Prayers for Unist’ot’en Pray for Unist’ot’en Camp where Indigenous peoples are working tirelessly to exercise their jurisdiction as construction of the Coastal GasLink pipeline escalates. The pipeline is being built through Wet’suwet’en territory despite the fact that all five Hereditary Chiefs have unanimously opposed its construction. Allegra Friesen Epp will be returning to Unist’ot’en from Sept. 16-Oct. 6, as part of her internship with MC Canada’s Indigenous-Settler Relations Office and Christian Peacemaker Teams’ Turtle Island Solidarity Network. Read more about Unist’ot’en Camp.
September 30 – National Day for Truth and Reconciliation In response to Call to Action #80 of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, the courageous advocacy of Indigenous survivors (Orange Shirt Day) and the recent, stark findings of unmarked graves at residential schools, September 30th is now recognized as a federal statutory holiday. This is a day to provide Canadians with an opportunity “to honour Survivors, their families, and communities, and ensure that public commemoration of the history and legacy of residential schools remains a vital component of the reconciliation process” (TRC). We encourage all our churches to participate in local commemorative gatherings, to take time to reflect on the TRC reports, to consider Mennonite involvement in the Indian school system and to prayerfully commit to a step of learning and action for right relations.
September 27 – October 1: Truth and Reconciliation Week Hosted by the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, this five-day national event is geared for Grades 5-12 participants and educators, and will initiate vital conversations on Indigenous treaties, First Nation, Métis and Inuit land claims and the residential school system. This online event will provide historical workshops, exclusive video content, and activities for students — all supported by artistic and cultural performances by Indigenous artists. You can join for an hour or two, or for the full week of learning. See NCTR – Truth & Reconciliation Week for more info.