GC41 United Church Response to the Tar Sands Impact on Indigenous Rights (GC41 2012 - 087)

That the 41st General Council 2012 direct the General Secretary, General Council to call on the Government of Canada and the leaders of Canadian political parties and also initiate an individual communication campaign across The United Church of Canada in support of this call, to:

1. uphold the right of Indigenous Peoples to remain entitled to free, prior and informed consent regarding development projects which affect their lands, waters, traditional territories and resources in accordance with Article 32 of the United Nations’ Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples; and
2. hold independent studies on the cumulative impacts of in situ bituminous sands development on health, water and ecosystems and address those environmental and health impacts.

GC41 2012 ROP, p. 217, 332-333