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Stand with First Nations
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Aboriginal communities have been in the news a lot lately, especially those First Nations that are involved in drawn out land rights and specific claims. Unfortunately, some of these stories have lacked good background, which has contributed to some in the Canadian public responding to the situation with anger or fear. Misunderstandings about the nature of land rights, specific claims and treaty relationships are all too common, which is why KAIROS will be introducing a new “Nation to Nation” resource on right relationships and treaties in the Fall. More information will be available soon.
KAIROS also urges all Canadians to get involved in some key upcoming public events designed to help the general public understand Aboriginal land and treaty rights, and help us learn more about the conditions facing many First Nation communities. Many include ceremonies and celebrations. Take advantage of these opportunities! If you’re having trouble finding information check your local Aboriginal Friendship Centre.
- June 21: National Aboriginal Day
- falls annually on June 21. It celebrates Aboriginal culture
and heritage and local events take place across the land. The
United Church and Anglican churches are offering worship and reflection
resources: http://www.anglican.ca/faith/worship/nadp2007.htm
and
http://www.united-church.ca/en/planning/seasons/firstnations Also on June 21, the national Anglican General Synod and Lutheran Convention will gather with Aboriginal and ecumenical leaders in Winnipeg to commemorate and renew the 1987 New Covenant between the churches and Aboriginal peoples. - June 29: National Day of Action.
- The Assembly of First Nations (AFN) is asking all Canadians
to participate in the National Day of Action on June 29 2007.
(The AFN is the national organization representing First Nations
citizens in Canada.) The AFN sees this day as “an opportunity
for First Nations and Canadians to stand together in a spirit
of unity to support a better life for all First Nations peoples.”
KAIROS encourages its members and partners to participate in the
peaceful protests and educational efforts that the Assembly of
First Nations will lead on June 29.
The AFN is encouraging Canadians in all walks of life to participate with First Nations organizations and communities in events on June 29 that will help raise awareness and understanding of Aboriginal rights and justice issues. They ask Canadians to come to local events, write to the Prime Minister and support the AFN’s “Make Poverty History for First Nations” campaign. For more information on what you can do, events and activities, key messages, or how to contact the AFN in your area, visit the AFN web site at http://www.afn.ca/nda.htm - October 4: 2nd Annual “Sisters in Spirit” vigil.
- Sponsored by the Native Women’s Association of Canada
(NWAC), as well as KAIROS and Amnesty International, the goal
is to have a national day of remembrance for our missing and murdered
Aboriginal sisters. The Anglican, Presbyterian and United Churches
have all been sponsors of this five year initiative. Last year
there were 11 vigils nationwide—let’s help widen that
circle this year. For more information on how to participate in
the October 4 vigil, visit the NWAC web site at http://www.nwac-hq.org/en/awareness.html
and to learn more about the terrible violence facing Aboriginal
women, see http://www.amnesty.ca/campaigns/sisters_overview.php
as well as http://www.anglican.ca/about/committees/acip/sistersinspirit/
and
http://www.united-church.ca/aboriginal/rights/sis
Other upcoming work on Aboriginal rights will include a focus on Canada’s continuing and totally unacceptable attempts to block and water down the UN’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. See our archived (but sadly still-relevant) urgent action for more information: http://www.kairoscanada.org/e/urgent/uaUNRightIndigenousPeople061206.asp
Many people have been asking about KAIROS’ position on the government’s June announcement of a land claims commission. We’re still studying the proposal, and to date too few details have been announced to allow us to comment. Stand by!
The KAIROS local network always welcomes new groups, including those who want to focus on a specific issue. If you’re interested in helping form a local group that will focus on right relationships with Aboriginal and Indigenous peoples, we’d love to hear from you and support your efforts! Get in touch with Ed Bianchi.
For more information about the National Day of Action, the Sisters in Spirit Vigil, or other Aboriginal rights issues, please contact Ed Bianchi at 613.235.9956 ext 221.
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