canadian churches respond to indigenous history
and truth & reconciliation commission calls to action

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The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC) was created through a legal settlement between Residential Schools Survivors, the Assembly of First Nations, Inuit representatives and the parties responsible for creation and operation of the schools: the federal government and the church bodies. You can find a background on the TRC here. 

The TRC’s mandate was to inform all Canadians about what happened in residential schools. The TRC documented the truth of Survivors, their families, communities and anyone personally affected by the residential school experience. This included First Nations, Inuit and Métis former residential school students, their families, communities, the churches, former school employees, government officials and other Canadians.

The TRC concluded its mandate in 2015 and transferred its records to the safekeeping of National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR). In its report to Canadians, the TRC created 94 Calls to Action to redress the legacy of residential schools and advance the process of Canadian reconciliation. Calls to Action #48 and #49 deal specifically with the actions of the church, and faith-based communities in redressing the legacy of the residential school system. 

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The Truth & Reconciliation Commission Call to Action #48 called upon churches and all other faith groups in Canada who have not already done so, to formally adopt and comply with the principles, norms, and standards of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples as a framework for reconciliation.

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Evangelical Fellowship of Canada Statement on Call to Action #48

Canadian Council of Churches Statement on Call to Action #48 - Signed by the RSC

CRCNA Backgrounder on Call to Action #48 - and the church's response

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HOW CAN WE RESPOND? 

• Consider donating to Athabasca Reformed Congregation's ministry through Nathan Guillion at Calling Lake.
• Discuss the Indigenous residential school history with your church, as well as the TRC and the Calls to Action which directly impact churches and faith communities. (Reflections with prayer prompts below.)
• Consider including prayers in worship for indigenous communities and in response to news like the uncovering of mass graves (prayer resource below).
• Start a book club on a book like The Inconvenient Indian (book club resource through the CRCNA below).  

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The Regional Synod is honoured to represent the RCA with membership on CRCNA's Indigenous Ministry Committee.

The Indigenous Ministry exists to support healing and reconciliation between Indigenous peoples and non-Indigenous people in Canada. Click to learn more...