WHEREAS the native people of Canada are the fastest growing minority group in Canada; and
WHEREAS they hold special status with the federal government of Canada, which no other Canadians or ethnic group has; and
WHEREAS the native people of Canada are struggling to maintain their culture and are facing social and economic and political upheaval in regard to land claims and aboriginal rights which has created a climate of fear and anxiety and a personal lack of purpose and self-worth; and
WHEREAS most of the ministers that are settled on Indian reserves by The United Church of Canada have limited training in ministry to native people; and
WHEREAS The United Church of Canada over the years has assumed responsibility, voluntarily, to be involved through the settling of ministers on reserves, in a style of ministry and ministers to the whole man (i.e. spiritually, socially and culturally):
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT:
The Division of Mission in Canada and the Division of Ministry, Personnel and Education, take immediate steps to co-ordinate, in consultation with the conferences, special training courses for all lay and ordained ministers who are now serving or who may be appointed to serve in Indian ministries.
ROP Page Ref. 1977 ROP, p. 59, 105, 151.
