There is an op Ed in the New York Times by a Lakota chief that is worth reading.
The church’s Moderator, the Right Rev. Gary Paterson, is inviting Canadians to join with him this Friday in offering signs of encouragement to government and First Nations leaders who will be meeting that day.
The United Church of Canada has written to Prime Minister Stephen Harper asking him to meet with Attawapiskat First Nation Chief Theresa Spence, who is now in the second week of her hunger strike. Read the letter here [PDF].
http://united-church.ca/files/communications/news/general/121219_letter.pdf
Is it possible that Stephen Harper's unconditional support for Israel is related to his decision to take proactive steps to reduce unfavourable precedents for dealing with First Nations Land Claims. If Israel is discouraged by Canada from cleansing the West Bank of Palestinians, would this provide a precedent supporting far more generous terms for settling land claims in Canada? If Canada refuses to criticize Israel's behaviour, this avoids the preceding presedent.
In today's National Post, Moderator Mardi Tindal writes: The United Church of Canada has repudiated a pernicious bit of history known as the "Doctrine of Discovery." Reconciling historic wrongs takes more than merely saying "that was then, this is now." It takes an ongoing commitment to seeking right relationship.
Today marks the 25th anniversary of the first apology offered to Canada’s First Peoples by The United Church of Canada. No, we’re not “there yet” because we’re still on the long journey toward seeing our apologies fulfilled in actions and in truth, healing, reconciliation, and right relations. It’s why we take opportunities to participate in the work of Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission as well our own Right Relations work.
I went to a Native heritage art show opening this evening, with lots of antique artifacts, old photographs, carvings, baskets, moccasins etc, and there was an official welcome speech and some songs and dances, while the white folk, about 80 of us, watched in reverence.
Then we had a stand up smorgasbord style dinner with bannock, barbequed salmon, dried salmon, dried raw smoked deer and white man deli trays. It seemed 50:50 white and native at one point. I have never been to an event with such near proportions.
One of the most attractive things about the character of Jesus for me was his ability to move through social boundaries like class. That to me is a good sign of a love that is not ordinary and a faith that is not conventional.
Doug Cuthan is a write for the two largest newspapers in saskatchewn. He is an advocate for First Nations People. This was in the paper this morning and something about it irks me - maybe it is written tongue in cheek but I find the casino and gun references disrespectful of First Nation's people. Here it is and what do you think?I know there are political references but something feels off to me.
Twas the night before Christmas
And all through the tipi
Not a creature was stirring,
It was downright creepy.
Please take a small moment to enjoy this absolutely stunning video.
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