NATIVE
SOLIDARITY CIRCLE
The Native Solidarity Circle at Kingston Road United Church was formed
in response to the Oka crisis in 1990. A number of members of the
congregation felt a strong need to react in support of the Mohawks. The
group met, shared feelings and decided to formally declare solidarity
with Aboriginal peoples by creating the Circle.
Since 1990, the Circle has remained a small but vibrant group. Members have learned and continue to learn about historical and current struggles. Connections have been made with other Aboriginal support groups such as the Toronto Conference Aboriginal Solidarity Sharing Circle, the Pine Tree Healing Circle at Council Fire and the Friends of the Lubicon.
The Circle is committed to supporting Aboriginal initiatives. It meets on an informal basis to discuss Aboriginal issues and plan educational events for the congregation. The Circle assists First Nations people who ask for support.
The legacy of residential schools and the role of the United Church has been a primary focus. The Circle seeks to live the United Church’s apology by functioning as an educational and consciousness raising resource for the congregation at Kingston Road through special services, bulletins, special guest speakers, fund-raising events for the Healing Fund, letter writing campaigns and petitions.
Members of the congregation visited the Mohawk Institute in Brantford, which functioned as a residential school until the late 1960s. Members of the congregation are encouraged to become active members of the Circle as we journey on the road towards restoring right relations with our aboriginal brothers and sisters in Canada.
The Circle celebrates the rich cultures and many contributions and gifts Canada has received from its Aboriginal peoples and works for justice and fairness for our First Nations people.
