This is the fifth of occasional updates on the work of the Anglican Church of Canada as it takes its part in healing and reconciliation between Aboriginals and non-Aboriginals. As of August 2010, these updates are written by Archdeacon Michael Pollesel, General Secretary of the Anglican Church of Canada.
1. First public national TRC event a success
The first public Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) event was held at The Forks historical site in Winnipeg, Man. from June 16 to 19. Most reports on this first of seven national TRC events hail it as a great success. Thousands of Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal participants gathered to reflect on residential schools experiences through art, historical presentations, and statement-sharing, both in private and in public. Organizers recorded 425 statements from former residential school students. To catch up on coverage from the event, visit the TRC website or read reports from the Anglican Journal.
The next national eventis scheduled to take place June 2011 in Inuvik, N.W.T. Because this is one of the areas where the Anglican Church of Canada operated several schools, General Synod leadership has already begun to think about how to best help the healing and reconciliation process at this event.
2. Ongoing support for healing and right relations
Seven dioceses in the Anglican Church of Canada have donated extra money to the Anglican Fund for Healing and Reconciliation (AFHR) out of the refunds they received from the revised Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement. Over $240,000 has been received from the seven dioceses and, according to Esther Wesley, coordinator of the AFHR, this money will be used “not just for healing but for projects that focus on ‘right relations,’ which means building relationships between Aboriginals and non-Aboriginals.” Read the full story here.
3. Archives essential behind the scenes
As the work of the TRC continues, one of the unsung heroes behind the scenes is the General Synod Archives.
The General Synod Archives acquires, preserves, and provides access to the records of enduring value created by General Synod and its committees, councils, boards, and commissions. It also holds the official papers of the Primate, the General Secretary, and all other officers and employees of General Synod. The General Synod Archives, which also house the Diocese of the Arctic Archives, cooperate with the network of diocesan and provincial Anglican Archives to consider common concerns, archival standards, and strategies.
The General Synod Archives hold many documents produced during the decades that the Anglican Church of Canada operated residential schools. These include letters, reports, newsletters, and other such written and pictorial documents that may have made mention of various schools, students, and staff.
The General Synod Archives will be an important source as the TRC gathers information about residential schools. The Archives are committed to providing as much information as possible, both to the TRC as well as to residential school survivors and their families. In sharing this information, General Synod Archives always adhere to laws governing individuals’ privacy.
For more information on any of these items, contact Henriette Thompson, Director of Partnerships, General Synod, the Anglican Church of Canada, 80 Hayden St. Toronto, Ont. M4Y 3G4, (416) 924-9199 ext. 213.
Archdeacon Jim Boyles, General Secretary
Meetings with the Assembly of First Nations
On September 25, the Primate along with other church leaders met with Grand Chief Matthew Coon Come in Ottawa. This was an opportunity to express mutual concerns and to explore in a very general way the issue of abuse at residential schools. Further meetings have been held with representatives of the churches and Mr. Wally McKay, a consultant for AFN on residential schools. The AFN is exploring the question of whether it can adapt a process like South Africa’s “Truth and Reconciliation Commission” for use in Canada. We continue to keep in touch to see how we might support such an initiative if requested.
Meetings with the Federal Government
Representatives of the four churches which were involved in residential schools met with the Deputy Prime Minister on September 28 and again on October 11. The Anglican Church was represented by myself and Michael Butler, our government consultant in Ottawa. The meetings were cordial, focused and indicated a willingness on the part of both parties to find a way through the residential schools litigation that would expedite justice for those whose lives have been damaged by the school experience and at the same time allow the churches to continue and increase their healing and reconciliation work. Nonetheless, there are some complex issues to work through.
The meetings will continue, and although the process will be slowed now that an election has been called, Mr. Gray has indicated that the work is ongoing.
Healing and Reconciliation Fund
The Anglican Healing and Reconciliation Fund continues to receive applications and make grants to local groups undertaking healing projects. The Fund is financed by a grant of $100,000 from the General Synod budget, and from donations from individuals and groups. $17,000 has been donated this year (to mid-September). The Church of the Holy Trinity in Toronto has contributed $10,000. The Episcopal Church took up a collection at its January Executive Council meeting, and that amount was matched by the Presiding Bishop, making a total gift of about $2,200. The Sisters of St. John the Divine in Toronto sent a gift of $4,500. Recently the collections from the Synod services in Ottawa and Ontario have been designated for the Fund.
Diocese of Cariboo
At its Synod October 13-15, the Diocese authorized its Executive Council to take steps to wind up its operations during the next twelve months. This is a result of the litigation costs faced by the diocese in two trials. Earlier in the month, the Diocese informed the court that it could no longer afford to be present to defend itself in the ongoing trial involving eight plaintiffs who had been abused at the Lytton school. As you know, seven of the eight actions have been brought by the Department of Justice as “third party” suits.
The only remaining assets in the diocese are parish buildings. The diocese has proposed to the Department of Justice that the two enter a process of binding arbitration to determine whether the buildings are owned by the diocese, or held in trust for the parishes. It has also asked the department to specify which parish buildings it wishes to seize.
The spirit of the diocesan synod which discussed these issues was surprisingly upbeat. In messages prepared for the synod, members of parish after parish reaffirmed their faith despite an uncertain future. This message, from the people of the North Thompson Valley, is typical: “Faith is the most precious asset we have, and something we cannot lose unless we ourselves allow it to be lost. We, the people, are the church. Our buildings are not. We will continue to be the church, no matter what.”
Anglican News Service issued three news releases during the course of the synod. They’re available at anglican.ca/news/.
Letter-writing Campaign
A mailing to all clergy was distributed on September 8th requesting that Anglicans contact their Members of Parliament to express concern about the residential schools litigation. Letters were to emphasize that the church’s main goal remains healing and reconciliation and concern for the aboriginal people of Canada. The financial difficulties faced by some of our dioceses and by the General Synod were also important points to put forward at this time. (The Diocese of Huron decided not to have the letter circulated to their clergy, but the Archbishop sent a letter in its place).
Indications are that many letters have been written, and Anglicans have held conversations with many MPs. Greater awareness of the urgency of the issue is evident. We hope that the campaign will continue as a way of educating our leaders and making them aware of the situation. We believe that the government must take its proportionate share of responsibility for the validated claims. The government owned most of the schools, provided the funding, formulated detailed regulations for the operation of the schools, named the principal (sometimes nominated by the churches) and inspected the schools regularly.
Material related to this campaign can be found on the website.
Edmonton Workshop on Negotiating with the Government
A workshop was convened by the Diocese of Calgary in September in Edmonton following the meeting of the Council of the North which focused on interest-based negotiations with the government. The workshop brought together representatives of General Synod and several of the dioceses involved in litigation. The Chancellor of the Diocese of Toronto also attended. The workshop was very helpful in clarifying the common interests of the dioceses and General Synod. A small steering committee was established to continue to monitor the work.
Provincial Synods
Provincial Synods have been held in the ecclesiastical provinces of Rupert’s Land, Canada and Ontario. The Synod in BC and the Yukon takes place in November. In each case a resolution has been passed to the effect that if General Synod were to cease to exist, the General Synod Canons would remain in effect in each Province, and the Primate, in consultation with the Metropolitans would have authority to work on a new national expression of the church.
Diocesan Consultations
General Synod and the dioceses of Saskatchewan, Calgary, Toronto, Cariboo, Eastern, Western and Central Newfoundland, Brandon and the Arctic have taken place, and others are scheduled over the coming months. The intent is to consult about the major issues facing the church as we approach General Synod next year. A major concern is of course, the implications of the residential schools litigation. The Council of General Synod in May indicated that an increasing priority for the national church is healing and reconciliation. The consultations are looking at ways in which the church might respond at all levels to this call. Results of the consultations will be shared with the Council of General Synod and with the General Synod itself.
General Synod, 2001
The General Synod will meet in Waterloo, Ontario in July, 2001. Planning is moving ahead. A major part of the synod will be considering the call to full communion with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada. The Synod will also have to look at its future direction in the light of the litigation and the financial implications.
Staff Layoffs
On August 14, ten staff positions were eliminated because of the need to balance the 2000 and 2001 budgets. This arose because income has not met expectations. In normal times the General Synod could have handled the shortfall from the diocese of Niagara, but with funds being drained from our assets because of litigation, it was necessary to balance the budgets with these cuts. Along with staff reductions, grants to the Council of the North are reduced by 5% this year, and other national programs are reduced as well.
Provincial Secretaries Meeting
Provincial Secretaries from 33 of the 38 Anglican Provinces around the world gathered in Mississauga in late August. This group meets every five years for consultation. This year the group took a day and a half of its week-long meeting to learn about and reflect on the situation of the Canadian church regarding abuse in residential schools. A group of aboriginal and non aboriginal Canadian Anglicans joined the meeting. Links were evident with other parts of the world as we discussed racism, colonialism and the plight of aboriginal peoples in different places. The meeting offered some advice which will be passed on to the Council of General Synod.
Staff Healing and Reconciliation Team
Ellie Johnson, Director of Partnerships has called together a staff group to work on our approach to healing and reconciliation. The proposed 2001 budget calls for an increase in this area of work, with the grant to the Healing and Reconciliation Fund doubling to $200,000. Additional new funds will be earmarked for diocesan initiatives in healing work ($100,000), indigenous justice work ($53,000), covenant interpretation ($22,000) and resource production ($35,000). The budget will be presented to the Council of General Synod in November for approval.
Litigation Update
Currently we are involved in a trial in Vancouver involving eight former students of the St. George’s Residential School in Lytton. In only one of these cases are we involved directly. In the other seven, we are present because the federal government has named us as a third party. The trial is focused on assessment of damages. The students were sexually abused by Derek Clark, a child care worker who is now in prison.
ADR Update
Although the government claims that most of the twelve planned pilot ADR projects are up and running and successful, the churches feel that progress is painfully slow, with many problems arising. The General Synod is involved with the Diocese of Qu’Appelle in one possible ADR project with a small group of former students who attended the Gordons School. There is yet no agreement with the government about the sharing of costs.
General Synod Finances
The General Synod continues to assure donors that their current gifts are not supporting litigation costs, but are used for the ongoing mission of the national church in all its aspects. Indications from dioceses are that their proportional gifts will continue at about the same level next year as in 2000, with some dioceses reducing their gift because of their situations, and some increasing theirs as they attempt to reach the agreed goal of a General Synod contribution of 26% of diocesan income.
PWRDF Incorporation
The Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund is now incorporated and has its own charitable receipt number! The new Board met for the first time Oct. 19-22 in Toronto. The Chair is Marion Saunders. All new donations will be receipted by the new corporation. The work of the Fund continues as in the past.
Launch of Jubilee III
The Primate joined other church leaders on September 24th in Ottawa to launch the third year of Jubilee and its special emphasis on aboriginal land rights. The petition campaign coordinated by the Aboriginal Rights Coalition and the Canadian Ecumenical Jubilee Initiative calls on the federal government to act immediately to establish a truly independent commission with a mandate to implement Aboriginal land, treaty and inherent rights.
For more information about the Canadian Ecumenical Jubilee Initiative, visit their web site at www.ceji-iocj.org/index.html
Officers of General Synod
The Officers met on October 11 to continue their study of all the options regarding the financial well-being of the General Synod. They reviewed reports on the discussions with government, met with our solicitors about the option of creditor protection (CCAA) and heard reports on the progress of litigation. They decided not to expand the letter-writing effort into a full election effort, but wanted to continue to encourage Anglicans to contact their MPs on this issue.
Telling Our Story — Ways to help
Often when I meet with groups or individuals the question is asked, “How can I help?”
First, pray for the indigenous people who have been hurt by the residential school experience. Pray for all those involved in litigation and other aspects of the issue.
Second, join in giving thanks for the service of those who worked faithfully in the schools, often forfeiting higher pay and better living conditions because of their Christian commitment to service in the schools.
Third, write or contact your MP to share your concerns and to urge the government to live up to its responsibility.
Fourth, seek out opportunities in your community to contact aboriginal people, to learn more, to take the first steps to bridge the gulf between our cultures. Person to person contact, friendship are important ways in which our healing and reconciliation work can begin.
Fifth, keep informed on the issue. Watch our website, read the Anglican Journal, monitor the secular media and seek out other resources.
Finally, sixth, continue your support for your church, your parish, the Primate’s Fund, the Anglican Appeal. Your donations are secure, and they help us maintain vital programs both in Canada and overseas.
Please share any comments or pass on any questions to:
Archdeacon Jim Boyles,
General Secretary, Anglican Church of Canada
80 Hayden Street, Toronto, M4Y 3G2
October 19, 2000
Archdeacon Jim Boyles, General Secretary
Our Primary Goal is Justice, Healing and Reconciliation
In 1991, the National Executive Council met in Winnipeg and heard presentations from former residential schools students who spoke movingly of their unhappy and difficult experiences in the schools. Since then, General Synod has been on a course toward seeking justice and healing of those whose lives were damaged. That same meeting authorized the establishment of the national Healing Fund. In 1993, Archbishop Peers delivered a heartfelt apology to those attending the National Native Convocation in Minaki, Ontario.
Last year, General Synod adopted as a priority an extensive plan committing the Church to a new and active partnership with Indigenous Peoples. Known as A New Agape, this Plan of Anglican Work in Support of a New Partnership Between Indigenous and Non-Indigenous Anglicans is based on a relationship that stresses the cultural, spiritual, social and economic independence of indigenous communities. It focuses on five goals: self-determination, justice, healing, historical reparation, and walking in partnership. This fall, information kits will be distributed to parishes with resources to help them implement A New Agape locally.
Our primary goal continues to be healing and reconciliation:
Survival and Beyond: Hope, Help and Healing
In early July, approximately two hundred residential school ‘survivors’ attended this conference on the campus of the University of British Columbia. Sponsored by the Indian Residential School Survivors Society, this 4-day event featured over 100 workshops and sessions. One of the sessions featured a panel that included Phil Fontaine, former Grand Chief of the Assembly of First Nations, Jack Stagg, Deputy Minister of the Office of Indian Residential Schools Resolution and Donna Bomberry, Coordinator for Indigenous Ministries at the Anglican National Office. Expressing regret for the slow pace in resolving claims, Stagg said, “Elders we know who were abused as children deserve to have their stories heard and to share their experiences before it’s too late for them to do so.” Fontaine observed, “There is not as much anger now. People have come to grips with the situation and realize they must now move beyond anger and rage.” He also criticized the churches: “As for the churches, as soon as they get off this play that this thing is going to bankrupt them, the better off we will be. They have to get on with the job of working with government and the survivors.”
Bomberry, speaking only as a member of the Anglican Church, stated that an agreement with government is necessary for our work in communities in Canada to continue as partners in the healing that we all seek, and continue to be advocates of justice for Indigenous Peoples as outlined in our strategic plan called A New Agape.
The Anglican Healing Fund provided a grant for this event.
First Sacred Circle, Diocese of Rupert’s Land
The Indigenous Council of the Diocese of Rupert’s Land sponsored a diocesan Sacred Circle in late June. Approximately 200 people of all ages, both indigenous and non-indigenous, gathered in Dynevor, MB. There were presentations of the history of the Peguis people. Bishop Don Phillips offered a sincere apology. Then followed a feast, small sharing circles and a concluding Eucharist. The Reverend Murray Still, an indigenous priest in the diocese and one of the organizers of the Sacred Circle, commented, “Indigenous Anglicans in Rupert’s Land look forward to taking a leadership role. We are grateful for the voice we are discovering, and pray that true healing and reconciliation will come”.
The Sacred Circle is a gathering of people into the circle of community that is a sacred space. Some basic values of the circle are: sharing, gift, respect, equality and sacredness. It is a place of affirmation, nurture, acceptance, safety and wholeness.
Traveling National Archives Exhibition: Where are the children? Healing the legacy of the residential schools
The National Archives, in cooperation with the Aboriginal Healing Foundation, the General Synod Archives and the archives of other churches, has mounted a photographic exhibit on the history of the residential schools. Her Excellency the Right Honourable Adrienne Clarkson, Governor General of Canada, officially opened the exhibit in Ottawa in June. Speakers included: the Primate, Archbishop Peers, Matthew Coon Come, Grand Chief of the Assembly of First Nations, and Jack Stagg, Deputy Minister of the Office of Indian Residential Schools Resolution. Archbishop Peers stated, “Learning from our involvement in the schools has been costly. Given that cost, for Aboriginal Canadians and for churches, it is crucial to learn this lesson only once, to learn it well and to move forward in a way that brings us to healing and trust.”
The exhibit is at the National Archives Building in Ottawa until February 2003. A parallel exhibit will be traveling to several Canadian cities in the coming months.
A Just and Effective Alternative Dispute Resolution Process
The federal government is now facing more than 11,000 claims from former residential schools students, and to date only about 530 cases have been settled, mostly through pre-trial settlements or alternative dispute resolution (ADR) processes. Given this large number of claims and the typically slow pace at which litigation unfolds, the government and the churches who are listed as co-defendants in many of these claims have said they are committed to working with Indigenous Peoples and leaders in designing a just, safe, compassionate, effective and efficient ADR process that could be made available to claimants. The process would enable claims to be resolved justly and expeditiously while maintaining high standards for validation of the claims. Representatives of the churches and government have been meeting with an aboriginal working caucus over the last several months to work on such design. In related developments, legal representatives of church and government are also involved in discussions with counsel for the claimants in Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario with the aim of developing a workable ADR process that would be made available to claimants should they chose this route.
Insistence on a serious validation process
All participants in the working caucus are committed to a serious review of each claim to ensure that it is valid, and that allegations of abuse by former staff are explored in a just and honest manner.
General Synod believes that an ADR approach can provide opportunities for addressing claims in a way that is less traumatic for claimants and provides some hope for restorative justice. While ADR settlements are not likely to be less expensive than litigation, the ADR process typically provides for speedier resolution of claims and avoids the harsh, adversarial setting of the courtroom. General Synod is committed to pursuing alternatives to litigation where possible, acting justly in litigation, and continuing to work for reconciliation among First Nations and non-aboriginal Canadians.
While General Synod is supportive of an ADR process as a substitute for litigation, it continues to have some concerns related to this approach. In particular, it is concerned that its resources be used to benefit survivors rather than have these used up in paying for ADR process costs, which can be considerable. The government has insisted that the churches contribute 30% of the costs of ADR processes. The church is concerned that it cannot meet these costs within its existing financial resources.
Negotiations with Government
Significant progress has been made since January, when government and Anglican representatives began bi-lateral negotiations over residential schools liability. In the 11 sessions that have taken place, there has been resolution on many aspects of an eventual draft agreement. (Any draft agreement reached by the negotiators would be forwarded for approval to the Officers of General Synod and the 11 dioceses named in the litigation; also, all dioceses would be approached for their support.) However, there are still a limited number of difficult issues that remain unresolved. At this stage, legal counsel for both sides are working on possible solutions. It is clear from the progress that has been made that both parties want an agreement, as it would facilitate resolution of claims.
From an Anglican perspective, an agreement would mean that funds would be directed to survivors of abuse rather than being used up for legal costs. In addition, it would facilitate the work of healing and reconciliation which continues to be our primary goal. As well, it would move us closer to more positive relations between the church and First Nations.
Without an agreement, General Synod may face extinction and there will be a need for a new national expression for Canadians of the Anglican faith. For dioceses across the country, both for those named as defendants and those that aren’t, the impact would likely be several years of chaos until such a new national expression was stabilized. Failure to reach an agreement also means that the church will have lost an important opportunity to address past harms and injustices.
While there is definitely a sense of urgency for the church and government to reach agreement, the Anglican negotiating team remains steadfast in its resolve that any draft agreement reached must be just and humane for residential school survivors and allow for the long-term viability of General Synod and the dioceses in fulfilling their mission.
Implications of Possible Agreement with the Government
If we are able to reach agreement, here are some of the implications for us:
Settlement funds will reach victims of abuse, and will not be used for our legal costs
One of the major concerns is that the present litigation process means that the legal process consumes most of our resources, with little if any actually available for those who suffered abuse. One survey a year ago indicated that less than 2% of amounts expended by dioceses and General Synod on the residential schools issue had reached victims.
A draft agreement reached by the negotiators will be subject to the approval of the General Synod Officers, the Officers of the Missionary Society and those dioceses facing litigation. Other dioceses will need to indicate their support.
Some consultations have been held with dioceses and members of the negotiating team in the past month or so, and others are planned. Once an agreement is reached, there will be intensive consultation with all dioceses in an attempt to secure their support. Members of the negotiating team include: Archbishop David Crawley, Archdeacon Jim Boyles, Archdeacon Larry Beardy, Jim Cullen, General Synod Treasurer, and lawyers Bob Falby, Jerome Slavik, John Page and Peter Whitmore.
All dioceses involved, those facing litigation and those not, will be asked to participate with financial contributions
General Synod, the Missionary Society and dioceses will be requested, and expected, to contribute and assist in resolving the issue and stemming the drain on finances caused by litigation costs in eleven dioceses as well as in General Synod. As yet, the amount has not been determined.
Administration of a Settlement Fund will be in the hands of an Anglican body
Anglicans will make payments directly to Indigenous Peoples whose claims have been validated. This is not ‘paying the government’.
There will be an acknowledgement of our participation in, and responsibility for, operation of the residential schools
Although there are many complexities, Anglican bodies were involved in the operation of approximately 26 schools up until 1969. The courts have reached different decisions as to the church’s proportion of responsibility, and the government has unilaterally decided that the church’s proportion is 30%. There may be further debate on this decision, but it is unlikely that our responsibility will be found to be zero.
Claims of sexual and physical abuse will be processed first
The government hopes to resolve the vast majority of these claims by alternative dispute mechanisms or in pre-trial settlements. Only a few may actually reach court. Sexual and physical abuse are provable ’causes of action’ and can be determined on the facts.
Claims solely for loss of culture and language will be subject to court decision
These claims are not at present recognized ’causes of action’ and both church and government do not think they should be for a variety of legal reasons. The church’s position is that the loss of culture and language is to be deplored, and needs to be remedied through a programmatic response.
Government and church are committed to programmatic responses to claims relating to loss of culture and language
The government, through several existing programs, provides funds for recovery of language and culture. The Anglican Healing Fund has also made grants for these purposes. The government has indicated that it is reviewing its programs in these areas and is considering expanding them.
If No Agreement is reached with the Government
If we are not able to reach an agreement, General Synod and several dioceses may not be able to survive. Here are some of the implications for us:
Ongoing litigation
Eleven dioceses and General Synod will remain in litigation with ongoing legal and research costs, spreading over many years. There are several trials now scheduled for 2003, and at least one for the fall of 2002.
Minimal or no participation in ADRs
It will continue to be difficult for General Synod and the dioceses to participate in these processes since the government expects us to contribute 30% of quite large process costs, as well as 30% of any awards. Our policy at the moment is to make no commitment to such contributions and therefore we do not participate. We are, however, willing to have an observer present if requested by the claimants, and we have offered to meet with those whose claims have been validated to consider whether a contribution is possible.
Increasing tension between church, government and Aboriginal Peoples
No agreement means that resolution will be much more difficult and slow. Some claimants may settle for 70% paid by government and not pursue the churches further. Others may refuse to settle unless the church’s 30% is available. There will be continued hard feelings and the church will be perceived as shirking its responsibility.
Current Number of Claims
There has been some confusion as to the numbers of claims facing the Anglican bodies. In Update #10 of June, 2001 we reported 1195 claims, of which one-third resulted from government action in naming General Synod as a third party. As of March 2002, the number of claimants has risen to 1350. Approximately one-third are the result of government third party action. The government has also indicated that it has on hand another few hundred claims received since last July. In most of these cases it has deferred naming the Anglican bodies as third parties, pending the outcome of the negotiations.
In only one case has a diocese been named in claims but not General Synod, and those claims involve the Mohawk Institute in Brantford, Ontario, in the Diocese of Huron. The New England Company, a missionary society in England, originally owned this school, but the Company entered into an agreement with the government in about 1927 under which the government operated the school and agreed that it would continue to have an Anglican identity. The Missionary Society of General Synod had no involvement, and it seems that the Diocese also had no involvement, although it continues to be named as a defendant.
Financial Update on General Synod
For the first six months of 2002, General Synod’s legal and research costs related to residential schools were $596,000. We continue to draw these funds from our assets while ongoing contributions from dioceses are used for ongoing programs. By the end of the year, the available assets will have diminished significantly, and the Council of General Synod in November will have to assess the situation as they face a decision about the 2003 budget.
The dioceses facing litigation are in the same position, spending on litigation while attempting to maintain ongoing work. For some of them, it will be a challenge to maintain their General Synod contribution at previous levels. To date, however, the dioceses are meeting their commitments for 2002, and indeed remittances are running ahead of previous years.
Litigation Update
The residential schools claims are very slowly making their way through the legal system. There is one trial scheduled for Saskatchewan in November, and a few scheduled for 2003. Of particular interest are two actions in which we are involved:
Calgary Motion
In May, the Dioceses of Calgary and Athabasca and General Synod asked the court to remove them from litigation in Alberta, claiming that the only legal corporation involved in residential school work was the Missionary Society (MSCC). A decision has not been issued yet.
Mowatt Appeal
The BC Court of Appeal has set January 20, 2003 to hear five appeals all related to residential schools, including the Mowatt case involving St. Georges school, Lytton BC.
Contingency Planning
While the expectation is that General Synod and the dioceses will be able to reach an equitable and workable agreement with the government, General Synod has also been developing contingency plans in case one is not achieved. These plans focus on how important programs and services may be provided to the whole church, should General Synod itself cease to exist.
Ecumenical Work
Though the ecumenical group that had represented the four churches in residential school negotiations with the government disbanded in January, representatives from the churches have stayed in touch and consulted from time to time. The Roman Catholic coordinating committee that had been negotiating on behalf of 33 Roman Catholic organizations named in litigation, has since disbanded and advised the government to be in touch directly with each of their organizations.
National Day of Healing and Reconciliation, August 5, 2002
An initiative of some aboriginal people, this day has been selected to highlight the needs and opportunities for healing and reconciliation both in aboriginal communities and beyond. Their website, http://ndhrcanada.visions.ab.ca/index.htm concludes with this call: “Join us to heal the past and create a stronger future for all of Canada.”
First Nations Governance Act
On June 14, 2002, Indian Affairs Minister Robert Nault tabled Bill C-61, commonly referred to as The First Nations Governance Act. It has met with strong opposition from Indigenous Peoples who see the legislation as threatening their struggle for self-governance, autonomy and self-determination. The Anglican Council of Indigenous Peoples, with the support of General Synod, plans to continue its advocacy efforts in opposition to this legislation.
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For further information, kindly contact Archdeacon Jim Boyles at [email protected] or 416-924-9199 ext 280.
Distributed to:
Archbishops and Bishops
Members of Council of General Synod
Members of Anglican Council of Indigenous Peoples
Chairs of committees
General Synod staff
Posted to www.anglican.ca
Enclosed with MinistryMatters
Key to abbreviations: U = university or college; T = theological college; R = residence; D = distance education; I = indigenous education.
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Anglican Studies
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In 1969, the church ended a century of running residential schools. It also committed to a new relationship with Indigenous peoples, heeding Charles Hendry’s call (Beyond Traplines), for a partnership based on solidarity, equality and mutual respect.
Since that turning point, the church has slowly grown into its solidarity role, supporting our political struggles for self-determination, recognition of treaty and land rights, and respect for Mother Earth.
For 47 years we have had Indigenous staff at the national office. Our council has found its voice and strength, and become the Anglican Council of Indigenous Peoples. Since 1989, fourteen Indigenous bishops have been elected; 10 First Nations, 3 Inuk and two Métis. Six are now retired; they are Charles Arthurson, Gordon Beardy, Benjamin Arreak, Andrew Atagoaaluk, Thomas Corston and Paul Idlout.
In 1994 and in 1997, we responded joyfully to God’s sacred call and covenanted together to work for self-determination within the church. That New Covenant was accepted by the Anglican General Synod.
Through three national convocations (1988, 1993, and 1997) we reclaimed our identity as Indigenous Anglicans, and began to share and heal our pain from the residential schools. In 1993 we accepted from the Primate, Archbishop Michael Peers, an apology from the church for the residential-school system. Since 2000, five national Sacred Circles have been held with focus on healing, moving toward self – determination, finding and sharing our Indigenous voice and developing a true partnership with the Anglican Church of Canada.
In a March of 2003, leaders of the Anglican Church from across Canada and Federal officials ratified an agreement that detailed the payment of compensation to victims with valid claims of sexual and physical abuse at Anglican-run residential schools. The All – Parties Settlement Agreement came later in 2005.
Also, in August of 2005, The Sacred Circle issued the Pinawa Declaration:
Given the crisis in our communities and to insure the survival of Anglicanism in our territories, we call for the election and consecration of 15 aboriginal bishops within one year. These missionary bishops will be based in major southern cities and in the north. Each bishop is to be elected in a region. Each bishop will be supported spiritually and monetarily by aboriginal people, sharing justly in the historic, invested wealth of The Anglican Church of Canada. These bishops will be full Anglican bishops treated as equals of non-aboriginal bishops. They are to be welcoming of aboriginal traditions, teachings, and ceremonies.
The Anglican Council of Indigenous Peoples began the search for the National Indigenous Anglican Bishop (NIAB) in 2005. After several interviews, The Rt. Rev. Mark MacDonald (Wendat) was called to be the first NIAB. He started this ministry in the spring of 2007 and was installed at the General Synod of 2007 in Winnipeg. The Elder’s of Indigenous Ministry gave him five charges:
To speak for Indigenous Anglican People in the Councils of the Church
To interpret what the Councils of the Church are saying to Indigenous people
To be a spokesperson for Mother Earth
To act as a midwife for a self-determining Indigenous Church
To represent the authority of Indigenous identity with in the Anglican Church of Canada
The Rev. Barbara Andrews (Enoch Cree) was elected Bishop of the Anglican Parishes of the Central Interior, now Territory of the People, in June of 2009.
“In what was described as an ‘historic moment’, the General Synod of the Anglican Church of Canada has approved the introduction of a new canon (church law) that firmly established a self-determining national indigenous ministry within the church. The resolution to establish Canon 22 was passed at General Synod 2010 in Halifax.
In March of 2010, The Ven. Lydia Mamakwa (Oji – Cree) was elected Bishop for the area mission of Northern Ontario.
Bishop Lydia Mamakwa and Bishop Mark MacDonald worked together to establish the Spiritual Ministry of Mishamikoweesh, a new diocese in the Anglican Church of Canada. This was approved by General Synod in 2013 and Lydia was installed as the first bishop in June of 2014.
In 2012, the Ven. Adam Halkett (Cree), was elected area bishop of Missinipi (Northern Saskatchewan).
At the General Synod of 2013, Canon 22 as amended, was also passed. This Canon solidified the Office of the National Indigenous Anglican Bishop and the ministry toward Indigenous self-determination.
The 8thSacred Circle in the summer of 2015, agreed to move forward with self – determination and endorsed the idea of a Fifth province or an equivalent within the Anglican Church of Canada. Sacred Circle asked the Anglican Council of Indigenous Peoples, the Leadership Circle, and the Office of the National Indigenous Anglican Bishop to take this work forward. A Focus Group was appointed to undertake a number of tasks, including but not limited to:
Begin small, use the model of Confederacy as outlined by Ginny; separate the Office of the NIAB from Programs of Church House. The Confederacy model develops at least three Indigenous regional area missions, with bishops and funds to support the ministry.
Speak to Harry Huskins regarding incorporation.
Work with a consultant for fundraising.
Focus on ministry to the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. Luke 14:12-14
Further define the ‘roles and duties’ of the NIAB.
Develop a Regional Model that has both Indigenous Community and Urban ministry.
Develop a financial plan to expand the office of the NIAB, to include an Archdeacon, programs funding and staff.
Develop Financial Management for capital and O&M, business plans for regions and for the national. The church is based on First Nation Sovereignty and Treaty Rights.
In December of 2016 the Corn Soup Meeting report was issued to The Focus Group for review and discussion. This report identified several points that needed to be considered as we move forward.
In March of 2017, The Corn Soup II document was issued to The Focus Group for review and discussion. This document identified priorities for the journey and set forth a budget to fully fund three regional offices.
Both were presented to ACIP for review, discussion and acceptance.
At the General Synod of 2016, Primate Fred Hiltz called for a national consultation on Indigenous ministry self – determination. In September of 2017 the consultation, “The Road to Warm Springs” was held in Pinawa, Manitoba.
The Rev. Riscylla Walsh – Shaw (Métis) was elected bishop for the Trent – Durham district, Diocese of Toronto in 2017.
In 2017, The Ven. Sidney Black (Blackfoot) was elected bishop in the Diocese of Calgary.
In 2017, The NIAB and leadership of Northern Manitoba, inspired by the “Road to Warm Springs” consultation on self – determination, resumed discussion and planning for an area mission and election of another Indigenous Bishop.
Most recently, the Rupertsland Provincial Synod unanimously approved the election of two Indigenous bishops, one for Northern Manitoba and one for Northern Ontario.
On September 24, 2018, the Ven. Isaiah “Larry” Beardy (Cree) was ordained and consecrated as the first bishop of Northern Manitoba in the Indigenous Spiritual Movement of Mishamikoweesh.
On October 12, 2018, the Rev. Geoff Woodcroft (Métis) was ordained and consecrated as the Bishop Coadjutor for the Diocese of Rupert’s Land. He became Bishop of Rupert’s Land January 5, 2019.
The Rev. Chris Harper (Cree) was ordained and consecrated Bishop of Saskatoon on November 18, 2018.
During the Arctic Synod, March 28-31, 2019, the Rev. Annie Ittoshat (Inuk), the Rev. Lucy Nester (Inuk) and the Rev. Joey Royal (Métis) were elected and consecrated suffragan bishops for the Diocese of the Arctic.
The Anglican Council of Indigenous Peoples and other Indigenous leaders are committed to further planning and discussion to restore the Circle with the self-determination vision of the Elder’s; to become and a fully Indigenous Church within the Anglican Church of Canada and walk together in partnership.
In this short video, Archbishop Fred Hiltz, Primate of the Anglican Church of Canada, talks about his October 2007 visit with the Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams.
On a cold and windy fall day a group of young infantry recruits in Wainwright, Alta. shouted “Silent Night” as they rappelled one-by-one down a 60-foot wall. At the top of the tower was their chaplain, Captain the Rev. Eric Davis, holding a video camera and cheering them on.
The executive body of General Synod is called the Council of General Synod.
Its membership is made up of the Primate, the Prolocutor, the Deputy Prolocutor, the Chancellor, bishops, clerical and lay members of General Synod elected by the General Synod on the nomination of the Provincial Caucuses, one youth member of the General Synod from each ecclesiastical province elected by General Synod on the nomination of the Provincial Caucuses, one member nominated by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada and two members nominated by the Anglican Council of Indigenous Peoples. The General Secretary of the General Synod is an ex officio member of the Council of General Synod without voting privileges.
The Council of the General Synod shall consider and report upon any matters referred to it by the Primate or the General Synod.
Council of General Synod Working Groups and Task Forces
Dismantling Racism Task Force Information on the work of the Anti-Racism Working Group of CoGS, including reports and A Charter for Racial Justice.
Governance Working Group To review the governance of General Synod with a view to enhancing the work and mission of General Synod.
Strategic Planning Working Group
The Council of General Synod established the Strategic Planning Working Group in response to the passing of Resolution A102 and Resolution A103 at General Synod 2019.
Twenty-five years ago, a shiny new green book popped up in the pew racks of Canadian Anglican churches. Some people welcomed it, some were puzzled, and others were upset. The Book of Alternative Services (BAS) was a compilation of new liturgies developed for use alongside theBook of Common Prayer (BCP), and gradually it has become the primary prayer book used within the Anglican Church of Canada.
Liturgy and Anglican Identity
A resource to encourage reflection on diversity and unity in Anglican worship. Initially developed by the International Anglican Liturgical Consultation, it now contains a study guide that is useful for parish discussion groups, to assist them in reflecting on their worship lives as a community. It is particularly helpful for thinking cross-culturally and multiculturally within communities.
Make Preparation: Liturgy Planning Notes. Authored by Paul Gibson as liturgical officer of the Anglican Church of Canada, he contributed significantly to the development of the Book of Alternative Services and Common Praise.
Reflections on Anglican Church of Canada Authorized Versions of the Bible Reflections on the Bible as a ‘translation’ book, with particular attention to the English translations that have been authorized for use for public worship in the Anglican Church of Canada, and is offered for reflection.
Thinking about worship
A list of various resources to deepen your reflection on and practice of Anglican worship.
Worship Resources Liturgical texts, calendar additions, lectionaries, seasonal and special occasion resources and indigenous liturgical resources.
Task Forces and Committees
Liturgy Task Force
The Liturgy Task Force was mandated by the General Synod 2010 to work on the revision of all contemporary language liturgical texts of the Anglican Church of Canada. The Principles for Liturgical Revision guiding their long-term work were approved by General Synod 2010 at the request of the General Synod 2007. View the rationale for liturgical revision.
The Primate, Archbishop Fred Hiltz, knows a beautiful carol when he hears one. “‘Silent Night’ has a way of bringing the whole world together,” he said, “if only for a few moments of quiet as we reflect on God’s will for love and peace throughout all nations.”
General Secretary Michael Pollesel has written a new update on the Anglican Church of Canada’s work to support the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) on residential schools. This fifth installment in the series covers these topics:
This fourth instalment in a new series of updates covers the Anglican Church of Canada’s ongoing journey towards healing and reconciliation with Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal peoples. Prepared by Archdeacon Jim Boyles, these occasional updates focus on the church’s work during the term of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) on residential schools.
This third instalment in a new series of updates covers the Anglican Church of Canada’s ongoing journey towards healing and reconciliation with Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal peoples. Prepared by Archdeacon Jim Boyles, these occasional updates focus on the church’s work during the term of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) on residential schools.
This second instalment in a new series of updates covers the Anglican Church of Canada’s ongoing journey towards healing and reconciliation with Aboriginals and non-Aboriginal peoples. Prepared by Archdeacon Jim Boyles, these occasional updates focus on the church’s work during the term of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) on residential schools.
