Indian Residential Schools

A. The History of Indian Residential Schools and the Church’s Apologies

1. What was a residential school? How was the United Church involved?
2. When did our church first begin to question its role in the schools?
3. What are the “legacy of residential schools” and the “mission school syndrome”?
4. Why has the United Church apologized for its role in residential schools?
5. Do I share responsibility for what happened at the residential schools?

B. Settling Abuse Claims

1. Is the United Church being sued because of what happened in the schools?
2. Can abuse claims be settled without going to court?
3. What if false or suspect claims are made?
4. Does the church have financial resources to meet our legal and moral obligations?

C. The Settlement Agreement on Residential Schools

1. What is the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement?
2. What does the Settlement Agreement mean for former students of residential schools?
3. What are the implications of the Settlement Agreement for The United Church of Canada?
4. Why is the Canadian government refunding monies to the United Church related to residential schools? How will this money be used?
5. Is the Truth and Reconciliation (T&R) Commission the same as a public inquiry?
6. What archival information does the United Church have on the residential schools and what will it make available to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission?
7. Will the Settlement Agreement be the end of the United Church’s response to residential schools?

D. The Ongoing Work of Healing and Right Relations

1. What is the United Church’s understanding of reconciliation?
2. What is the role of the Residential Schools Steering Committee?
3. What is the Healing Fund and what has it been able to accomplish?
4. Does the United Church recognize the ministry of former employees of the schools?
5. What is the United Church’s relationship to the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) and other Aboriginal groups, including survivors’ groups?
6. As an individual, what can I do to be part of the healing process?
7. What can congregations do to live out our church’s apologies to First Nations Peoples?