Reconciliation and Indigenous Justice

We now stand at a crucial time in the life of the church, and the history of Canada, when we can see the journey through. For more than thirty years, the United Church and Indigenous peoples have been on a journey towards mutuality, respect and equity. Towards reconciliation. Towards justice.

The Apologies
2018 is the 20th anniversary of the church’s apology to former students of residential schools, their families, and communities.
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission
Information about the United Church involvement in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC)
Doctrine of Discovery
We repudiate the Doctrine of Discovery, which asserted that lands belonged to the Christian powers that "discovered" them.
UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
This global affirmation of Indigenous peoples’ rights is a framework for reconciliation and justice.
Prayer, Action and Community
There are many ways for you as a church community to practice reconciliation and work for Indigenous justice.
Justice and Reconciliation Fund
The national Justice and Reconciliation Fund enables regional events in support of reconciliation and relationship building initiatives.

Red, white, black, and yellow tobacco ties

Church Leaders: Make C-262 Vote Unanimous

“Building a new relationship and passing Bill C-262 into law are non-partisan issues,” churches urge federal party leaders.

Mikisew Decision: Expand the Duty to Consult

Ecumenical leaders write Prime Minister Trudeau concerning duty to consult with First Nations

National Action Plan to End Violence against Indigenous Women and Girls

Moderator Richard Bott and Executive Minister Maggie Dieter have written to the National Inquiry on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and…

Photo of police and protesters at Wet'suwet'en First Nation, BC

Wet’suwet’en and the Right to Free, Prior, and Informed Consent

Ask the federal and BC governments to embody the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in their relationships with Indigenous Peoples…

Red, white, black, yellow cloth strips, braided together

Mark the Residential Schools Apology Anniversary in Prayer

Braiding Reconciliation Prayer, inspired by a teaching shared by Youth Forum at General Council, marks 20th anniversary of 1998 Apology.

Keeping Families Together—In the U.S. and Canada

How you can help stop parents from being separated from their children—in both countries.

A protestor’s arm holds out a feather in front of a line of police officers.

Kinder Morgan: Honour Indigenous Participation and Consent

Show your support for the rights of Indigenous peoples to participate in decision making and to free, prior, and informed consent.

Moderator Jordan Cantwell speaking at the 30th Anniversary of the Apology.

Resolving Residential Schools Settlement Agreement Issues

Moderator Jordan Cantwell’s open letter on the Day Scholars’ class action, the “administrative split” argument that denied compensation to…