June is National Indigenous Month

In 2015, Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) proposed 94 Calls to Action including the final two, #93 and #94, which address concerns related to newcomers to Canada.

Item #93 calls for a more inclusive history of diverse Indigenous Peoples of Canada in settlement education and the Canadian citizenship test, to include information about treaties and the history of residential schools.

Item #94 calls for an update to the citizenship oath to include the acknowledgment of Indigenous presence regarding the existence of treaties.

These calls to action are put forward with the key message of TRC that “[w]e are all Treaty people who share responsibility for taking action on reconciliation” (2015, p. 11). We come together to collectively work towards taking this responsibility, as treaty persons and guests, on this beautiful land we now call home. 

June 20 is World Refugee Day

Declared by the United Nations, it is the international day to honour people who have been forced to flee their home country to escape conflict and persecution. It celebrates refugee’s strength and courage as they seek safety and opportunities for social inclusion to build a better life.

In an attempt to continue building relationships with Indigenous Peoples, the Diocese will celebrate

Refugee Sunday at Epiphany Indigenous Anglican Church on Sunday, June 23^rd, at 7p.m.      

370 McKenzie St. Winnipeg

Parishes are invited to attend, joining with our Indigenous family to welcome and celebrate with newcomers.

Please bring a non-perishable food item for the pantry.

Donations to support refugee sponsorships in the Diocese may be made to the Diocese of Rupert’s Land – Refugee Fund. Contact Marlene at refugee@rupertsland.ca for more information.