December 5th “Beat the Drum” Action Update
A victory! On November 12 the federal government announced that Canada will endorse the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. This reverses its previous position, and means that Canada is no longer one of only two countries that have refused to endorse the Declaration.
The December 5 Day of Action IS going ahead. Together we can all celebrate achieving an important step. Now we need to begin to make it real. The UN Declaration invites a commitment to right relationship from all of us. Whether your Day of Action is taking place in church or as a public event, this is a chance for all Canadians to learn more about the Declaration and to break down barriers of discrimination and stereotypes.
As a new addition to the Day of Action, we’re asking people to use some of the time at your drumming event to send a Christmas or holiday card to your MP acknowledging Canada’s endorsement of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
The wording below was written by the KAIROS Indigenous Rights Circle on November 17 2010. We ask that you use it in a Christmas or holiday card to your Member of Parliament. Consider making a giant card (you can involve the children off your community in this!) and inviting everyone in your faith community or group to sign it.
If you would like to send a version of this card to your MLA/ MPP, territorial representative or local leadership too, go for it! Living out the UN Declaration is work that will be shared by all our governments and all our communities.
Have everyone on hand –of all ages! – sign the card.
Please send an email or copy of your card to
310 Dupont St, Suite 200, Toronto ON M5R 1V9
Fax: 416-463-5569
Suggested wording:
We your constituents have gathered at Name of Church or Community to drum in solidarity with Indigenous peoples in Canada and around the world. We gratefully acknowledge that Canada has endorsed the United Nations on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
We expect ongoing, full, and sincere collaboration with Indigenous peoples in Canada’s implementation of the Declaration. We anticipate receiving a report on the government’s collaborative implementation plans from you. Please send a report to Name and address of contact person.
Blessings in this Christmas Season,
[Names and signatures]
