GC45 COM07 Living into Right Relations – All Relationships Need to be Rooted in Truth, Respect, Transparency, and Built on Trust for Summer 2025

Origin: NIEC Elder: Lorraine Kakegamic Commissioners: Ray Jones, Agnas Melinda Spence, Elaine Jacobs, Eileen Antone, Janet Sigurdson, Delores Kenny, Shelly Murdock, Marilyn Robitaille, Brian Potts, Jordan Spence, Shane Goldie, and Kimberly Roy

1. What is the issue? Why is it important?

The Bible reminds us (Col 3:12) that all people of God are to treat others with “compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience”, yet we have experienced a consistent lack of respect, non-existent consultation with grass roots people, no real transparency, and the constant pushing for assimilation. Trust has been broken and relationships need to be repaired so we can move forward in a good way.

Our seven sacred teachings tell us to be humble, love one another, treat each other with respect, be courageous and brave, always tell the truth and seek wisdom.

2. What is happening now?

In March 2024, the body of The United Church of Canada established an “Autonomous National Indigenous Church Organization” by Remit. Since the time of the passing of the Remit the Indigenous community has felt discord, confusion, and no support.

We as the Original people of Turtle Island, we feel that as soon as we understand what is going on, the rug is pulled out, the rules change and the goal posts move.

Decisions are being made by a small circle including staff without appropriate consultation. Our National Indigenous Council was dissolved without notice or consultation. The All Native Circle Conference was dissolved through the organization’s restructuring without consultation.

The actions of the church have been authoritarian, colonial, and disrespectful in direct opposition to the spirit of truth and reconciliation. 

The Original People of Turtle Island will lead the way to a renewed Autonomous National Indigenous Church Organization.

Elder’s traditional roles are to guide and to share wisdom. Many Elders are no longer attend meetings because they are overwhelmed. Our Elders are traditionally an advisory body not a decision-making body.

There is a lack of acknowledgement of traditional ways of our people meeting. We are expected to meet electronically or not have our voices heard. This is not a system known to us, available to many or appreciated.

3. What is the recommendation?

That the General Council of The United Church of Canada:

Traditional ways of meeting need to be honoured and prioritized and funded so that adequate and helpful consultation can take place.

That the General Council commit to funds and resources to the Original People of Turtle Island to:

1. Two area in person yearly gathering are needed to build and strengthen our relationships with the Original People’s elders, youth and sandwich generations. (Example: regional – circles community of faith/ministry gathering)
2. One yearly in person National Original People’s Spiritual Gatherings to create healthy relationships amongst the Original People of Turtle Island, build trust, care for one another, be our authentic selves and nurture relationships with our people. 

4. Background information:

Care Takers report, past apologies and Autonomous National Indigenous Church Remit. 

5. How does this proposal help us to live into our church’s commitments on equity?

The United Church of Canada prides itself on its attempts to live into “Truth and Reconciliation” and yet still wants us to assimilate to their ways. This proposal is genuine action.

For the body transmitting this proposal to the General Council: 
Please select the appropriate option and provide the key discussion points for items being forwarded to the General Council: 
☐ Agree
☐ Disagree without forwarding to the General Council
☐ Disagree and forwarding to the General Council

Who will present (by prerecorded video) this proposal on behalf of the transmitting body?
Commissioners Elaine Jacobs, Janet Sigurdson

If you have questions regarding this proposal, please send them to: GCinfo@united-church.ca