A099 Task Force for Indigenous Justice To Increase Advocacy Groups Reflecting Creation Care and Environmental Justice Ministries
Resolved, the House of ________________ concurring,
That the 81st General Convention authorize a task force for Indigenous Justice to be formed for the following triennium. Membership in the Task Force will represent the indigenous demographic with 2 Bishops, equal number of presbyters, deacons, and laity not to exceed 16 members; and be it further
Resolved, That an initial focus of the Indigenous Justice task force be on eco-justice; and be it further
Resolved, That in the next triennium the Indigenous Justice task force will work to promote the recognition of sovereignty for Indigenous People in the negotiations of the United Nations climate summits (the Conference of Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the COPs); and be it further
Resolved, That the General Convention requests the Joint Standing Committee on Program, Budget, and Finance to consider a budget allocation (excluding meeting expense already in GCO budget) of $30,000 to primarily identify and support the media and cultural education necessary to be effective.
Explanation
There has been and continues to be a consistent call for allies to the eco-justice initiatives of Indigenous Peoples to promote the recognition of Indigenous sovereignty as demonstrated from members of the Standing Rock Lakota People protesting the Dakota Access Pipeline in 2016/2017 to Indigenous voices at COP 28 in Dubai, 2023. The Task Force will work in collaboration with TEC’s Department of Ethnic Ministries and the Office of Indigenous Ministries to champion the identified priorities.
It is consistent with the eco-justice stance of the Episcopal Church to follow the lead of Indigenous Peoples who define for themselves their justice priorities, and to act in concert with these self-defined goals.