Answering the Call to Reconciliation 2016 Social Justice Vestry Motion Formation Workshop

“For churches, demonstrating long-term commitment requires atoning for actions within the residential schools, respecting Indigenous spirituality, and supporting Indigenous peoples’ struggles for justice and equity” -Honouring the Truth, Reconciling for the Future: Summary Report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada

Residential Schools Pre-date Confederation Almost all schools run by Christian denominations on behalf of the Government of Canada Roman Catholic Religious Orders Anglican Church of Canada United Church of Canada Presbyterian Church of Canada

Residential Schools Between at least 139 different residential schools operated for various periods across Canada Between , the Anglican Church of Canada ran approximately 3 dozen institutions At least 150,000 First Nation, Inuit, and Métis students attended residential schools

Student Experience Separation from family Indigenous languages, religious ceremonies and practices forbidden Forced conversion Widespread physical, sexual, and emotional abuse “Sixties Scoop”

Truth and Reconciliation Commission Part of 2006 Indian Residential Schools Settlement Launched in June 2008 Hearings across Canada 6200 statements collected

Truth and Reconciliation Commission Final Report 94 Calls to Action Government Churches Child Welfare

Anglican Reconciliation Activities 1993: official apology from Primate Michael Peers 2006: Anglican Church of Canada signs on to Indian Residential Schools Settlement 2007: Mark MacDonald is consecrated National Indigenous Anglican Bishop

Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women : more than 1000 Indigenous women and girls murdered, more than 160 missing (RCMP report) Indigenous women represented 10% of female homicide victims Only make up 3% of the population Need to identify root causes, develop appropriate policy and services Federal government is in initial stages of an inquiry

Education Curriculum Some resources available for all grade levels Optional, inclusion up to the discretion of individual teachers Need dedicated units on history of Indigenous peoples, colonization Also need for integration of Indigenous achievements and persons across curriculum