Attawapiskat Joint Statement - 8 Dec 2011.pdf

Below you will find a statement issued by the National Office of the United Church of Canada regarding our initial support of the Canadian Red Cross Society’s emergency response to the deplorable situation in Attawapiskat First Nation. You will also note that donations toward further support are being invited through the Emergency Needs Pool of the Justice and Reconciliation Fund of the United Church of Canada, and I sincerely trust that you will share this invitation widely through congregations and other networks.

I am also attaching (as a PDF document) a joint statement I received last evening from Amnesty International, the Canadian Friends Service Committee (Quakers), and KAIROS, concerning the conditions existing on the Attawapiskat, and many other First Nations. In this statement the authoring agencies cite the 2007 investigation of the United Nations Special Rapporteur for Human Rights, one portion of which I would respectfully like to highlight: “Overcrowded and inadequate housing conditions, as well as difficulties accessing basic services, including water and sanitation, are major problems for Aboriginal peoples. These challenges have been identified for many years but progress has been very slow leaving entire communities in poor living conditions for decades.” Once again I sincerely trust that you will share this statement widely through congregations and other networks.

You will by now be aware that a great deal of public comment has recently been generated through the media regarding the situation in the Attawapiskat First Nation – both supportively, and critically derisive. As a result you may have begun to form an opinion on one side of this commentary, or the other. Thankfully we live in a society where we are legally guaranteed the right to form our own opinions, and have those opinions respected. Regardless of whatever personal opinion you may have formed, please remember that innocent people – men, women, and children - are caught in the middle of this whole maelstrom, and are suffering the deprivation of basic human needs.

It may be that a subsequent audit may reveal some previous instances of alleged misallocation of funds. Nonetheless, the suffering and deprivation of average residents continues at this moment - here and now! Surely the saving of human lives and the restoration of basic living conditions, should take precedence over a detailed examination of prior accounting practices. Responding to a clear and present emergency does not in any sense imply exoneration for any past errors in judgment that may, or may not, have occurred. It is simply the compassionate response of people of faith, to the crucial and life-sustaining needs of other disadvantaged humans.

In determining personally how you will respond to this situation, please remember that these conditions are not confined solely to Attawapiskat First Nation. Lamentably they exist all too commonly in many First Nations right across Canada! I urge you to please take the time to acquaint yourself with the facts of this systemic and deplorable reality. In the meanwhile I also beg you to please offer all the moral advocacy and financial support you can to the Emergency Needs Pool of the Justice and Reconciliation Fund of the United Church of Canada. I sincerely thank you for your consideration and anticipated assistance.

Miigwech & zhawendaagozi.
Rev. R. Matthew Stevens
Minister for Social Justice & Right Relations,
London Conference, United Church of Canada,
matthew@londonconference.ca
Emergency Response
United Church Responds to Attawapiskat
December 8, 2011

The housing crisis in Attawapiskat is real and immediate. Sadly however, many Aboriginal communities across Canada face similar deplorable living conditions. In the long term, Canada must prevent such crises by addressing the ongoing social needs and structural obstacles that restrict the lives of Aboriginal people in this country.

The United Church of Canada is responding by

•contributing $10,000 to the Canadian Red Cross Society for immediate needs in Attawapiskat as recommended by the community of Attawapiskat itself, the Assembly of First Nations, and the ecumenical coalition KAIROS. This money comes from The Ann Baker Estate Trust Fund.
•creating a financial pool, as part of its Justice and Reconciliation Fund, to enable an immediate and effective response to emergent needs in Aboriginal communities that may arise in the future.
•continuing its advocacy with and for Aboriginal people to have the federal government meaningfully address outstanding land claims, unfulfilled treaty rights, and underfunded education and living conditions in Aboriginal communities.
Please pray for the people of Attawapiskat and others facing dire housing and infrastructure shortfalls.

We welcome support to the Emergent Needs pool of the Justice and Reconciliation Fund. You can make a donation by going to The United Church of Canada's home page (www.united-church.ca) or by going directly to the announcement (http://www.united-church.ca/communications/news/response/111208).

We also invite you to add your voice to calls for just solutions by writing the government. Visit the KAIROS website (www.Kairoscanada.org) for background information on the situation in Attawapiskat and to support the coalition’s appeal for action and support.