Access to land and resources lie at the root of all Aboriginal issues. Yet the federal government has yet to make any significant effort to implement land and treaty rights. As governments continue to disregard, limit, and terminate Aboriginal rights, an active and vibrant ecumenical voice on Aboriginal justice issues is needed more than ever.

The churches are committed to just and respectful relationships between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal peoples. Such relationships recognize Aboriginal peoples as distinct peoples and nations, with rights to land and self-determination.

The Report of the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples (RCAP) concluded that public education is key to realizing a renewed relationship between Aboriginal and non-aboriginal peoples. It identified religious institutions as having great potential to foster awareness and understanding.

Through public education and action campaigns, KAIROS aims to:

• Change federal Aboriginal policy by calling for recognition of Aboriginal title and nationhood, and the implementation of Aboriginal land, treaty and inherent rights.
• Promote awareness of important and positive recommendations such as the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples, and critique legislation such as the First Nations Governance Act.
• Empower local KAIROS groups to challenge racism and stand in solidarity with Aboriginal peoples. We encourage you to join or form a local KAIROS group focused on Aboriginal rights.
• Educate through resources which challenge our society’s relationship with Aboriginal peoples, and help us to envision a new relationship. KAIROS and many other groups produce resources for classroom, faith community, and small group use. These explain Aboriginal rights, explore the past 300 years of Canadian history, and invite Canadians to confront the racism and injustice faced by Aboriginal peoples.