RECONCILIATION PROCLAMATION
We, the delegates to Sacred Assembly '95, gathered together in Hull,
Quebec on December 6-9, 1995, having come from the four corners of this
land--East, West, North, and South--and having brought with us diverse
spiritual backgrounds, and having listened to and prayed with Elders,
spiritual leaders and with each other, are now able to assert the
following:
We share, as part of our common spiritual foundation, the belief that:
the Creator, God reigns supreme over all things;
the land on which we live was created for the benefit of all;
as the original inhabitants of this land, Aboriginal peoples have a
special right and responsibility to ensure the continuing
integrity of the land and the unity and well-being of its
inhabitants; and
non-Aboriginal Canadians also share in these responsibilities.
We share the recognition
that reconciliation between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Canadians
must be rooted in a spiritual understanding of land as a gift
from the Creator, God;
the sins and injustices which have historically divided Aboriginal
and non-Aboriginal peoples remain active in our society today;
concrete actions must be taken by Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal
peoples alike to overcome these injustices and to bind up the
wounds of those who have suffered.
We share an understanding
that the starting point for healing and reconciliation lies in a
personal communion with the Creator, God;
while change must take place at all levels of society, it must be
rooted most firmly in the communities; and
relations based on justice will require respect for past treaties, a
fair settlement of land rights disputes, the implementation of
the inherent right of self-government and the creation of
economic development opportunities and other institutions to
support it.
We share a commitment
As individuals:
to seek the personal guidance and counsel of Elders and
spiritual leaders in order to walk more closely with the
Creator, God;
to return to our communities and develop ways to continue the
process of healing and reconciliation that has begun at
Sacred Assembly '95;
to continue to explore with each other our sacred foundations,
in order to bring about spiritual reconciliation,
Aboriginal justice and the fulfilment of political
responsibilities in this country;
to continue to respect the differences in our spiritual
journeys, even as we seek to discover the common spiritual
link between us.
As churches and faith communities:
to continue the process of healing and reconciliation with
Aboriginal peoples by providing the forums and supports
needed to heal the wounds created in the past;
to become stronger advocates for justice and reconciliation in
the current and future public affairs, and to hold our
governments accountable for their implementation of just
policies;
to recommit ourselves to a program of education and action on
issues relating to land rights, self-government, economic
development and racism.
As First Nations and Aboriginal communities and organizations:
to work towards healing and reconciliation within our
communities;
to accept the challenge issued by Youth to create an
environment in our communities that encourages a healthy
view of oneself and respect for others, and addresses
community conflict that prevents Youth from finding their
path.
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Posted by:
HAROLD P. KOEHLER, 43 NAPOLEON DRIVE, LONDON ON CANADA N5V 4A8
(519)453 5452, Fax 453-3676, E-mail hkoehler@execulink.com