When we say “all my relations”, it’s meant in a teaching way, to rekindle community. We are part of the great, grand circle of humanity, and we need each other.
— Richard Wagamese, One Native Life
Reconciliation & Healing: Our Commitment to Indigenous Communities
The Anglican Church operated around three dozen residential schools and hostels for Indigenous children from 1820 to 1969, with deeply regrettable consequences. Since our first official apology in 1993, we have been committed, both nationally and locally, to contributing to the healing of Indigenous communities and fostering respectful and harmonious relationships.
All My Relations (AMR) Circle is an ADO episcopal panel. First established in 2016, AMR provides advice, advocates, and implements local and national educational programming about First Peoples.
Indigenous Advisor to the Bishop. In 2018, Bishop Shane Parker appointed Albert Dumont as Algonquin Spiritual Teacher in Residence at the Cathedral. Albert Dumont has since become the official Indigenous Adviser to the Bishop.
ADOn the Move podcast from the ADO Archive: Bishop Shane is on the move across our ADO region, connecting with people, and connecting people with one another. Includes a conversation with a Cree grandmother discussing National Indigenous Day.
TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION
Established by the 2007 Indian Residential School Settlement Agreement, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) set out to inform all Canadians about what happened in Indian Residential Schools and to document the truth of survivors, families, communities, and anyone personally affected by the Indian Residential School experience. The final document, the Truth and Reconciliation Report was released December 15, 2015.
The Anglican Church of Canada called us to “22 Day” of prayer and renewal in our commitments to healing and reconciliation among all people – the Indigenous Peoples of this land and all others who have come, settled, and also call it home.
WHAT IS RECONCILIATION?
Indigenous educators have their say.
Is hanging Indigenous art in an office “reconciliation?” In this web series called “First Things First,” Indigenous experts take a look at what it really means to reconcile after generations of systemic racism against Indigenous peoples.
Watch video about reconciliationIndigenous Programming & Resources
A conversation from Trinity College in the University of Toronto What was the role of the Anglican Church in colonialism? What was the effect of colonialism on the Church? As faith groups worldwide acknowledge the church’s role in colonialism, we will gather virtually to consider the role and impacts of colonialism in the Anglican Church. Beginning with a virtual visit to the Lambeth Palace Library’s important exhibition Enslavement: Voices from the Archives and drawing together speakers from England and Canada, panelists will consider the historic roles of the Church and explore possibilities for moving forward toward healing and decolonization.
Canadian Ecumenical Justice Initiatives organized an inter-generational Indigenous and Non-Indigenous gathering, “A Time for Reconciliation”.
KAIROS gathers together Canadian churches and religious organizations to respond faithfully to the call to “do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8).
The documentary has been successfully shown in 3 sections on Zoom, with online discussion groups following each section using the prepared study guide in “breakout rooms”.
Click here for more information about showing the documentary
• Territorial Acknowledgement Resource Anglican Diocese of Ottawa (ADO)
Land acknowledgements are important, but often end up being superficial or perfunctory. The United Church of Canada’s Shining Waters Regional Council has developed an excellent territorial acknowledgement resource page to help you think more about your acknowledgement, why you are doing it, and how you can make it a more active commitment to reconciliation.
Watch ADO Acknowledgement of Territory video.
Thank you to Irene Barbeau and the Rev. Stephen Silverthorne of Good Shepherd Barrhaven for this providing this video.
Additional Indigenous Resources that may interest you
- Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK) is the national Inuit organization in Canada, representing four Inuit regions – Nunatsiavut (Labrador), Nunavik (northern Quebec), Nunavut, and the Inuvialuit Settlement Region in the Northwest Territories.
- Pauktuutit fosters greater awareness of the needs of Inuit women, advocates for equality and social improvements, and encourages their participation in the community, regional and national life of Canada.
- Tungasuvvingat Inuit (TI) has been operating in Ottawa since 1987 to provide cultural, social and counselling services and advice to Inuit across Canada.
- The Anglican Church of Canada’s Council of the North is a grouping of financially assisted dioceses supported through grants by General Synod, are located in sparsely populated areas such as the Arctic, Yukon, Northern and Central Interior British Columbia, Alberta, northern Saskatchewan and Manitoba; northern Ontario, northern Quebec and Newfoundland and Labrador.
- The Anglican Church of Canada’s Indigenous Ministries
All My Relations Circle
For more information contact us.