Living into Right Relations: The New National Indigenous Council, Orange Shirt Day, Grassy Narrows Rally, and more.

Reconciliation and Indigenous Justice News from The United Church of Canada National Indigenous Spiritual Gathering 2026 Concludes with Hope [Image credit: The United Church of Canada] The 2026 National Indigenous Spiritual Gathering (NISG), held on traditional Algonquin Territory, marked an important milestone in the journey toward a self-determining Indigenous Church with the covenanting and affirmation of a new 15-member National Indigenous Council (NIC). The council will play a central role in shaping the future of the autonomous Indigenous Church and guiding its work in the years ahead.  The new NIC brings together Indigenous leaders from across the church, including younger members whose participation offers particular hope for the future. The members of NIC include Julia Walker, Morgan Ryder, Nathan Beardy, Craig Bartlett, Jordan Spence, Elenor Thompson, Teresa Snow, Bruce Kakakaway, Samantha Miller, Elda Anderson, Rosalind Antone, Sandra Campbell, Shane Goldie, Stan McKay, and Dawn Antone. The appointment of the NIC follows work by the National Indigenous Elders Council and Indigenous communities to establish a new leadership structure rooted in Indigenous protocols, traditions, and a commitment to inclusive governance. The NISG gathering celebrated this new beginning while recognizing that significant work remains ahead.  Read the full news announcement to find out more. Orange Shirt Day and National Truth and Reconciliation 2026 [Image credit: The United Church of Canada]   September 30 marks Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a time to honour Residential School Survivors, remember the children who never returned home, and affirm that Every Child Matters.   The United Church of Canada invites communities of faith to order and wear a bilingual Every Child Matters / Chaque Enfant Compte shirt featuring The United Church of Canada crest. Wearing an Orange Shirt is one way to participate in acts of remembrance, reflection, learning, and solidarity.   As a church, we acknowledge the harms caused by the Residential School system and its ongoing impacts on First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities. We remain committed to walking the path of truth, justice, healing, and right relations through continued learning and meaningful action.   Order your Orange Shirt on the United Church Bookstore website.  EVERY CHILD MATTERS is a trademark owned by the Orange Shirt Society and is used under license. Shirts are sold at cost, reflecting garment and printing production expenses. A new worship resource for National Healing and Reconciliation Sunday will be available soon on the worship resource page.    Sioux Lookout Memorial for Unmarked Graves [Photo credit: by Joan Cosco, member of the Municipal Truth and Reconciliation committee]   St. Andrew’s United Church, Sioux Lookout, Ontario collaborated with local Indigenous organizations and the municipality to develop a permanent site for remembering and honouring individuals, who died and were buried at or near residential institutions. On June 24, 2026 the former Memorial Site was blessed and closed in ceremony and the new Memorial Site on the shores of Pelican Lake was dedicated. The gathering was opened with a pipe ceremony and drum songs by elder Tom Chisel and Dieter Sainniwap. The children’s shoes and memorabilia remaining were blessed and gathered in a blanket. Several people recalled the original event in 2021. A member of St. Andrew’s United Church spoke of the role of the churches in running residential institutions, the request for apologies, and the ongoing need for reconciliation work. At the closing of this part of the day, the shoe bundle was transported to the new site. It was humbling to see a heart shaped mark of bare grass where the shoes had sat over the last few months. Most of the people at this ceremony walked in procession to the new site, which is close to Pelican Lake. The new memorial features a display board which describes the original memorial and the partners who created the new one. Attendees, beginning with survivors and their family members, added to the plantings. In the future, bronze plaques to honour local healing and reconciliation leaders and a wood sculpture will be added to the site. The Justice and Reconciliation Fund provided a grant to support this project. Applications for projects taking place in 2027 may be submitted by the next deadline of September 15, 2026. 40th Anniversary of The United Church of Canada's 1986 Apology to Indigenous Peoples [Image credit: Kim Uyede-Kai]   Forty years after The United Church of Canada’s 1986 Apology to Indigenous Peoples, more than 100 people gathered in Sudbury to remember, witness, and recommit to the work of reconciliation. The Rev. Kellie McComb reflected on attending the original Apology as a member of the 31st General Council Youth Forum. The Very Rev. Dr. Stan McKay spoke of the Apology as a covenant and emphasized the importance of consultation with Indigenous peoples. Participants also reflected on a question posed by Anishnaabe Elder Art Solomon after the original Apology: “What are you going to do about it?” They responded by painting commitments on stones and adding them to the commemorative cairn—a reminder that reconciliation calls for continual, meaningful action. Read the full news story. Join the Grassy Narrows River Run [Image credit: Grassy Narrows River Run] For decades, Grassy Narrows First Nation has faced devastating harm from mercury poisoning, with lasting impacts on the community’s health, culture, and livelihoods. On September 23, United Church communities of faith across the country are invited to stand in solidarity with Grassy Narrows by amplifying the community’s message or joining the United Church contingent at the River Run. The Toronto rally begins at noon at Grange Park. Learn more and join the call for mercury justice. Facebook Website Email Instagram YouTube

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