United Church Publications

Available from UCRD

Up until 1969, The United Church of Canada was involved with Canada's "Indian Residential Schools," which resulted in a painful legacy in many Aboriginal communities.

Much of the media attention on residential schools has focused on the trials, on the financial situation of the churches, and often on sex per se. However, those church people(s)—both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal—who have been most involved in the work, stress that it is the issue of broken relationship that lies at the core of the residential school experience.

The United Church's A New Creed starts with the words, "We are not alone." We believe we are called into relationship with God through Jesus Christ. And we believe that through the power of the Spirit of God, we are enabled to live in renewed relationships. Yet, it is also now clear that there is a yawning divide between non-Aboriginal and Aboriginal brothers and sisters.

In an amazing sign of God's grace among us, it has been the outstretched hand of many Aboriginal people in the church that has offered an invitation to healing. One Elder said that he had experienced healing and learned forgiveness; he wanted non-Aboriginal brothers and sisters in Christ to experience the same healing.

We who are non-Aboriginal people are invited on a path leading toward justice and right relationship with Aboriginal brothers and sisters, and so with God. This path—which may require many years—is one on which people do the hard work of overcoming the obstacles to relationships with each other. It takes us far deeper than even our most arduous advocacy efforts for justice. It is not simply about advising someone else about what they should do. It is about prayerfully discerning what we need to do so that we can enter into new life.

Toward Justice and Right Relationship: A Beginning

As one part of this journey, The United Church of Canada has developed the resource Toward Justice and Right Relationship: A Beginning as a road map for a journey of healing, justice, and building right relationship with First Nations peoples.

The study guide and accompanying video prepares us for honest cross-cultural relationship as it examines our encounters with and estrangement from First Nations peoples. Over five sessions, we are asked to place ourselves in the story, to explore the interaction of European and Aboriginal Peoples and impact of contact on both communities, to reflect on the living legacy of residential schools and, ultimately, to risk change and the building of right relationship. Video segments support and inform each step of the journey.

This resource equips a facilitator to lead a group through a careful, measured course of study. It is designed to help participants face their own stories, confusion and need for healing. The sessions, thought provoking and very practical, take participants through a careful reflection process. The content is rich; the process is careful and inviting; the objective is to prepare participants for a commitment of lived relationship with Aboriginal people.

This resource is available from United Church Resource Distribution (UCRD) in two formats:

1. Study guide and video, $19.95, product number #400 000 117.
2. Study guide and DVD, $29.95, product number #400 000 118.

See the publication flyer [PDF: 2 pp/160 KB]

Further Background: Justice and Reconciliation Resource

In 2001, The United Church of Canada also published Justice and Reconciliation: The Legacy of Indian Residential Schools and the Journey of Toward Reconciliation. This resource provides extensive background concerning the path toward justice and right relationship, telling the story of Indian residential schools in Canada-the history of a developing nation and its impact on Aboriginal peoples, the decision to create residential schools, and the involvement of the Christian church.

Hearing the stories of former students and seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the book explores how the United Church is actively working to live out the church's apology to First Nations peoples. Individuals, congregations, and communities might share this mission to walk toward a new and just relationship with our Aboriginal brothers and sisters.

This resource (product number #400 000 004) is available through UCRD for $19.95.

Additional Resources and Information

• Worship Resources: Liturgies and background information for celebrating First Nations Sunday or focusing on healing and reconciliation at other times during the year.

For more information, contact:

• Justice, Global, and Ecumenical Relations
  Tel: 416-231-7680
  E-mail: Justice, Global, and Ecumenical Relations