Many of us are grieving the news of the children found in a residential school mass grave. We have so many questions. How did this happen? How could Jesus’ people be involved in something like this? What can my response be? How do I learn more?
We’re all in the midst of praying, processing, learning. So, as we seek God’s heart and ways to care for those mourning and affected by these horrible revelations, several people have offered resources to us. We’ve collected a number that provide information and reflection. While none of us may agree with every conclusion, we hope it will help us pray, reflect and respond together.
RESOURCES FOR NATIONAL DAY FOR TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION
Sept 30 marks the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. In the past few months, a new level of awareness has been brought unto the injustice and mistreatment of the First Nations people. This post includes some resources and opportunities that may be helpful. We encourage you to pause, create space, educate yourself, pray, and cry out to God for his Shalom and justice. Remember Me Remember Us - A Community Walk to Honour & Reflect - The walk will begin at 10AM from 300 Frederick St in Kitchener to the destination at Victoria Park’s Clock Tower where there will be a number of guest speakers and drumming to follow. - https://www.facebook.com/events/537755057308568/?ref=newsfeed Conversation & Prayer - Youtube Livestream (Lakemount Worship Centre) @ Sept 30, 5:00pm (and available following) - https://youtu.be/abhPvIF16Pk Various tools and info (United Church of Canada )- https://united-church.ca/social-action/act-now/honour-children-who-attended-residential-schools?fbclid=IwAR0LupOD1RB2CMzip-_4R2QLQzFMZdNxaihQJHBszJoiXlrtlavH7ydNGOo Guide prayer & reflection guide (CRC church) - https://network.crcna.org/biblical-justice/reflection-national-truth-and-reconciliation-day
POSSIBLE NEXT STEPS/ RESPONSES OF ACTION
Reach out to government representatives.
Respectfully demand action on all the Truth and Reconciliation Committee’s Calls to Action. Call on the government to stop fighting First Nations kids and residential school survivors in court and to stop blocking the creation of statistical reports on residential school abuse claims and the direct transfer of other records to the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation. We need these truths.
Contact government through email/write/call/Tweet/Insta/Facebook messages.
Contact info can be found:
Member of Parliament https://www.ourcommons.ca/members/en
The Minister of Justice & Attorney General of Canada https://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/
Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations https://www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca/.../1603225.../1603310558983
Minister for Indigenous Services https://www.sac-isc.gc.ca/eng/1291132820288/1603310905799
Office of the Prime Minister https://pm.gc.ca/en/connect/contact
Sign the petition to Call for a day of mourning
Sign the petition to have ground penetrating radar inspect the grounds of all historic Residential Schools
Learn about ongoing causes seeking Justice within First Nations communities and the lands they protect https://projectofheartontario.ca/social-justice-actions/
RESOURCES
Here are some links to further educate yourself and your family:
Familiarize yourself with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action 71-76, which specifically address Indian Residential Schools. 5 years after the report only 8 of 94 calls to action have been implemented:http://trc.ca/assets/pdf/Calls_to_Action_English2.pdf
Book recommendation: Unsettling the Word: Biblical Experiments with Decolonization by Rose Marie Berger
Article Recommendation: from Cheryl Bear: https://cherylbear.com/journey-reconciliation-can-better-together/
Check out these informative resources to learn more:
Watch this 8 minute documentary on why so many First Nations, Métis, and Inuit children died from preventable disease, abuse, and neglect: https://www.youtube.com/embed/Bz6-TIRBWRY
Talk to your kids about Indian Residential Schools.
A great resource is the First Nations Child & Family Caring Society’s “Spirit Bear” who has published 3 children’s books that address residential schools: https://goodminds.com/pages/search-results-page...