This Network began as the “Living into Right Relations Committee” following a General Council initiative in 2008. Every former Conference (regional church body) was invited to invite 3 Indigenous and 3 non-Indigenous people to work together in living out the apologies and encourage participation in the hearings being held by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), which concluded in 2015. Read on for an invitation for today; and invitation to action; and to learn about our roots.
We invite you to:
Like our Facebook page
Identify a Witness in your faith community (click here to learn more about this)
Use the many videos, books, and other resources that Indigenous artists and writers have created, including resources, events, and actions shared in the newsfeed directly below;
Invite Indigenous speakers to help challenge racism and white privilege, and appreciate the gifts of Indigenous peoples.
Mark Indigenous History Month (June); Orange Shirt Day (September 30) and other important moments by committing to highlighting Indigenous justice and voices in your circles.
Our hearts are strong.
To sign up to be a Witness, join the newsletter list, and to connect with the Network, please contact the network through its staff supports:
Julie Graham, Northern Spirit, jgraham@united-church.ca
Chris Mah Poy, Chinook Winds, ChrisMahPoy@united-church.ca
Being Good Relations news and resources
Regional statement on Cowessess First Nation’s announcement of 751 graves
Northern Regional Council of The United Church of Canada mourns with the community of Cowessess First Nation and all Indigenous communities on the announcement of the 751 graves found at the former...
Being Good Relations Network then and now
As of January 2019, in light of the changes in the church governance structure, we are now a network covering the province of Alberta, northeastern BC and NWT; and parts of territories of Treaties...
Invitation to action: asking Alberta to keep truth and reconciliation in the K-6 curriculum
This is an invitation to advocacy and witness for Albertans in particular, in keeping with commitments our church made to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission on Indian Residential Schools....
Letter to the Education Minister: concerns with proposed AB curriculum
Please click here for a PDF version of this letter. Related resources and background to assist you Sample letter template for your reference (Word document) Proposal from the Being Good Relations...
Sample letter re concerns about the proposed AB social studies curriculum
This is an invitation to advocacy and witness for Albertans in particular, in keeping with commitments our church made to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission on Indian Residential Schools....
Further reading on the proposed Alberta social studies curriculum
This resource accompanies Northern Spirit Regional Council's letter of concern to the Education Minister regarding the proposed K-6 curriculum and AB's commitments to the Truth and Reconciliation...
Unmarked burials and a time of mourning: resources and support
If you are a residential school or intergenerational survivor and this content is upsetting, please call the National Indian Residential School Crisis Line at 1-866-925-4419. With Indigenous...
UN Declaration learning event
Bill C-15: Step Forward or Step Back? Hearing Indigenous perspectives on the federal bill to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Tuesday, March 16, 2021:...
Ecumenical and Interfaith Leaders’ Statement on COVID
Faith leaders from across Northern Alberta, including Northern Spirit Regional Council, offer a statement and reflection on the impact of the COVID pandemic and its impacts. Please share widely in...
Being Good Relations Cluster gatherings for Northern Spirit RC
You're invited! If you’re working on decolonization, truth-telling, and reconciliation in your community or congregation, you’re invited to a time of online conversation, support, and planning....
