GC45 COM08 Land Return – National 20% of All Property Sales Given to The Indigenous United Church 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?

1 John 3:18  Let us not love in word or talk, but in deed and in truth. 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?

Currently, each region has a different percentage they give to the Indigenous Church from the sale of property.

As the original people of Turtle Island, the land that churches and manses the United Church built, were built on our land with no consultation or restitution.

It is impossible to get the land back or be compensated immediately and wholly, it is however possible to be compensated for our land to support our Indigenous church, our youth and our elders in time.

3. What is the recommendation?

That the General Council recommend to all regions that not less than 20% of all property sales be directed to the Indigenous Church. We understand General Council cannot mandate this action, but they can certainly recommend this compensation for our stolen land.

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”.  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