Right relations, truth-telling, and reconciliation
As Prairie to Pine Regional Council continues to live into a major restructuring, we are still working on how we will honour our commitments and responsibilities as Treaty People living on Indigenous and treaty lands in Manitoba and northwestern Ontario.
Local work towards truth telling and right relationship continues, and includes:
Blanket Exercises; showing up for and supporting solidarity actions and advocacy with government when asked; support for restorative justice; video and book groups to spark further learning and education in our communities of faith; listening and learning circles with Indigenous leadership; work on naming, understanding, and challenging racism and White privilege.
The Regional work and its relationships are still in discernment. It will be rooted in the good work of the former presbyteries of Manitoba-NW Ontario Conference, in conversations with the Indigenous church and other Indigenous partners, and non-Indigenous people who want to be on the journey to right relationship and justice. Below you’ll find further information on some of the commitments and resources that will continue to guide and shape our journey.
Important background
(Under development)
The Apology of the United Church of Canada to Indigenous Peoples
Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action (these guide much of our work)
The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (this also guides much of our work)
Indigenous Ministries, United Church of Canada
KAIROS Blanket Exercise
Indigenous justice and right relations news
Moderator message: Doing our own work as the non-Indigenous church
Moderator Rt Rev Richard Bott, 29 June 2021, originally posted on his Facebook page: Over the past few days, I've been hearing a number of settler communities of faith who are looking for contacts...
How did I get here? A reflection by Gloria Cook
Gloria was the Community Capacity Development Coordinator for the Indigenous church in Manitoba prior to her retirement in fall 2021, and continues to be an Elder and leader in our church and the...
Reflection on Cowessess First Nation’s announcement of 751 graves
Prairie to Pine Regional Council of The United Church of Canada mourns with the community of Cowessess First Nation and all Indigenous communities on the announcement of the 751 graves found at the...
YAAY receives grant for truth and reconciliation shared work
Exciting news from Young Adults and Youth! Kaylee Wood (the designated young leader of a grant proposal team that met four times through the month of April) shared the exciting news that we received...
Message from the Regional co-chairs on truth and reconciliation
Message from the Regional Co-Chairs following the announcement of the discovery of 215 children's bodies at the former Kamloops Residential School: A sense of urgency is upon us. We work toward...
YAAY letter on Kamloops residential school
On behalf of the YAAY Committee, thank you for a great Regional Meeting this past weekend! It was good to see everyone come together as a community again. We are looking forward to taking on our new...