Reconciliation Proclamation
We, the delegates to Sacred Assembly '95. gathered together in Hull. Quebec 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:
o o o
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
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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 of injustice 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
o o o
that the starting point for healing and reconciliation lies in personal communion
with the Creator God; O 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:
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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 fulfillment 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:
o o o
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 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:
o o o
to work towards healing and reconciliation within our own communities; to accept the challenge issued by our Youth to create an environment in our communities that encourages a healthy view of oneself and respect for others, and which also addresses community conflicts that prevent Youth from finding their path.