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The Pilgrimage for Indigenous Rights began with a 600 km walk from Kitchener to Ottawa in support of the adoption and implementation of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Comprised mostly of Christians, our hope was to embody a tangible response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, specifically Call #48 which summons all churches to learn about the Declaration, facilitate public dialogue around it, and embrace its minimum standards.

The first part of the Pilgrimage is done. But the Pilgrimage is far from over. Walkers and church communities continue to raise awareness of the Declaration and mobilize on behalf of Bill C-262 (a private members bill that would ensure that the laws of Canada are in harmony with the Declaration).

We invite you to join in the movement:

The Pilgrimage Planning Team

Chuck Wright, Erin Froese, Kathy Moorhead Thiessen, Steve Heinrichs

Senators receive ecumenical letter

This week, Senators serving in the Upper House of Canada’s Parliament, will receive an ecumenical letter encouraging them to support Bill C-262 (The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act). Drafted and signed by leaders of various faith-based organizations—including the Canadian Baptists of Western Canada, the Quakers, the Anglican Church of Canada, Mennonite Central Committee and more—the letter urges the Senate to “make a non-partisan decision in support of legislative reconciliation.” Please pray for the Senate as they discern how Canada can move closer to honest and fair relationship with Indigenous peoples.

We’re in the Home Stretch – Time to Write the Senate!

Through the amazing work of grassroots advocacy, Bill C-262—The UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act—got through the House of Commons and now sits in the Senate. We need the Senate to pass 262 by June 2019, and so we need you (and everyone in your precious circle!) to write our Senators, calling on them to “Walk the Talk” and “PASS 262.” This bill, affirming the application of the Declaration in Canadian law, is the most important piece of legislation to come before the Senate. It will make a huge difference!

-Send an electronic letter—crafted by a coalition of faith-based organizations—to all the Senators at this link and spread the word (it only takes a minute)

– Order a free pack of postcards to send to all the Senators. Postage is free and the cards come with a tips sheet so you can pull off a postcard party with your community or church group. (Handwritten cards with short messages really do have an impact).

 

It’s not over yet!

Friends and Supporters,

Bill C-262 will ensure that the principles and minimum standards of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples are affirmed and implemented in Canadian law. The second hour of debate on Bill C-262 takes place on February 5th and voting on the bill will happen on February 7, 2018. We must keep the pressure on and make sure all MPs vote for Bill C-262.

This week we are running a massive email lobbying effort. We need you to take part in two important ways:

  1. Watch the talk on February 05 by live-streaming the debate at http://www.cpac.ca/en/ after 11 AM EST, AND let them know you are watching
    – tag your MP on twitter or Facebook and use these hashtags: #passBillC262 #UNDRIP #indigenousrights
  2. Send an email TODAY to your local MP and”cc” the Minister of Justice, Jody Wilson-Raybould, encouraging them to stand up for justice by voting for Bill C-262 on February 7th.

Thank you for your continued support.

See the e-mail template and instructions:  MPs Email Instructions

Breaking News: Government Publicly Commits to Bill C-262

Minister of Justice Jody Wilson-Raybould has announced that the Government of Canada is supporting Bill C-262, An Act to Ensure that the Laws of Canada are in Harmony with the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. “With the direction and leadership of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, our government will support Bill C-262. The Bill acknowledges the application of the UN Declaration in Canada, and calls for the alignment of the laws of Canada with the UN Declaration.”

This is incredibly encouraging… but until the actual vote happens and the Government stands in the House of Commons in support of 262, we need to continue lifting up prayers, sending postcards and meeting with MPs, applying persistent loving pressure! Together, we can do this.

#passbillc262
#pushingtothefinishline

Chants and busy feet declare support for Bill C-262

On Saturday, Sept. 23, 2017, about 160 Indigenous and settler folk joined together to raise awareness and support for Bill C-262, a bill that seeks to ensure the laws of Canada are in harmony with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). Television (CBC, CTV, and Global) and the Winnipeg Sun covered the 12 km walk from Stephen Juba Park in downtown Winnipeg to the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation on the campus of the University of Manitoba.

Below is a short video summarizing the event.

Bill C-262: Breaking Update – Updated

Bill C-262 will be debated in Parliament following its second reading on December 5, 2017. Bill C-262 is a private member’s bill put forward by MP Romeo Saganash. It seeks to harmonize Canadian law with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

That leaves just over one month to continue raising awareness, participating in actions such as Walk the Talk (Sept. 23), Sign the Petition  and the Rolling Fast (beginning Sept. 13), and setting up meetings with your elected representatives.

Please share this information on your social media channels and use #PassC262.

Walk the Talk Events: Save the Dates!

Several “Walk the Talk” events are being planned in different cities to promote awareness of Bill C-262, a private members bill by MP Romeo Saganash that seeks to harmonize Canadian law with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). Stay tuned to this site and our Facebook page  for possible events that may occur in other locations.

Download the Poster

Winnipeg, Saturday, Sept. 23: Come join your voice in the call for the federal government to Walk the Talk of reconciliation! Events begin with a walk at 1 pm departing from Stephen Juba Park at the aqueduct monument (south of 333 Waterfront Dr.) and will conclude at 6:30 pm at the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (177 Dysart Rd) where the main gathering with stories and music will take place at 6:30 pm.

 

 

 

 

 

Download the Poster

Kitchener-Waterloo, Saturday, Sept. 23: Mini pilgrimage in support of Bill C-262 and the adoption of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights Of indigenous Peoples. The walk: 10 am – 12 pm; meet @ Schneider Haus, (466 Queen St S, Kitchener). Guided walk to Waterloo Park (by the band shell) and the 14th annual Traditional Pow Wow. Join the walk, stay for the Pow Wow!

 

 

 

 

 

Download the Poster

Saskatoon, Oct 6: Teach-in at St. Thomas More college, 1437 College Dr, Treaty Six Territory. Teachers:

  • Leah Gazan – educator, University of Winnipeg. Advocate for the adoption & implementation of UNDRIP, member of Wood Mountain Lakota Nation;
  • Sylvia McAdam, co-founder, Idle No More Movement. Award-winning teacher, writer, and land defender. Citizen of Nêhiyaw Nation, born and raised in the Big River Reserve, Treaty Six Territory.

Fast for Indigenous Human Rights

September 13 – October 28, 2017
Invitation

Fasting is a cry to Creator, and a summons to those in places of authority to do right on behalf of the oppressed. Fasting is not principally about abstaining from food and turning inwards. It’s about hungering for justice and extending out with compassion in our public relationships… seeking reparative action that will benefit all because it can restore the covenant of which we are all a part.

Join the Fast for Indigenous Human Rights & Bill C262 beginning on September 13th – the 10 year anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples at the United Nations General Assembly.