Back to the theme
By Mike Hogeterp

National Day of Reconciliation rally at Parliament Hill
June 11, 2009

I'm not sure what I was expecting . . . perhaps drama, likely catharsis, certainly profound emotions. There was some of each in the celebrations of the first National Day of Reconciliation, held on June 11, 2009.

At a sunrise vigil we were led by a First Nations Elder in praying in all four directions. At a rally on the steps of Parliament we heard expressions of hope and anger, and of the possibility that the apology represents. These were moving experiences that were framed with a very clear message: the apology is one step on a long road of reconciliation.

National Chief Phil Fontaine addresses the Crowd from the steps of Parliament Hill on the National Day of Reconciliation

CCG has heard from Christian Aboriginal leaders, leaders of Aboriginal organizations and political leaders alike that churches have a key role to play in reconciliation. The proceedings on June 11 reminded me of this. Churches at the local, regional and national levels can continue the theme of the apology in a number of tangible ways in the coming year:

• Celebrate National Aboriginal Day on June 21.


• Remember the Apology in worship.


• Listen to one community's remembrance (49:16, 46 Mb download). This is Pastor John Bouwers' June 14, 2009 sermon on Matthew 5:21-26, and proceding litany of reconciliation, from Meadowlands Fellowship CRC, Ancaster, Ontario.


• Participate in the public events of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (stay tuned to Mobile Justice for more information). Pray that the TRC process will promote healing and reconciliation.


• Learn about the history of treaties and the relations between First Nations and Canada.


• Celebrate Aboriginal History Month (declared by parliamentary motion for the month of June).


• Take new steps to build relationships with Aboriginal Peoples. CCG, the Aboriginal Ministries Committee and our partners will be working on pilot projects and resources on this essential part of reconciliation. We'll share what we learn and urge you to take healing steps in your own community today.


• Advocate for change: a new relationship between Canada and Aboriginal people includes efforts to address poverty in First Nations communities. See CPJ's excellent reflections on this key priority.


• Celebrate the National Day of Reconciliation on June 11, 2010!

Hill Rally participants were encouraged to share thoughts and prayers on these banners of remembrance.

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