Feb 27, 2006 - Jewish and Aboriginal communities strengthen ties through CJCPRInteractive Teleconference Addresses Shared Concerns
Vancouver - Jewish and First Nations leaders discussed residential schools, historical and contemporary discrimination and future opportunities for joint dialogue in a recent teleconference convened by B.C. non-governmental organization Worldviews Strategies.
The teleconference, chaired by Canadian Jewish Congress Pacific Region Chair Mark Weintraub and Chief Robert Joseph, chief of the Gwa wa enuk First Nation and a survivor of the Indian residential schools system, included Aboriginal and Jewish community leadership as well as representatives of NGOs and government.Each province and territory was represented and many social justice advocates from across Canada, the United States and Europe took part in the call to hear from Aboriginal and Jewish community leaders.
“When we speak of social justice concerns we must first speak of justice for Aboriginal people,” said Weintraub. “Our collective anti-racism work must place at the heart of our concerns the ongoing consequences of an historical massive assault against the spiritual and cultural structures of indigenous people. Our communities have a deep friendship that stems from common historical narratives, determination and hope in the face of pervasive and institutionalized racism and a connection to land that permeates our ancestral culture.”
Chief Joseph noted that the communities are natural allies. “Our pasts have defined our contemporary communities and we can build together not only to heal our spirits, but to help heal the world,” he said. “Each time we reach out to each other the darkness fades a little more.”
The PodCast of the teleconference will be available on the Canadian Jewish Congress website in the coming days. An interactive e-forum and follow up materials are available on the Worldview Strategies website www.worldviewstrategies.com under the “Teleconferences” banner.
CJC acts on matters affecting the status, rights and welfare of the Canadian Jewish community.
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For more information, please contact:
Jeff Bradshaw
Education Director
Canadian Jewish Congress, Pacific Region
604-257-5101
jeffb@cjc.ca
www.cjc.ca
