Canadian Friends issue statement
Canadian Friends urge people to consider how celebrations of 150 years since Confederation ‘impact our Indigenous partners and friends’
As Canada celebrated 150 years since Confederation last weekend, the Canadian Friends Service Committee (CFSC) encouraged people to ‘give some thought to how these celebrations impact our Indigenous partners and friends’.
The statement noted: ‘Indigenous Peoples have lived and exercised sovereignty over the territory of what is now Canada for far longer than 150 years and this past must be acknowledged…
‘The confederation of what we call Canada is founded on fraud and the theft and plunder of Indigenous territories, and many ongoing violations of the human rights of Indigenous Peoples have yet to be resolved.’
CFSC offered an adapted version of Canadian Friends’ Advices & queries 11: ‘Be honest with this nation state called Canada. What unpalatable truths might we be evading? When we recognise shortcomings, do not let that discourage you. In worship together we can find the assurance of the Creator’s love and the strength to go on with renewed courage towards a future where the rights and dignity of all peoples are respected.’
You need to login to read subscriber-only content and/or comment on articles.