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May 2012
IN THIS ISSUE Our Dreams Matter Too: Walk for Equity for First Nations Children FEATURE RESOURCEAfrica's Blessing, Africa's Curse FEATURE PARTNERDavid Rene Chimbo Grefa Our Dreams Matter TooWalk for Culturally Based Equity for First Nations Children
June 11, 2012 is the fourth anniversary of the Prime Minister’s apology to survivors of residential schools. To mark the occasion, the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society of Canada is recruiting walkers and letter-writers to be part of Our Dreams Matter Too. This is a nation-wide call for First Nations children to have the same chance as other Canadians to grow up safely at home, get a good education, be healthy, and be proud of their cultures. You can be part of this important day by writing letters to your MP and to the Prime Minister and organizing a walk in your community to bring the letters to a mail box. All the materials and information you need to make your Our Dreams Matter Too walk a success can be found here on the FNCFCS website. You can also sign up to walk by joining their Facebook event! By being a part Our Dreams Matter Too you will be supporting the Caring Society’s three campaigns: Shannen's Dream for "safe and comfy schools" and quality education; Jordan's Principle to ensure equitable access to all government services and the “I am a witness” campaign to help First Nations children grow up safely at home. If you need more information or to order buttons and posters for your Our Dreams Matter Too walk, please contact info@fncaringsociety.com. World Week for Peace in Palestine IsraelMay 28 to June 3 |
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| KAIROS is honoured to again welcome global partners to Canada for a Living Courage tour focused on women and human rights. Claudia Castellaños Roncancio, human rights lawyer with the Organización Femenina Popular in Colombia and Lucy Talgieh, Women’s Program Coordinator at the Wi’am Centre for Conflict Resolution in Bethlehem, Occupied Palestinian Territories will be on the tour and sharing with us the day to day realities, struggles and hopes of our partners. They will join in a dialogue with churches, community groups and Indigenous people in Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and at the Truth and Reconciliation national event in Saskatoon. Whether in person or via the Women of Courage blog, join us! Hear stories of courage and hope from women who defend human rights and build peace. Share your insights and inspire your own action. |
 Friends and Delegates from 2011 Tour |
For more information, see KAIROS event listings, or contact Julie Graham at jgraham@kairoscanada.org or 1 877 403 8933 x233.
Government of Canada Severs Funding to Key Indigenous Organizations
KAIROS is deeply troubled by the severe and far-reaching cuts to
Indigenous organizations announced in the recent federal budget.
As we approach the 4th anniversary of the federal government’s apology
to survivors of residential schools, and engage in the ongoing work
of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, it is important to reflect
on how these actions jeopardize the potential for reconciliation.
In a recent open
letter to Prime Minister Harper, Indigenous author Richard Wagamese
said that “it was nothing short of amazing to hear a prime minister
use the word wrong in reference to Canada’s treatment of aboriginal
people. Now, nearly four years later, I look at the astoundingly hurtful
cuts to organizations whose sole purposes are the re-empowerment and
well-being of aboriginal people, and I am disheartened.”
The National Aboriginal Health Organization
(NAHO), which was created based on recommendations of the Royal Commission
on Aboriginal Peoples, will be forced
to close its doors in June after having all its funding cut by
the federal government. NAHO provided critical information to health
practitioners and policy makers through its comprehensive and holistic
research on Indigenous health issues.
The Health Department of the Native Women’s Association of Canada
also lost
all its funding, while other organizations will have no choice
but to significantly reduce or eliminate their health programming
due to budget cuts, including the Assembly
of First Nations, Pauktuutit
Inuit Women of Canada and Inuit
Tapiriit Kanatami. In addition, in the job cuts to Health Canada,
the First Nations and Inuit Health Branch (FNIHB) is taking the biggest
hit, losing
263 positions.
These funding cuts undermine Aboriginal peoples’ right to self-determination
and are compounded by the government’s decision to eliminate
funding for the National Centre for First Nations Governance which
works with First Nations to move beyond the Indian Act by strengthening
and rebuilding their own governance structures.
It is important to note that not only have Indigenous organizations
been targeted but the ability to track the impacts of these cuts to
some of the affected groups has also been reduced through the elimination
of funding to the First Nations Statistical Institute by 2014.
These cuts will make it increasingly difficult for Indigenous communities
to access adequate and culturally appropriate health services, and
for Canada to address the gap in living conditions between Indigenous
peoples and other Canadians.
For more information on this issue, please contact Katy Quinn, Human
Rights Project Coordinator, at kquinn@kairoscanada.org
or 613.235.9956 Ext. 221.
Protecting Refugees from Bill C-31
In March 2012, KAIROS endorsed Protect
Refugees from Bill C-31, a joint statement initiated by the Justice
for Refugees and Immigrants Coalition, which comprises Amnesty International,
the Canadian Association of Refugee Lawyers, the Canadian Civil Liberties
Association, and the Canadian Council for Refugees.
Endorsed by dozens of human rights and social justice organizations, the statement raises serious concerns about many of the bill’s provisions and reaffirms support for an immigration system that is fair, independent of political considerations, and affordable. It describes the bill as “bad policy” and calls for its withdrawal. The bill’s title also suggests that the existing system is under threat and needs to be protected from abuse. But do Canadians believe it is more important to protect the system rather than people in need?
To learn more about Bill C-31 and what it means for refugees in Canada
please visit our website. There you will find details on the bill
and resources for community action.
For more general information contact Alfredo Barahona, Migrant and
Indigenous Rights Program Coordinator, at abarahona@kairoscanada.org
or 1-877-403-8933 Ext. 251.
Ecumenical Celebration of New Ministry at KAIROS
A few hundred friends, colleagues, partners, and supporters recently gathered in downtown Toronto to celebrate Jennifer Henry's new ministry as Executive Director of KAIROS. The celebration featured a rich combination of hopeful messages, symbolic gestures, wonderful music, and cheerful social time afterwards. Reflections were offered by both Jennifer Henry and Paul Gehrs, Chair of the Board. You may also wish to see the full text of the worship service here.
Jennifer shares the following thoughts on this celebration:
On May 7th we had a lovely evening at the Church of the Holy Trinity. The day-to-day justice making of KAIROS was lifted up in a compelling and spirited moment of ecumenical worship. As Executive Director, as Circles of Collaboration, as Board, and as Network we renewed our commitment to the mandate of KAIROS—faithful action for ecological justice and human rights. Gifts were given and received as a sign of mutual support and accountability. The service wove worship and work into one. I am very grateful for everyone who participated in body or in spirit in this moment of Graceful intentionality.
One of the hymns we sang that night is a favorite of mine. Written by the Iona Community, it is a compelling reminder of the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives, our churches and our communities. As we anticipate the season of Pentecost, this hymn reminds us we are not left alone to create, animate, and inspire justice-making in our world. But rather the Spirit, called in this hymn “the enemy of apathy,” is sent to nourish potential for compassion and transformation. It is into this fertile ground of faith that our small seeds of justice are planted. Heavenly dove, in this season of Pentecost stir our faith, empower our action so that in consort with you we might enliven God’s justice for all peoples.
What's Happening to Canada's Overseas Aid?
KAIROS is a member of the Canadian Council for International Cooperation (CCIC). Despite receiving a total cut in CIDA funding, CCIC continues to offer analysis of foreign funding announcements, tracking both the big picture and the fine print of Canada’s overseas aid commitments. The emerging picture is alarming, as this analysis of the 2012 budget demonstrates.
In CCIC’s most recent newsletter President Julia Sanchez reflects on the federal budget’s impact on aid. CCIC’s blog also offers more background
Recently, KAIROS founding member Development and Peace received only part of itsrequested CIDA funding. A petition begun by D&P local members notes “In 2006-11, Development and Peace supported over 250 partners in approximately 40 countries. CIDA’s new agreement designates funds for a mere seven countries, only one of which is in Africa. Already, financial support to 32 partner groups in the Global South has been reduced and funding to 48 others will most likely be cut...”
Some KAIROS members have maintained CIDA funding, while others have not. KAIROS urges Canadians not to lose sight of Canada’s promises to the international community. Budget cuts at home and abroad should invite solidarity, not competition. Canada has the means to ensure equality at home while contributing to equality abroad.
Quebec Partners Host Indigenous Rights Event with Sister Marie Zarowny
| At the invitation of the social justice office of the Sisters of St Anne and in partnership with KAIROS’ Quebec partner ROJeP, more than 50 people from a variety of churches and Aboriginal communities came to a truth and reconciliation presentation by Sister Marie Zarowny in Montreal on March 12. Sr. Marie is very involved in supporting the work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission on Vancouver Island, where she is a resource to church and KAIROS networks. In Montreal she presented a brief history of the residentail schools and called for right relations. Participants then shared their own work towards reconciliation. Jennifer Henry and Ed Bianchi were present on behalf of KAIROS. The evening was a contribution both to the ROJeP’s own work on Indigenous rights and to KAIROS’ current focus on truth, reconciliation and equity. An earlier reflection on reconciliation and theology offered by Sr. Marie is well worth the read for all church members. |
Sr Marie Zarowny and Phil Fontaine |
FEATURE RESOURCE
Africa's Blessing,
Africa's Curse:
The Legacy of
Resource Extraction in Africa
Apart from contributing to economic growth statistics through reported increases in exports and foreign exchange receipts, the liberalization of the mining sector in African countries has overall had a negative economic, ecological, social and developmental impact. Africa's Blessing, Africa's Curse invites critical and ethical reflection on the impact this type of development has on the lives of millions.
In this highly readable and user-friendly volume you will find information on gold mining, diamond extraction, and oil production in Africa. Material is presented through a mix of story, data, and powerful imagery. You will hear from those directly affected by the legacy of resource extraction in Africa. Importantly, Africa's Blessing, Africa's Curse offers readers ways to encourage corporate accountability and sustainability. This KAIROS resource is a must-have. To order your copy please email orders@kairoscanada.org.
FEATURE PARTNER
David Rene Chimbo Grefa
David Rene Chimbo Grefa is president of the Kichwa communities of Rukullakta in Napo, in the Amazonian region of Ecuador. These communities, which are accompanied by KAIROS partner, Acción Ecológica, have been resisting the negative human rights and environmental impact of Canadian resource extraction companies in their communities.
In April 2010, these communities held an extraordinary assembly
in which over 1000 people participated and voted against any further
petroleum exploration and exploitation on their lands. Their vote
was ignored. Exploration and drilling continues despite the lack of
free, prior and informed consent. This case is featured in one of
KAIROS’
trading cards.
KAIROS staff visited the communities of Rukullakta in 2010 and 2011.
On the most recent visit we accompanied George Poitras, former chief
of the Mikisew Cree, a community impacted by the Canadian Tar Sands.
Take a look at our Oil
and the Amazon slideshow of photos from this visit to Ecuador.
Rene also attended the annual Circle Fest - a gathering of KAIROS' Indigenous Rights, Movement Building, Partnerships, Dignity and Rights, and Sustainability circles before continuing on to Calgary and the Canadian Tar Sands in his work for Indigenous rights and ecological justice.
Northern Gateway
The proposed Northern Gateway pipeline from Alberta to Kitimat, British Columbia poses profound challenges for Indigenous rights and ecological justice. As our work on these issues unfolds, KAIROS will update our new Northern Gateway webpage. There you'll find background information, declarations by Indigenous and non-Indigenous groups on the environmental impact of the project, and a slideshow showcasing people and environments most affected by the proposed pipeline. Take a moment to stop by and check it out.
Justice Berger Speaks Out on Northern Gateway Review Process
Justice Thomas Berger said the federal government is undermining the Northern Gateway review process and taking “an irrational approach” by calling environmental groups that are opposed to it “money launderers and criminals.” Berger is internationally renowned for his work as Royal Commissioner of the 1970s MacKenzie Valley Pipeline inquiry, more commonly known as the Berger Inquiry.
In a CBC interview, Berger said that “if you consult everybody–and [the Mackenzie Valley Pipeline inquiry] was the first time this had ever been done–you get better projects.” He called for the Northern Gateway assessment to remain true to such a process.
Please visit our website to find more information on Justice Berger's work, a link to his CBC interview, and news items related to Northern Gateway review processes.
Yinke Dene Freedom Train
Forty members of the Yinka Dene Alliance - travelled thousands of kilometres from their territories in British Columbia to Toronto to address the May 9, 2012 annual meeting of Enbridge Inc., sponsor of the Northern Gateway tar sands pipeline. The Yinka Dene Alliance includes Nadleh Whut'en, Nak'azdli, Takla Lake, Saik'uz, and Wet'suwet'en First Nations in northern British Columbia.
At several stops en route in Edmonton, Saskatoon and Winnipeg, citizens, including many church members, turned out for rallies and ceremonies to welcome the Freedom Train and express their solidarity.
To learn more about the Yinka Dene Freedom train please click here.
To learn more about Northern Gateway please click here.
KAIROS Canadian Ecumenical Justice Initiatives
310 Dupont St. Suite 200, Toronto, ON, Canada M5R 1V9
Tel: 416-463-5312 | Toll-free: 1-877-403-8933| Fax: 416-463-5569