KAIROS has been invited to support the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in its public witness initiative. Inspired by this collaboration, and under the banner Truth, Reconciliation and Equity: They Matter to Us!, KAIROS proposes the following actions for our public engagement campaign in 2011–2012:
* As a group, church, or community, learn more about the historic injustices and current inequities facing Indigenous peoples in Canada. Get involved in the Truth and Reconciliation process. Find out the role the UN Declaration could play in creating a better future. We have resources and educational workshops that can help.
* Put yourself in the picture: take a photo of the people in your church, community, school or family holding a bold sign that says: Truth, Reconciliation, and Equity: They Matter to Us! Send a copy of your picture to photos@kairoscanada.org and help us create a huge public witness for an equitable Canada! Consider using your picture in a public ad in your local newspaper. Click here for more details and all the instructions you'll need to put yourself in the picture!
* Meet with your MP: Press the government to put the Declaration into action in full collaboration with Indigenous peoples. Focus on one key inequity, such as education or child welfare, that urgently needs to be changed. Take a framed copy of your photo as a gift! Remember: if you need us, KAIROS is ready to help you prepare, including providing key points for policy change.
* Find your voice: Contribute to KAIROS’ June 2012 submission on equity to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission—check out the campaign section of the KAIROS website to find out how.
* Host a display of banners from Roll with the Declaration! KAIROS staff can help you choose a selection that relate to your denomination, region or issue. If you haven’t made a banner, consider making one or more...for KAIROS, for your local Friendship Centre and to hang in your church.
* Have some fun performing a campaign themed skit! It's a great way to mix things up at the start of a committee meeting, for children's time in church, or as a school activity.
Resources for purchase or free download
A full colour poster celebrating the UN Declaration and the hundreds of banners from our June 2011 action. Action summary on the back. Perfect for your classroom, student group or faith community! $3.00 plus postage (bulk rates available)
A short video of the banner event in support of Indigenous rights. Available on YouTube and on DVD.
Truth, Reconciliation and Equity education materials including a workshop on equity issues, worship service, and action suggestions. Most of the campaign materials can be downloaded free of charge at www.kairoscanada.org
UN Declaration print materials, including a workshop/ Bible study, role play, FAQs, short stories and game show are also on the website. A limited number of print booklets with this introductory material are still available.
UNDRIP Booklets: The complete text of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in a pocket-sized booklet.
In Peace and Friendship, Second Edition: This newly-revised resource on how we might turn a history of injustice towards right relationship offers bible studies, reflections and the Blanket Exercise workshop. Price: $12 (bulk discounts available).
