Living into Right Relations: August 2024

Reconciliation and Indigenous Justice News from The United Church of Canada Support Indigenous and Environmental Justice: Grassy Narrows River Run, 18 September    The United Church of Canada has officially endorsed the Grassy Narrows River Run being held on September 18, 2024. The Climate Justice staff team and Indigenous Ministries and Justice are working collaboratively to support the grassroots people organizing the Grassy Narrows River Run. We are inviting all United Church folks across Turtle Island to join with them on their path to achieve mercury justice and freedom! How can your United Church community/congregation support the River Run? Amplify their social media. Invite your community of faith, family and friends to join the people of Grassy Narrows on September 18, 2024 at noon in Toronto. Pray. Ring church bells. Donate. Advocate. You can find further details by reading the recent River Run news post and/or contacting justice@united-church.ca.    [Photo credit: FreeGrassy.net] National Day for Truth and Reconciliation /Orange Shirt Day, 30 September   Once again on September 30 we will gather to remember and honour children who were forced to attend residential institutions.   We’re asking you to wear orange to church on September 22 or 29, to read Phyllis Webstad’s Orange Shirt Story in children’s time, and to use the And a child will lead us prayer. You can also share the Moderator’s Orange Shirt Day video.   As well, please share photos from your gatherings on social media, using the hashtags #OrangeShirtDay #EveryChildMatters and #UCCan. And of course, wear orange again on Monday, 30 September!   Wearing orange is not a fashion choice; it’s an opportunity to remember the 150,000 children who were taken from their homes. It’s a moment to remember their resistance, and to remind those who deny the impact of residential schools that is a part of who we are.   Every Child Matters. [Video still credit: The United Church of Canada] Connect with the Young Indigenous and Racialized Scholars!     Eight inspiring young scholars from the United Church's Indigenous-Racialized Youth Scholars program have completed their research projects! This program provides a space for these young people to explore their identities and develop leadership skills while contributing to positive change within the church.   Through creative expression, including prose and poetry, the scholars tackled issues close to their hearts, reflecting on their experiences and delving into Canadian history and racism’s impact on their generation.   Now they're ready to share! Your church can host an online presentation where these young scholars showcase their research in creative ways. Witness their passion and engage with the challenges they raise.   Interested but can’t host? Join an existing event. We’ll be sharing dates and topics soon.   Contact Emo Yango for more information. In the News   In September, the AFN will be holding a special assembly to ratify the recent child welfare settlement agreement reached with Canada. Long-time advocate Cindy Blackstock says there are serious issues in the fine print. See this APTN report.   APTN also reports that, after pressure from Indigenous organizations like the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs and the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, the government has reversed direction on reducing funding for community research related to unmarked burial sites and missing children. Facebook Twitter Website Email Instagram YouTube Donate to The United Church of Canada and help fund life changing work around the world!

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