A moving record of the historic1988 Native Convocation, when 180 native Canadian Anglicans gathered in Fort Qu'Appelle, Saskatchewan, to share their experience and their dreams as native people and as members of the Anglican Church of Canada. The resulting convocation turned out to be more historic, moving and empowering experience than anyone anticipated.
"Produced in 1995 by The Council for Native Ministries" -- back cover.
"Written and prepared by John Bird" -- back cover.
This resource "is designed for use with the video `The Seventh Fire'. It contains two options for a two-session study of the Aboriginal Anglican statement, `Our Journey of Spiritual Renewal'. One option is suggested for use with Aboriginal groups; the other is suggested for non-Aboriginal groups." "We recommend that you precede this study with a study of the Residential Schools issue, using the video, `The Healing Circle' (see page 35)" -- inside front cover.
Contents include: Two workshops for study with a non-Aboriginal group -- Two workshops for study with an Aboriginal group -- An excerpt from the apology for photocopying -- A copy of the statement, 'Our Journey of Spiritual Renewal' and 'The Covenant' -- A copy of the interactive exercise 'Jumping Off the Cradleboard' -- A page of background statements, 'Pieces of the Puzzle' -- A checklist for workshop planning -- Sample prayers for opening and closing -- A brief, annotated resource list.
That this General Synod affirm Resolution Nos. 31 and 58 of the 1988 Lambeth Conference, as listed below, and refer them to the Program Committee for appropriate action.
"This Conference:
conscious of the work in many dioceses with deprived minorities in developed, affluent countries, such as native Americans and Canadians, Australian aborigines and Islanders, ethnic Koreans in Japan, and black urban communities in Britain, asks the relevant Anglican provinces to support work among such minorities who have difficulty in making their plight known in national and world forums.
supports all efforts being made for the procuring of land and civic rights for native indigenous people of the Americas specially in the light of the forthcoming celebrations of the 500th anniversary of the arrival of Columbus in the New World in 1992. CARRIED Act 60
Colour photo with caption: "The Rev. Andrew Wesley and Sandra Campbell at the Truth and Reconciliation gathering in June [2012] in Toronto". The Catholic Apostolic Universal Trust Fund [of the Anglican Foundation] supports the Toronto Urban Native Ministry, a FaithWorks Ministry partner. Founded in 1995 as an ecumenical ministry to more than 70,000 First Nations people living in the Greater Toronto area, it provides opportunities for Native worship and encourages healing through Christian and traditional beliefs".
That NEC receive and review the first five paragraphs of the statement "Move Beyond Words" in light of the past policies of General Synod and report to the next meeting of NEC with a view to determining the way in which the Anglican Church of Canada can respond to the WCC [World Council of Churches] request that member Churches act on the statement "Move Beyond Words"; and, that the Primate be asked to name a task force for this purpose, made up of Native and non-Native persons. CARRIED #12-05-91
The Primate introduced representatives from the Council and brief addresses were given by Mr. S. Beardy, Mr. Norman Wesley and Mr. Dale Ahenakew. Grave concern was expressed regarding proposed damming of the Severn River system by Ontario Hydro.
Text
That this NEC of the Anglican Church of Canada reaffirm its support to Canada's Aboriginal People where resource development is proposed that infringes and threatens the existence of Aboriginal People; and
That this NEC of the Anglican Church of Canada support the position of: 1. The Coalition of Severn River Chiefs in their struggle to have the Severn River system designated as a dam-free zone.
2. The Moose Factory First Nation on hydroelectric development, proposed by Ontario Hydro's development plan contained in their document "Providing the Balance of Power" in the Moose River drainage basin; and
furthermore, that this NEC communicate this resolution to Ontario Hydro and authorize the Council for Native Ministries and the Public Social Responsibility Unit to work with the Dioceses of Keewatin and Moosonee in implementing this policy. CARRIED #05-05-90
Nina Burnham, Chairperson, the Reverend James Isbister, the Reverend Arthur Anderson and the Reverend Laverne Jacobs addressed the National Executive Council.
Text
That this National Executive Council:
1. Receive the following resolution proposed by the Council for Native Ministries;
2. Request the Doctrine and Worship Committee, in consultation with the Council for Native Ministries, to develop a statement which would respond to the concerns addressed in the report; and
3. Report its progress to the next meeting of the National Executive Council. CARRIED #23-10-89
Notes
The Council for Native Ministries' motion reads:
To endorse and pass the following resolution from the Council for Native Ministries:
Whereas the Native people cannot be considered as being a homogenous people or just another disadvantaged ethnic group within Canadian society,
Whereas the Native people represent a total development of an aboriginal race within their home land,
Whereas the Native people were self-sufficient (politically, economically, socially and spiritually) prior to European contact,
Whereas the Native people had a special relationship with the land and the Creator God and had their own forms of expressions of worship, praise, and thanksgiving, and
Whereas the Native people have accepted Christianity and its teachings,
Therefore, be it resolved that the official church acknowledge and recognize the legitimate presence of the subsistence-oriented reality of Native peoples,
and be it further resolved that the official church produce a statement on the question of Indian Spirituality and its application within the church and services.
That the Program Committee be requested to allocate sufficient funds and administrative support to carry out the work of the recommendations from the first National Native Convocation.
Two questions were asked by members:
1. Is there an estimate of the "sufficient funds" required and staff time needed ? The answer was in the negative.
2. What was the "central location" for the Council for Native Ministries' office which was being considered ? The answer was Winnipeg.
Following lengthy discussion, an amendment to the motion was made:
Text
The the words "allocate sufficient funds" be replaced with "be requested to give priority to the allocation of funds". CARRIED #25-03-89
The amended motion now reads:
That the Program Committee give priority to the allocation of funds and administrative support to carry out the work of the recommendations from the first National Native Convocation.
The amended motion was put and - CARRIED #26-03-89
Notes
At the October 1989 meeting of the National Executive Council , a motion was passed with a correction to the above resolutions as follows:
Moved by: Most Rev. D.W. Hambidge
Seconded by: Rt. Rev. G.F. Woolsey
Corrections to minutes:
Page 18, line 1 of the amended motion, delete the words "be requested to".
That the minutes of March 1989, as amended be adopted. CARRIED #01-10-89
That this National Executive Council endorses the annual inclusion of native theological students and other appropriate native Church leaders in Canadian Theological Students' Conferences. CARRIED #27-03-89
A proposed motion regarding the Restructuring and Membership Proposal for the Council was received for information. It will be presented to the General Synod in June 1989.
Text
That this National Executive Council endorses in principle the designation of one or more Sundays per year to emphasize and raise awareness and support for the second National Native Convocation and requests the Council for Native Ministries to bring forward specific recommendations to a subsequent meeting of the National Executive Council. CARRIED #28-03-89