Liturgy and prayers for solidarity with Indigenous Peoples
This worship resource, An Action in Solidarity with the Indigenous Peoples of Canada, was developed in 2016 in response to then-Primate Fred Hiltz’s call for all parishes to publicly read the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) on or near June 21, the National Indigenous Day of Prayer.
Styled as a liturgy, the ceremony guides communities through prayer and reflection grounded in Scripture and the principles of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC). It invites participants to listen to the voices of Indigenous peoples and respond with a commitment to justice, reconciliation and healing, offering a meaningful way for parishes to engage in reconciliation through shared worship.
Potential standalone components
Elements of this liturgy may also be used independently, including:
- A Prayer for Reconciliation
- A Collect for Covenant
- Headings from the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
- Ten Principles of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission
- Anglican Healing Fund prayer
Suggested uses
- As part of worship or sermon time on the National Indigenous Day of Prayer
- During other parish or community events focused on reconciliation and education
- In study groups exploring Indigenous-settler relations or justice issues
- For gatherings, circles of prayer or educational sessions highlighting Indigenous rights and history
Key themes
- Solidarity with Indigenous peoples
- Public commitment to reconciliation
- Prayer and worship in community
- Learning through the UNDRIP and TRC principles
Best suited for: congregations, clergy, lay leaders, reconciliation committees, study groups and communities seeking meaningful ways to pray, reflect and act in support of Indigenous peoples.