Tuesday of the First Week of Lent
February 28th, 2023
Call to Action: 50
50. In keeping with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, we call upon the federal government, in collaboration with Aboriginal organizations, to fund the establishment of Indigenous law institutes for the development, use, and understanding of Indigenous laws and access to justice in accordance with the unique cultures of Aboriginal peoples in Canada.
Suggestions for Almsgiving
The 2023 Lenten Calendar is a project of CTA's Indigenous Solidarity Collective, a working group that addresses the Catholic Church's historical and current role in colonialization. To support more projects from working groups like this one, please consider making a contribution!
Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2023
Equity for Aboriginal People
in the Legal System
Call To Action's 2023 Lenten Calendar is a collaboration between the Indigenous Solidarity Collective and Anti-Racism Team (ART). This calendar provides more than 40 days of prayer and study to lead members into action and solidarity with Indigenous communities. For holy days and Sundays during Lent, we'll publish a reflection from an ART or Indigenous Solidarity Collective member on why we're committed to undoing racism and Indigenous oppression in our own communities and biases and what it means to do this work as Catholics. Following each meditation or reflection, we will feature a call to action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada.
"An all-embracing justice system and tribal court pursues peace… Indigenous thinking contributes to peace. We have decided as humans to move toward peace, but we have to keep applying restorative justice in how we do business.” Joseph Flies-Away; Hualapai Nation Chief Judge
These days, one doesn't have to look too hard to find harmful and discriminatory laws. Our Western systems of justice have so much need for reform. Think of how much better they would be if that reformation process truly welcomed a larger variety of voices at the table, and incorporated restorative practices that lead to the flourishing of Indigenous communities with which they are in relationship. Indigenous voices are critical to this process, and they have a right to contribute to, practice, and create pathways to justice on a tribal and federal level in an accessible way.
As we pray and fast this Lent, may we use this time to reflect on the type of peace and justice we are yearning for and widen our view to include the wisdom and needs of others.
—Meditation by Indigenous Solidarity Collective member Revalon Wesson
As part of your Lenten practice, please consider donating to one or more of the
following organizations: