KAIROS is committed to a new relationship with Indigenous peoples in Canada and around the globe, a relationship based on mutual respect, equity and the full realization of Indigenous peoples’ rights. Core to this commitment is the principled implementation of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
As articulated in the opening words of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission summary report, “the central goals of Canada’s Aboriginal policy were to eliminate Aboriginal governments; ignore Aboriginal rights; terminate the Treaties; and through a process of assimilation, cause Aboriginal peoples to cease to exist as distinct social, cultural, religious and racial entities in Canada.”
Residential schools were one of many devastating strategies to further these goals. Canadian governments continue to disregard, limit, and terminate Indigenous rights, such as land and Treaty rights, while Canadian past and current colonial practices are mirrored elsewhere in the world with Indigenous peoples.
KAIROS Canada is committed to truth, healing, and reconciliation for the past and Indigenous justice for the present. We support an active process of decolonization— with ourselves, our communities, our churches, and our country, building just and respectful relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. We support contributing towards the recognition of Indigenous peoples as distinct peoples and nations, with rights to land and self-determination.
Current priorities include decolonization and reconciliation education, through KAIROS Canada’s most popular teaching tool the KAIROS Blanket Exercise, implementation of the TRC Calls to Action through the campaign Winds of Change, commitment to free prior and informed consent by companies and governments, exploration of the gendered impacts of resource extraction on Indigenous women, and solidarity with Indigenous-led struggles such as justice for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and equity for First Nations’ children.
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Receive timely updates and calls to action on KAIROS’ Indigenous Rights and Winds of Change initiatives. Sign up and tick Indigenous Rights under I am interested in.
Questions? Ideas? Contact the Indigenous Rights Program Coordinator.
Key documents:
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- 94 Calls to Action (Truth & Reconciliation Commission)
- 1987 New Covenant (reaffirmed in 2007)
- Canada Day Statement
