Truth and Reconciliation

The devastating impact that racism and white privilege have on First Nations people in Canada are being explored by the congregation.

• The CUC Conference in Vancouver, May, 2017 held a Building Bridges Through Understanding the Village workshop led by Kathi Camilleri. The workshop explored in-depth the effects of residential schools and Canada’s policy of assimilation.

• We have participated in a KAIROS: Canadian Ecumenical Justice Initiatives Blanket Exercise explored cultural experience and history we had not heard. Aline LaFlamme, an Indigenous educator led a sharing circle to unpack our experience.

• The Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada gathered data and stories from residential school survivors in a six-year process from 2008 to 2015. Congregation members grappled with the reality of our limited understanding and the slowness of change in a workshop Winds of Change: 94 Calls to Action led by Rev. Samaya.

• We continue to explore native spirituality and healing with speakers from the community..