Many have heard of the “seventh generation principle”, the philosophy of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy (Iroquois). They consider the consequences of an action for the next seven generations. They also remember and recall the teachings and wisdom of the seven generations that came before them.
Being a Good Ancestor involves this perspective shift.
A good place to start, if you don’t already know, is to find out who has been living and caring for the Land you are now living on.
Metro Vancouver, the Fraser Valley and the Lower Mainland are on the traditional, ancestral and unsurrendered territories of the Tsleil-Waututh, Squamish, Musqueam, Hwlitsum, Katzie, Kwantlen, Kwikwetlem, Matsqui, Qayqayt, Semiahmoo, Tsawwassen, and Stó:lō Nations.
Consider creating your own Land Acknowledgement, and include a commitment that moves your words into actions.
When the Truth and Reconciliation Commission produced its report in June 2015 it was entitled “Honouring the Truth, Reconciling for the Future,” and it contained 94 Calls to Action, including several for churches.
Here is the link to the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation. Explore the many resources if provides: https://nctr.ca/education/
The legacy of Residential Schools has been a breakdown of family structure and caregiving abilities. The violence and prejudices of Residential Schools have become social forces that lead to harms and loss of life for many Indigenous Women and Girls. It is hard work, but explore some of the ways you can advocate and supporter those seeking to change this situation. https://www.mmiwg-ffada.ca/
Some believe the Climate Crisis can be controlled with technological solutions.
An Indigenous Perspective is that Reconciliation with the Earth, Indigenous Wisdom and Scientific Knowledge provide us a better more inclusive process. Conservation through Reconciliation is a website where you can explore this work: https://conservation-reconciliation.ca/
Reconciliation Canada was born from the vision of Chief Dr. Robert Joseph, Gwawaenuk Elder, Reconciliation Canada is leading the way in engaging Canadians in dialogue and transformative experiences that revitalize the relationships among Indigenous peoples and all Canadians. Our model for reconciliation engages people in open and honest conversation to understand our diverse histories and experiences. https://reconciliationcanada.ca/
Here is a brief list of five local organizations with whom many parishioners of the diocese have had participation: Aunt Leah's Place, Urban Native Youth Association, Coming Home Society, Warriors Against Violence, Lu'ma Housing
Connect with the Land and People of your own province! Experience BC’s diversity. With 204 Indigenous communities and more than 30 Indigenous languages, British Columbia’s six diverse and beautiful regions offer extensive authentic Indigenous experiences. Indigenous Tourism BC