"From Truth to Reconciliation"

Today in the mail, I received my copy of "From Truth to Reconciliation - Transforming the Legacy of Residential Schools", published by the Aboriginal Healing Foundation in Ottawa http://www.ahf.ca/ It's free for the asking, measures 8 1/2 x 11 inches, has over 425 pages, is one-inch thick, and weighs five pounds. It was prepared for the AHF by Marlene Brant Castellano, Linda Archibald and Mike DeGagne, and is, I would think, required reading for those of us who believe we must come to terms with moving from the very difficult history of residential schools, through the truth-telling of the Truth & Reconciliation Commission, towards the beginning of new, equally shared, and healthy relationships between Canada's Indigenous Peoples and the rest of us. Those of us who consider ourselves worshipping members of the four Christian churches who share in this history, will, I hope, have a special desire to try to work through this past experience towards being able to stand in solidarity with Indigenous Peoples who may worship with us in churches, or who follow their own traditional spiritual path. My prayer is that the Creator may walk with us and give us strength and courage to begin this healing journey together.

Aboriginal Grannies Vigil in Peterborough

Today, three of us went to stand in solidarity with the Aboriginal Grannies vigil outside MPP Jeff Leal's office at City Centre, King Street, in downtown Peterborough, Ontario. Audrey said a prayer and sang a song to support the people jailed for trying to protect their land at Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwag First Nation (the KI 6) in north-western Ontario, and in Algonquin territory near Ottawa, Ontario. If you want to join us, just show up outside Jeff Leal's office on Wednesdays at 2:00 p.m. You don't have to say or do anything - just be present, in solidarity with Aboriginal women who believe that praying and singing to the Creator provides a path towards peace and gives strength to those who must suffer incarceration as a result of unjust court systems.

Jean Koning
Peterborough
April 9/08