As we continue our journey as a community seeking more understanding around right relationships with indigenous people in Canada we share these resources:

Beyond #Canada150: A Statement from the Primate on National Aboriginal Day 2017

Canada at 150: Many Indigenous people see little reason to celebrate

Principles for Living Reconciliation Meaningfully

A Video: How to Talk about Indigenous People in Canada

The Truth & Reconciliation Website

Our local diocese work on Indigenous Relationships and Reconciliation: All My Relations

At the invitation of Bishop John Chapman the following prayers were used at our Sunday service on June 18th. I commend them to you here for your own home prayer time and reflection:

Anglican Diocese of Ottawa Prayers for Aboriginal Day

The churches of our Diocese stand on the traditional territories of the Algonquin and Mohawk Nations. May we always dwell on these lands with respect and peace.

We remember the Algonquin communities of Kitigan Zibi Anishinabe and Pikwakanagan, and their Chiefs, Jean Guy Whiteduck and Kirby Whiteduck; we remember the Mohawk communities of Akwesasne, and their Grand Chief Abram Benedict and their council of Chiefs: that their people continue to prosper on their ancestral lands and be proud of their language, culture and traditions.
Creator of all, graciously hear us.

We remember the Inuit, First Nations and Métis of all ages who live with us on these lands also, that they, too, will find peace and fulfilment here.
Creator of all, graciously hear us.

We remember the 150,000 Indigenous children who were taken and sent to residential schools in Canada, and we pray for the healing of all survivors and intergenerational victims, especially those who continue to carry great pain (pause for several moments).
Creator of all, graciously hear us.

We pray for the 6,000 or more children who died in residential schools (pause for several moments).
Creator of all, graciously hear us.

We pray for deep, constructive and lasting reconciliation between the Indigenous Peoples of Canada and all other Canadians.
Creator of all, graciously hear us.

Holy One, Creator of all that is, seen and unseen, of story and of song, of heartbeat and of tears, of bodies, souls, voices and all relations:
you are the God of all truth

and the way of all reconciliation.

Breathe in us the grace to trust
in your loving forgiveness,
that we may face our histories with courage.

Guide us with holy wisdom
that our feet may walk gently and firmly on the way of justice and healing. Amen.