Resources for Congregations

April 2006

In 1998, The United Church of Canada offered an apology to former students of the 13 residential schools associated with our church, and to their families and communities, for the harm they suffered at the schools. To be meaningful, apologies must be lived out in action. Congregations are invited to "live out" the apology through education and action that leads to reconciliation and right relations. Here are some paths to that goal:

• Educate Your Head and Heart-for All Ages
• Nurture Relationships between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal People
• Link with other congregations
• Stand in Solidarity with Aboriginal Communities
• Be Open to Expressions and Experiences of Aboriginal Spirituality
• Advocate with Members of Parliament
• Provide Financial Support for Healing and Right Relations Work
• Prepare to Participate in the Truth and Reconciliation Process

Educate Your Head and Heart-for All Ages

Many of us need to learn a new version of Canadian history-one that includes the truth about the encounter between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal peoples in Canada, and in particular, the legacy of Indian Residential Schools. Education of the heart, however, will take more than new facts. It will take conversion and change-moving from not seeing to seeing, from silence to speaking, from that which blocks relationship to that which builds relationship.

Resources for such education are many, both within the church and beyond:

Towards Justice and Right Relationship: A Beginning

A study guide and video for congregations and church groups as they explore the legacy of Indian Residential Schools and seek to forge new relationships with First Nations peoples

A Healing Journey for Us All: Uncovering the Wounds of Empire

A three-session congregational study guide related to the National Day of Healing and Reconciliation (May 26) mailed to United Church congregations in February 2006

Videos and DVDs

From AVEL on the residential school system and seeking right relations (most extensive collection at AVEL Mountain West*)

Where Are the Children?*

A virtual exhibition of archival records concerning residential schools

Native Media

Native media such as Aboriginal Peoples Television Network* (APTN); youth magazine Redwire*; Canada-wide Native Journal and similar provincial sources

Awareness Camp

Consider enrolling in an Aboriginal cultural awareness camp or taking Native sensitivity training

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Nurture Relationships between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal People

First Nations people are our neighbours throughout Canada. Getting to know your neighbours by visiting or offering hospitality can be important first steps in building a relationship. Have tea together. Find out which people originally lived on the land where your church stands. Find out which treaty, if any, relates to your area and what it says. Create opportunities for dialogue between Native and non-Native ministries in your area. Apply to the Justice and Reconciliation Fund if you need financial assistance to fulfill plans.

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Link with Congregations of Other Denominations That Operated Indian Residential Schools

The Anglican Church, the Presbyterian Church, and a number of Catholic religious orders were also involved in residential schools. The Anglican Church* and the Presbyterian Church* have developed resources for education and action-visit their websites and consider starting a dialogue with a congregation near you. A Catholic-supported program of healing and reconciliation called "Returning to Spirit" is highly recommended for survivors and non-Native church leaders.

There is often division and confusion in Aboriginal communities because of denominational affiliations and differences. A co-operative local ecumenical response in and of itself could model reconciliation and go a long way toward healing.

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Stand in Solidarity with Aboriginal Communities

Seek out relationships with local or regional Aboriginal community organizations. Learn about the issues they face and offer support-where appropriate-for the community's efforts to address the negative legacy of residential schools as well as other justice issues crucial to Aboriginal peoples. These are some of the organizations you may wish to learn about or contact:

• Assembly of First Nations*
• Survivor groups such as the National Indian Residential Survivors' Society*, the B.C. Survivors Society*, Native Counselling Services of Alberta*, Children of Shingwauk
• Congress of Aboriginal Peoples* (CAP)-represents off-reserve Native peoples
• Native Friendship Centres*
• Institute for the Advancement of Aboriginal Women*
• Métis National Council* and provincial councils
• National Centre for First Nations Governance*
• Native Women's Association of Canada*
• Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami* (represents four Inuit regions-Labrador, northern Quebec, Nunavut, and the Inuvialuit region in the NWT)
• Treaty offices and band councils
• Native school liaison officers/counsellors

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Be Open to Expressions and Experiences of Aboriginal Spirituality

Invite an Aboriginal Elder to teach you the significance of various symbols and sacred objects in Aboriginal spirituality. The recognition of elements of Aboriginal spirituality may be important for any congregational members with an Aboriginal background. Where appropriate, and with permission, you may wish to incorporate them into the worship life of the congregation, e.g., the medicine wheel, talking sticks/stones, feathers, cedar, sage, willow, sweetgrass, shells, candles in the colours of the four directions, drums, rattles, woven baskets.

Subtle changes in language can reflect a less human-centered worldview and emphasize a theology of creation and interrelatedness.

The Sunday closest to June 21 (National Aboriginal Day of Prayer) would be a good time to recognize and celebrate these expressions of Aboriginal spirituality.

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Advocate with Members of Parliament

Let your Member of Parliament know that you support the recommendations of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples (RCAP), and the recent Residential School Settlement Agreement. You may also want to advocate for the declaration of May 26 as a National Day of Healing and Reconciliation, for the resolution of land claim negotiations, for adequate housing, clean water and economic development opportunities in Native communities.

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Provide Financial Support for Healing and Right Relations Work

There are two ways to support the United Church's work on healing and right relations:

• Encourage contributions to The Healing Fund, which supports projects in Aboriginal communities for healing and the recovery of language, culture and spirituality.
• Give to the Mission and Service Fund, which is the church's primary vehicle for supporting some 65 Aboriginal congregations/urban ministries, three Native ministry education centres, outreach ministries, and advocacy/justice work.

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Prepare to Participate in the Truth and Reconciliation Process

One element of the Residential School Settlement Agreement is a five-year Truth and Reconciliation Commission to begin early in 2008. There will be seven national events to help the public to become more informed about the residential school history and legacy. There will also be many community-initiated local events where former students and others who were connected to the schools can tell their stories, where harm caused in the schools can be acknowledged, and where healing and reconciliation can begin to take root. Watch for more information about the commission and about the events that may be planned in or near your village, town, or city. Prepare to participate as appropriate by learning as much about the impact of residential schools and about your Aboriginal neighbours as you can.