Forging Right Relations

Strategic Objective: Deepen Indigenization and healing in The United Church of Canada towards self-determination and the possibility of reconciliation.

Self Governing

A fully self-governing Indigenous Church within the United Church will be created and developed, implementing the Calls to the Church.

Priority?

Key Activities

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Structure/Model: Indigenous Church

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Funding model: Indigenous Church

 

Indigenous Testamur

 

Theologies/Spiritualities: Indigenous ways

 

Indigenous Youth Leadership

 

New Indigenous Ministries

Accomplishments and Challenges 

In this quarter the focus was on planning and holding a National Indigenous Spiritual Gathering.  This took place in Winnipeg from November 29 through December 2, 2024 and offered a time of discussion, reflection, and prayer. At the end of the gathering, the Elders present set aside some time for healing and established a path forward for the Indigenous church.  

The Elders issued the following statement: "The Elders have set a path forward for the Indigenous Church, saying that we will allow time for healing and we will come back together and do the following: 

  • Expand the National Indigenous Elders Council to ensure better representation from all regions of the Indigenous church;
  • Plan for a dreaming/visioning group that includes multi-generational participation from all communities;
  • Refine the roles and responsibilities of the Elders Council;
  • Seek a better understanding of the work of Indigenous Ministries and Justice;
  • Gather and study documentation from all past iterations of the Indigenous Church, in order to guide the current process;
  • Connect with relevant resource people to help bring clarity to the process;
  • Involve the Community Capacity Development Coordinators in supporting planning and ongoing healing work. 

We honour all that has come before this moment as we move forward into this new beginning."  

Looking Forward 

In the first quarter of 2025, planning will resume related to Indigenous Pathways. 

** Note that Indigenous pathways is using another process other than key results methodology for their reporting. **

For questions on the Strategic Plan, or for a summary of all 2024 Operational Plan Activities including descriptions, contact  planning@united-church.ca .

A collage of images from the memorial at the Kamloops school.

Bringing the Children Home

Community support regarding unmarked burial sites.

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