Below is the text of a proposed resolution for the congregation to vote on at the Congregational Meeting on May 19, 2019. At the request of members of Lummi Nation, we have been asked to be an instrument in bringing about a Truth and Reconciliation movement in the State of Washington. As this will be a statewide effort seeking public support, it is appropriate and necessary for the congregation of the Bellingham Unitarian Fellowship to vote, as one body, on supporting this movement.
In addition, this same draft or final copy will also be provided to other UU congregations throughout the State to use as a template to also create their own resolutions. If we are able to obtain a significant number of UU congregations passing similar resolutions, it may be that we can petition the PNWD and Pacific Region to support the movement not only here in the State of Washington, but elsewhere throughout out our region. Additionally, we will be taking it to GA in Spokane and presenting it in a workshop that BUF’s NACC will be putting on at that time (more information on that later).
It has been requested, that if we do pass this or a similar resolution, that we be prepared to pass it along to the Tribes and Nations of Washington State.
The resolution was drafted using BUF’s historical and ongoing support of the Tribes and Nations and a number of sources including the following (it’s highly recommend that you review these documents before commenting):
An Expression of Truth and Reconciliation From the Canadian Unitarian Council and Unitarian Universalist Ministers of Canada, March 29, 2014
As stated, this is a draft and it is open to comments and suggestions. Please contact Deb Cruz at dwcruz@comcast.netwith comments, suggestions or concerns no later than Friday, April 16, 2019.
The following dates have been set aside for informational sessions concerning the proposed resolution.
April 3, 2019 at 7:00 pm Conference Room (Completed)
April 5, 2019 at 12:00 pm Conference Room (Completed)
April 15, 2019 at 11:30 am Conference Room
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An Expression of Truth and Reconciliation
From the Bellingham Unitarian Fellowship of Washington State
There is an emerging and compelling desire to acknowledge the events of the past so that we can work towards a stronger and healthier future. The truth telling and reconciliation process is a sincere acknowledgement of the injustices and harms experienced by Indigenous peoples in Washington State and the need for continued healing. This is a profound and long-term commitment to establishing new and deepening existing relationships embedded in mutual recognition and respect that will forge a brighter future. The truth of our common experiences will help set our spirits free and pave the way to reconciliation. (Adapted from Our Mandate. Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. Schedule N of the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement (2006). http://www.trc.ca/websites/trcinstitution/index.php?p=7 (Accessed Sept 2018))
WHEREAS we recognize the inconsistency of our First Principle that states we affirm and promote “the inherent worth and dignity of every person” regarding First and American Indian Nations and recognize that this has been and continues to be denied Indigenous communities through forced relinquishing of lands and waters, and the denial and denigration of Indigenous cultural identities and continuity.
WHEREAS we recognize the necessity of and our responsibility to continue upholding the UUA 2007 “Truth, Repair and Reconciliation” Responsive Resolution that calls for congregations “to uncover our links and complicity with the genocide of native people . . . past and present, toward the goal of accountability through acknowledgment, apology, repair, and reconciliation;”
WHEREAS we recognize the necessity of and our responsibility to continue upholding BUF’s 2015 resolution supporting and the UUA Pacific Northwest District’s signing of “A Public Declaration to the Tribal Councils and Traditional Spiritual Leaders of the Native Peoples of the Northwest” calling upon us to “to uphold the treaty rights of Native communities of the Northwest . . . stand in solidarity with our Native neighbors to safeguard the traditional lands, waters, and sacred sites of their peoples;”
WHEREAS we recognize that the Bellingham Unitarian Fellowship has worked diligently over the years to acknowledge and provide support to Lummi Indian Nation and other Indigenous communities locally, regionally, nationally and internationally, but recognize also there is so much more work to be done;
Furthermore,
Be it resolved that
We, the members of the Bellingham Unitarian Fellowship as a congregation within the Unitarian Universalist Association, hereby commit to the journey of healing and reconciliation with Washington State’s Indigenous Tribes and Nations by:
Acknowledging the Nations/Tribes, their ceded and unceded traditional territories and recognizing and supporting their sovereignty and self-determination.
Committing to learn and acknowledge the historical and current impacts and consequences of actions taken by the US and Washington State governments and of our own denominational predecessors and contemporaries affecting Indigenous peoples in Washington State and beyond;
Further promoting and deepening efforts of environmental protection and restoration in order to support Indigenous people’s land, resources, and food sovereignty and acknowledge Indigenous leadershipin these areas and our shared responsibility and acting upon them;
Continuing to provide for and expanding educational opportunities for our congregation and the greater community regarding the historical and current stories and voices of our Indigenous neighbors;
Continuing to provide for a safe and welcoming space within our congregation and working to support Tribes’ sense of place within their ancestral homelands; therefore, creating a safe and welcoming space, for all to thrive, in our greater communities and
Committing to the creation and promotion of racial equity and intercultural competency, diversity and inclusion within our congregation and in our partnerships and alliances other groups and organizations.
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