The archivists of The United Church of Canada, from coast to coast to coast, recognize and acknowledge that the records we hold document colonialism and oppression committed by the church and its antecedent denominations. We acknowledge that colonialism and oppression occurred not only in the past but is present today.
We acknowledge that these records hold the stories of the past, the present and the future of First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities across the land and that these communities have diverse spiritual beliefs, histories and ways of life.
Residential and day institutions operated by The United Church of Canada and by extension the archival records that document the operating of these institutions have and continue to cause irrevocable harm and suffering for the communities.
Through the repatriation of records to Indigenous communities we work towards reconciliation and living out our apologies for the reality and ongoing legacy of residential schools.
As we work towards right relations and repudiating the Doctrine of Discovery, we acknowledge the many treaties across the land and recognize that the treaties are partnerships and embody mutual respect, reciprocity and mutual responsibility. We acknowledge that many treaties are still being negotiated and some re-negotiated.
We recognize the sacred and binding nature of the Wampum covenants and the teachings they hold about relationships, alliances and mutual respect between nations.
And we acknowledge that much of the land we work and live on is unceded territory.
There is much work to be done as we move towards repairing relationships.