If there’s one single area of North American life where Shalom and right relationships are most needed, the relationship between Native peoples and other North Americans is certainly in the running. And where there are broken relationships, the followers of Jesus Christ are called to be. In the US, our history with Native peoples runs parallel to Canada’s, but Canada is one step ahead in addressing the shameful past.
The survivors of the Canadian residential school system are leading the way in restoring this broken relationship. Though they often suffered physical, sexual, cultural, and emotional abuse at the hands of the Church and the Canadian government, they have chosen to seek reconciliation, setting up the Truth and Reconciliation Commission to tell their difficult stories. Come see what God is doing! The two winners of the first prize (one Canadian and one American) will win a trip to Edmonton, Canada for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
(What is the TRC? Find out more.)
If you’re between the ages of 18 and 30, you’re invited to submit a 400-800 word reflection or mixed media contribution (eg. spoken word video, Prezi presentation, poem) on one or more of the following questions to the judges panel through drowaan@crcna.org before February 21.
1. How has your perspective on Native peoples changed over the past few years? Reflect on the work God has been doing in your heart about our indigenous neighbours.
2. What interaction have you had (or not had) with Native peoples? (Which reserves or Native healing centres are near you? If you have interacted with them, how did that happen? If you haven’t been in contact with them, what do you think caused that separation between our peoples?)
3. Why does reconciliation matter to you?
A panel of judges will select the top three entries, all of which will be featured on Do Justice. Want to see some examples? Check out this example from Do Justice. Or this collection of reflections.
1st prize: One of two trips to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in Edmonton March 27-30 2014! (Including flights, accommodations, and meals.)
2nd prize: A Tribe Called Red album “Nation II Nation” (Winner of 2013 Aboriginal People’s Choice award for best pop album)
or
Cheryl Bear album “The Good Road” (Winner of several APC awards)
3rd prize: Neither Wolf nor Dog (a novel by Kent Nerburn)
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