen to the Spirit" the Creator will fulfill the divine plan for them. Thanks be to God.

This year, 2006, marks the 20th anniversary of The United Church of Canada's Apology to First Nations Peoples. Congregations are asked to observe First Nations Day (June 21) by reflecting on the apology. The liturgy prepared by Alf Dumont on p. 29 of the May 2005 Mandate Special Edition is recommended for use to mark this day.

Laverne Jacobs (Rev.)
Coordinator, Aboriginal Ministries
The United Church of Canada