Indian Residential Schools

In the past 20 years, the United Church has begun a directed, prayerful, and concerted effort to become more informed and responsive to the harmful effects of the residential school policy.

Background Statements

In working to resolve the Indian Residential Schools legacy, the United Church has developed statements of principle regarding healing and right relations.
Frequently Asked Questions

Answers cover the history of the church’s involvement with residential schools, its apologies, settling abuse claims, the Settlement Agreement, and the ongoing work of healing and right relations.
Index of Residential Schools News Releases and Announcements

News releases and announcements regarding the United Church's response to the Indian Residential Schools legacy.
Resources for Congregations

You are invited to "live out" the church's apologies through the Toward Truth and Reconciliation worship service, and education and action that leads to right relations with First Nations peoples.
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada is part of a comprehensive response to the legacy of Indian Residential Schools. The Commission is mandated to look at activities within residential schools.

Further Information on the United Church Website

The Residential Schools Update, published quarterly by the Residential Schools Steering Committee, describes current developments in the committee’s work.
Two funds have been created to address the residential schools legacy:
- The Healing Fund supports many programs in Aboriginal communities that are helping people in the healing process
- The Justice and Reconciliation Fund enables regional events in support of reconciliation and relationship-building initiatives between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal peoples
See Aboriginal Day of Prayer for worship materials based on Aboriginal themes.

If you have questions regarding Indian Residential Schools, please contact the Residential Schools Steering Committee.