Pledge to Reconciliation With Indigenous Peoples

The Christian Reformed Church has been working with and alongside Indigenous peoples in Canada for more than 50 years. From the founding of the Indigenous Family Centre in Winnipeg in the early '70s (and the founding of 2 other centers in the following years), to regular church statements on the relationship between Indigenous peoples and other Canadians, to many many Blanket Exercises facilitated from coast to coast, to passionate engagement in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's events, our commitment has deep roots. 

We live in an important spiritual moment in the life of Canada. For centuries, racism and inequality have been allowed to flourish in our communities and the image of God in Indigenous peoples has been devalued, impoverishing us all. One of the most vivid examples of this history is the residential schools system, which tore children from their families and communities in order to "civilize" them. But Indigenous people have spoken up. Brave survivors of these schools have shared the stories of their experiences, in living rooms, in community centres...and in front of the nation at the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC). Their bravery has given us a chance to repent, a chance to live together in a better way. As Justice Murray Sinclair says, through the TRC's 94 recommendations, they have shown us the way to the top of this mountain.

We can only truly flourish if we all flourish. Let's climb! Will you pledge with the Christian Reformed Centre for Public Dialogue to hold your government, community, and yourself accountable to implement the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission? Take the pledge here!