GC35 Education on Native History (1994E251)

WHEREAS The United Church of Canada, in the apology offered by the 31st General Council to the Native Peoples of Canada, committed itself to walk together with them "so that our people may be blessed, and God's creation healed"; and,

WHEREAS  a new interpretation of native history and culture is needed by the Canadian people in order for the healing process to occur; and,

WHEREAS the All Native Circle Conference has asked its Council on Healing to initiate a project of curriculum development that will redress some of the Euro-centric bias that characterizes mainstream curricula (June '93); and,

WHEREAS it is the expressed hope of the present Moderator that "every student in Canada be required to take a course of study which teaches First Nations History and Culture" (Moderator's Report to General Council '94); and,

WHEREAS the best source of information for education on aboriginal history and culture is First Nations people;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the 35th General Council:

1. Ask all Conferences and Districts to gather resources on aboriginal histories and culture, primarily those developed by the First Nations people and to encourage their use in their regions.
2. That all Conferences and Districts be encouraged to advocate with their provincial and territorial governments for the inclusion of compulsory Native Studies in the school curriculum which would include materials primarily developed by First Nations people.

THAT the 35th General Council of The United Church of Canada, call on the Government of Canada, in cooperation with the provinces, Yukon, Northwest Territories and First Nations,

1. To provide immediate funds to assist in the development of curricula about First Nations history and culture,
2. To develop such curricula in consultation with First Nations People and to be made part of our education system.

THAT the Federal Government provide resources to enable the First Nations People to develop such resources which will be made part of our educational system.