Sunday, 20 January 2013

Chief Spence on a Symbolic Fast


    
Canadian Unitarians for Social Justice
A national faith-based organization founded in support of Unitarian values
P.O. Box 40011, Ottawa, ON, K1V 0W8
President, Rev. Frances Deverell                                                                          president@cusj.org


2013 01 19

Prime Minister Stephen Harper,
80 Wellington Street
Ottawa, ON K1A 0A2

The Hon. John Duncan
Minister, Aboriginal and Northern Affairs,
House of Commons
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0A6

Governor General David Johnston
1 Sussex Drive
Ottawa, ON, K1A 0A1


Dear Prime Minister and Governor General;

I am writing again to support Chief Spence in her appeal to have the two of you meet together with First Nations leaders to address the long-standing justice issues for First Nations people in Canada.  Unitarians across Canada are very concerned about the well-being of Chief Spence as her body weakens.  To allow her to die in this cause would be a travesty when we should be moving forward on these issues without being forced.

Whatever your thoughts about her person or her tactics, clearly, she is on a symbolic fast that is having a powerful effect on the First Nations people of all ages and in all locations.  The fish broth was used by First Nations to survive when there was no food during a harsh winter.  Our First Nations people have been fasting for a very long time – through multiple generations.  They are fighting for their very survival as unique peoples and cultures.  This is a situation that is beyond the usual politics and as Canadians, we need to be transformed in our attitudes.

I appeal to you today.  Take appropriate steps to bring Canadians into right relations with our First Nations.  Begin the negotiations for economic, cultural and environmental justice.  Don’t let this opportunity for change turn into a tragedy with repercussions for years to come.


In faith and prayer,


Rev. Frances Deverell,
President, Canadian Unitarians For Social Justice
613-747-7584


cc First Nations groups
Media release
Idle No More

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