Indian Residential Schools

United Church congregations are invited to "live out" the church's apologies through education and action that leads to reconciliation and right relations with First Nations peoples.

Apology: The Congregational Story [PDF: 3 pp/212 KB]

In the decade since the residential schools apology, United Church congregations have found that building Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal relations isn't always easy.

Aboriginal Day of Prayer

An index of worship resources and information to help celebrate Aboriginal Day of Prayer, June 22.

The Importance of Apology in Healing and Reconciliation [PDF: 6 pp/42 KB]

A presentation by James V. Scott of The United Church of Canada to the Calgary Truth and Reconciliation Conference, June 16, 2007.

Niigaanibatowaad: FrontRunners Study Guide [PDF: 18 pp/180 KB] NEW

This DVD, available from AVEL, tells the story of the 1967 Pan Am Games torchbearers. The runners, nearly all Indian Residential School students, were not allowed to complete the run in Winnipeg. Hold a 2½-hour discussion group session on Canada's relationship with First Nations peoples, and the church's apologies and efforts to build right relations.

Stepping into the Future [PDF: 3 pp/115 KB]

A look at what's happenened in the decade since the apology to residential school survivors.

Timeline of Steps in the Journey of Building Right Relations (1986-2006) [PDF: 3 pp/100 KB]

This timeline was included in the Mandate May 2006 special edition that focused on the 20th anniversary of the United Church Apology to First Nations.

Toward Justice and Right Relationship: A Resource for Congregations

A road map for a journey of healing, justice, and building right relationship with First Nations peoples, this study guide and video prepares us for beginning honest cross-cultural relationships.

Toward Truth and Reconciliation Worship Service

A worship service marking the 10th anniversary of the United Church's 1998 apology, and the beginning of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission

What Congregations Can Do

Education, relationship-building, advocacy, spiritual openness, and financial support are some of the ways congregations can respond to the legacy of Indian Residential Schools.