London Indigenous Reconciliation

Indigenous Reconciliation is an effort of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul, London to engage both the Indigenous and Vincentian community of the London area and with a welcome to all members of the Society of Saint Vincent to learn more about how we can be actively involved in reconciliation efforts with our Indigenous sisters and brothers.

As a lay Catholic organization, we have an opportunity to be part of an effort to address an unfortunate history between the Catholic church and Indigenous Peoples. However, as an organization dedicated to charity and justice and to take actions which focus on poverty in Canada, there is a direct relationship between poverty and Indigenous Peoples, at both the First Nations community and urban levels. We have the ability to help the immediate needs and advocate and act in ways that can alleviate future generational poverty.

The basic goals of this London Reconciliation effort are:

1. Create an interactive network which can enable and promote a better understanding of the many and often complex issues related to true reconciliation.
2. To gather and share educational resources for all, which include Indigenous teachings on their histories, faith traditions, laws, cultures, and concern for our shared environment.
3. To engage and welcome Indigenous participation and support in our efforts.
4. To consider an inter faith approach to reconciliation by engaging other faith traditions.
5. To develop and implement actions we can take to in our efforts regarding education, health, and the criminal justice systems.
6. To advocate for systemic change in social service structures as well as our own personal beliefs.