Living into Right Relations: October 2026

Reconciliation and Indigenous Justice News from The United Church of Canada First Nations-First Ministers Meeting [Image credit: Canva]   For the first time in 21 years, First Nations leaders met with the Prime Minister, most of the premiers, and representatives of other provinces for two days in October to focus entirely on Indigenous issues. The meeting occurred at a time when many are watching the progress of the building Canada Strong Act, Bill C-39, with great concern. The bill is designed to accelerate major infrastructure and resource project reviews. Its proposed changes to approval processes carry significant risks that Indigenous communities will not be accorded their rights to consultation and free, prior and informed consent of developments in their territories. Environmental safeguards, long in place in Canada, also will be weakened if the legislation passes in its current form. Chiefs in some parts of the country have called for the bill to be rescinded. It must be noted that the First Nations-First Ministers meeting had a broader agenda, and it concluded with a promise from the federal government to organize a similar meeting in two years time. At all times, the United Church would underline the importance of paying attention to what Indigenous communities are saying with respect to their own priorities, along with their responses to legislative proposals such as Bill C-39. One worthwhile read is the position paper released by the Assembly of First Nations in advance of the Ottawa meeting. It discusses the following four recommendations to both federal and provincial governments: [That] First Ministers commit to establishing a permanent First Nations – Federal/Provincial/Territorial political and officials process to design and implement an economic framework to advance recommendations 2-4 [below], with progress reported at the next First Ministers Meeting. First Ministers commit to jointly develop a First Nations National Benefits Sharing Framework that protects free prior and informed consent, preserves Nation specific benefits, and supports First Nations ownership. First Ministers commit to jointly develop a new First Nations controlled sovereign wealth fund. First Ministers recognize closing the First Nations infrastructure gap as a nation building priority. Learning about Land, Berries, and Belonging [Image credit: Mountainview Recreation Society]   More than 45 people from several United Churches in Alberta gathered in Marlboro over three days in October 2026 to learn about traditional Indigenous food culture with a focus on berry harvesting, preparation, preservation and jam-making, along with Canadian Health and Safety canning guidelines. The project, supported in part by the Justice and Reconciliation Fund, was grounded in the understanding that traditional Indigenous foods, like native berries, carry knowledge, memory, culture, and relationships to the land. Organized by the Mountainview Recreation Society, the event created many opportunities for conversation and knowledge sharing between generations and between Indigenous and non-Indigenous participants. The youngest participant was 9 and the oldest was in their 90s. Together they learned how traditional food practices can be adapted into contemporary community food-security activities, grounded in Indigenous wisdom about sharing, reciprocity, and relationship.The final day concluded with a community feast. Over 200 jars of jam were given away.   Facebook Website Email Instagram YouTube

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Living into Right Relations: Orange Shirt Day and National Truth and Reconciliation 2026

Reconciliation and Indigenous Justice News from The United Church of Canada Orange Shirt Day and National Truth and Reconciliation 2026 [Image credit: ID 22674444 © Dreamstime]   Today, September 30, 2026, we remember the thousands of children taken to residential institutions over a period of 150 years. We remember their parents and the people of their communities that were left behind. This year’s United Church of Canada worship resource prepared by The Rev. Tony Snow for Orange Shirt Day includes liturgical responses to signal our commitment to taken action to support healing and reconciliation: Oath to Become a Witness to ReconciliACTION We stand as Witnesses to ReconciliACTION With humility and resolve, we pledge: 1. To Learn We will seek understanding of Indigenous histories, cultures, and perspectives. We will educate ourselves on the truths of colonization and its ongoing impacts. 2. To Listen We will center and amplify Indigenous voices, stories, and teachings. We will approach these with respect and an open heart. 3. To Act We will respond to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s 94 Calls to Action and the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ Calls for Justice. We will advocate for systemic change and work toward decolonization. We will support Indigenous-led initiatives. 4. To Acknowledge and Reflect We will recognize our roles in these processes—past, present, and future. We will strive to be good ancestors, leaving a legacy of justice and equity. 5. To Stay Accountable We will welcome discomfort as part of growth and accountability. We will hold ourselves and others to the principles of ReconciliACTION. We make this commitment as witnesses to Truth, supporters of ReconciliACTION, and guardians of future generations. So it is, and so We will strive. Sisters in Spirit [Image credit: Canva]   On October 4, 2026, the annual Sisters in Spirit vigils will take place across the country to remember Indigenous women, girls, and members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community who are missing or known to have been murdered.  As the Native Women's Association of Canada observes, Sisters in Spirit “has grown into a nationwide movement that refuses to let silence or inaction prevail. Each vigil adds to a chorus of voices demanding truth, justice, and safety for Indigenous women, girls, and gender-diverse people.”  Facebook Website Email Instagram YouTube

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Living into Right Relations: June 2026

Reconciliation and Indigenous Justice News from The United Church of Canada National Indigenous Spiritual Gathering, July 2026 [Image: Photo courtesy of Cheryl Jourdain |Original Art by Trinity Anderson, from Fisher River Cree Nation in Manitoba]   The National Indigenous Spiritual Gathering will take place at Carleton University in Ottawa from July 15-19, 2026. This is the triennial gathering of members of Indigenous communities of faith from across the country. Under the leadership of the National Indigenous Elders Council (NIEC), participants will spend important time together building community, and sharing in sacred ceremony, teachings, and worship.They will establish a new National Indigenous Council to give leadership to the Indigenous church on its journey of self-determination. And they will celebrate the ordination of Brian George, a member of the National Indigenous Elders Council. We invite the whole church to lift up in prayer the spiritual gathering and all who are preparing to participate in it. Support for The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation [Image credit: The United Church of Canada] Leaders of the Anglican, Presbyterian, and United churches attended an event on June 18, 2026 at the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR) in Winnipeg. A number of Elders and survivors of residential institutions were present to lead ceremony and receive a financial contribution from the three churches to the NCTR to help it construct a new building. United Church Moderator Kimberly Heath spoke with gratitude of the NCTR’s several important roles. This includes not only preserving the legacy of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC)—managing all of the survivor statements and other TRC records, but also continuing to gather statements, collect information about missing children and unmarked burials for the National Student Memorial Register, and, critically, carrying out many educational activities. The Moderator and General Secretary were among several church leaders who had an opportunity to take part in an NCTR-led workshop during the May 2026 meeting of the Governing Board of the Canadian Council of Churches. National Indigenous Elder Council member, Lorraine Kakegamic, joined them at the June NCTR event. The churches’ financial contribution to the new NCTR building is one of the ways they are carrying out their commitments to support the journey of truth-telling, healing, and reconciliation. Celebrating Indigenous Culture In Support of Art for Aid [Image credit: courtesy Zion-Memorial Church] Zion-Memorial United Church, Carleton Place, held its fifth Indigenous cultural fair in May 2026. It is an enriching day-long celebration of Indigenous culture and artistic talent. Organized in collaboration with the District Public Library and town of Carleton Place, the fair provides a great learning opportunity for both adults and children. An Elder leads the opening ceremonies, there is a Sacred Fire, Medicine Table, Indigenous dancers and drummers, workshops, and Indigenous vendors who sell beautiful handmade creations and food. Funds are raised for Art for Aid—an initiative by founder Colleen Gray to send art supply shipments to remote Indigenous schools in northern Canada. Feedback from participants tells organizers the fair is successfully fostering dialogue, reconciliation and relationship building between local Indigenous and non-Indigenous people. This year’s fair was supported in part by the Justice and Reconciliation Fund. Rematriation of the Tatamagouche Centre, Nova Scotia [Image credit: courtesy Women of First Light] The Tatamagouche Centre rematriation project is an invitation to live into right relations by restoring Indigenous stewardship of land that has always been Mi’kmaq territory. Rematriation is not about ownership; it is about renewing relationship—with the land, with spirit, with ancestors, and with future generations. For more than 60 years, the Tatamagouche Centre has been a place of learning, welcome, and transformation. In 2021, Women of First Light—an Indigenous women-led organization in Wabanaki—requested the land be returned, and the Tatamagouche Centre Board committed to dialogue. One year ago, in July 2025, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between Women of First Light, the Tatamagouche Centre, and the United Church of Canada (Fundy St. Lawrence Dawning Waters and Bermuda Nova Scotia Regional Councils), marking a shared commitment to rematriation. The dream is that the land will be held in perpetuity under Indigenous stewardship as a place of healing, cultural restoration, and renewed right relations for all our relations. As Women of First Light continues capacity-building and community listening, the Tatamagouche Centre is also working to keep buildings cared for during the transition, including urgent infrastructure needs. If you are able to support the Centre during this tender time—helping keep the heat on and cover basic costs until the transfer—donations can be made at https://www.tatacentre.ca/donate. Please include “sustain the centre” in the notes. Thank you for walking this path with care, so the land can be returned in a good way.   Living into Right Relations will take a short summer break.  The next issue will be published at the end of August 2026. Facebook Website Email Instagram YouTube Donate to The United Church of Canada and help fund life changing work around the world!

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Living into Right Relations: March 2026

Reconciliation and Indigenous Justice News from The United Church of Canada A Call to the Church: Mobilize for Moosehide This May!  [Image credit: Moosehide Campaign Day]   Mother God, Beloved Christ and Sister Spirit,  May this moose hide  remind me of my commitment  to create and live in a society where Indigenous women, girls, and 2S-LGBTQIA+ people experience  the freedom to flourish within a healthy society that respects, values and cherishes the human rights and dignity of all people.  May I join with others to be a part of your healing and restoration.  Amen  This prayer, offered by the Rev. Dr. Alydia Smith, is a call to all in The United Church of Canada to participate in the Moosehide Campaign Day on Thursday, May 14!  Canada is in the midst of an ongoing national crisis of violence against Indigenous women, girls, and 2S-LGBTQIA+ people. Canada has a long legacy of devaluing Indigenous peoples—in particular Indigenous women, girls, and 2S-LGBTQIA+ people.  Many believe that they do not matter, and that it is acceptable to commit acts of violence upon them. Indigenous peoples lack the legal protection that others receive. This is racism.   The Moosehide Campaign is a call to all people in Canada to take a stand against racism and for justice. This year we are hoping for a record United Church turn-out at the virtual events, local walks to end violence, and fasts to end violence.   National events include a sunrise ceremony, educational plenary, and workshops (all available via livestream), as well as the Moosehide Day Rally on the grounds of the Ontario legislature at Queen’s Park in Toronto from noon to 1:30 p.m.. You can register for virtual events (including livestream links to all the national campaign day events).   Local marches are being organized across the country. Find your local march on the map, or register to become a community steward and organize your own events.  We are calling on United Church members, friends, and communities of faith to take a stance against racism and for justice. If you are in Southern Ontario (or beyond!), come to Toronto and join us for the rally! If you are elsewhere across the country, join in local marches or organize your own!  Stay tuned to this newsletter, the Indigenous Ministries Facebook page and United Church social media for updates!  Facebook Website Email Instagram YouTube Donate to The United Church of Canada and help fund life changing work around the world!

Copyright © 2026 The United Church of Canada, All rights reserved.