Archive for April 2017

Let Justice Roll: Campaign update for April 2017

April 30, 2017

Last month, KAIROS along with Mennonite Church Canada (Indigenous Relations) and Canadian Baptist Congregations, launched the campaign Let Justice Roll: Implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples to ensure that the Government of Canada takes the…

Post filed in: Indigenous Rights, UNDRIP Blog Updates

“These Blankets Hold History”

April 27, 2017

In March, I had the privilege of spending two and a half weeks in Alberta and Saskatchewan sharing the KAIROS Blanket Exercise (KBE) with various organizations and communities who were interested in using the exercise to further their understanding of…

Post filed in: Indigenous Rights

NEW Briefing Paper: Fossil fuel projects at odds with actions on climate and Indigenous rights

April 25, 2017

This Briefing Paper will first evaluate the progress being made in Canada to reduce green-house gas (GHG) emissions in light of the goals set by the Paris climate conference. It will then examine how recently approved fossil fuel infra-structure projects…

Post filed in: Ecological Justice

Spirited Reflection: Bread for the Journey

April 25, 2017

After the crucifixion, and unaware of his resurrection, two of Jesus’ disciples are walking on the road to Emmaus, talking about the awful events that had occurred in Jerusalem. They meet a stranger who is unaware of what has happened…

Post filed in: Spirited Reflections

We owe it to Indigenous peoples everywhere – to support their call for “our land, our rights, our peace.”

April 20, 2017

Nenita Condez is small in stature and pregnant with her third child. She is also courageous and defiant. This tiny mother is leading her Subanen people in the struggle to defend their ancestral land in the southern Philippines, where a…

Post filed in: Ecological Justice, Indigenous Rights

NAFTA renegotiations must be done through the lens of climate change

April 20, 2017

Canada, and not just Mexico, may be in for a rough ride when it renegotiates NAFTA with the United States. A draft letter from the U.S. Trade Representative to Congress outlining renegotiation objectives, which was leaked on March 30, reveals…

Post filed in: Ecological Justice, Op Eds

Spirited Reflection: One blue world – art & healing

April 18, 2017

In this Earth Day reflection I explore environment, art and healing. The image of my painting One Blue World (2004), was a prayer for water. The 2003 Iraq war was in the news everyday as I started painting. I couldn’t…

Post filed in: Ecological Justice, Spirited Reflections

Easter hope: KAIROS brief Easter video for sharing

April 13, 2017

Dear Friends, Here is the KAIROS Easter video. I invite you to take a moment to watch it, share it with your family and friends, post it on Facebook and tweet it. Share it on your congregation or community e-lists….

Post filed in: Executive Director, Spirited Reflections

Q & A with Sr. Mary Ellen Francoeur, ‘living contemplatively in the universe’

April 13, 2017

Sr. Mary Ellen Francoeur lives with intent, focusing on “growing into being more fully human.” After decades doing peace work, seeking truth and reconciliation for Canada’s indigenous people, and in short-term healing work with communities in Rwanda and the Democratic…

Post filed in: Africa, Ecological Justice

Championing peace by making Canadian corporations accountable

April 13, 2017

Can Canada champion world peace while simultaneously supporting Canadian extractive companies that are accused of human and ecological rights violations? This question is of course rhetorical. Yet despite its stated interest in becoming more engaged in international peace and security,…

Post filed in: Ecological Justice, Indigenous Rights, Op Eds

Knowing our place: the KAIROS Blanket Exercise

April 12, 2017

Participants partake in the Blanket Exercise, a workshop that delves into the effects of colonization.   Photo by KAIROS Canada Thirty adults are gathered in a large sunny room. We stand on blankets that represent the land. Turtle Island. Home. We…

Post filed in: Indigenous Rights

Understanding reconciliation with the KAIROS Blanket Exercise

April 7, 2017

On an early spring day, dozens of students, faculty and other members of the University of Toronto law school community who have gathered in Rowell Room in Flavelle House listen quietly as they are warned that what they are about…

Post filed in: Indigenous Rights

KAIROS Times: April 2017

April 3, 2017

Countdown is on for the Biggest KAIROS Blanket Exercise Ever Our Land, Our Rights, Our Peace: Philippine leaders visit Canada KAIROS launches Let Justice Roll campaign! Migrant Justice in Prince Edward Island Donor Testimonial Upcoming Featured Partner Featured Resource Spirited…

Post filed in: KAIROS Times E-Newsletter

Spirited Reflection: The Palm Sunday protest march

April 3, 2017

It wasn’t a Sunday walk in the park, you know, this Palm Sunday procession. Not a stroll, or a gentle donkey ride, with friends. It was not a military parade, full of pomp and circumstance signifying very little. Rather, it…

Post filed in: Spirited Reflections