History

Aboriginal Neighbours

MCC Canada's "Native Concerns" program began in 1974. Workers offered hands-on assistance to Aboriginal communities. Their experiences and relationships formed the basis for advocacy on justice issues.

In 1975, MCC participated in the Inter Church Task Force on Northern Flooding in Manitoba.

In 1976 MCC joined Project North, a national ecumenical body later renamed the Aboriginal Rights Coalition.

During the 1980's MCC was active in numerous struggles for the recognition of Aboriginal rights, including those of the Lubicon of Alberta, and the Innu of Labrador, and in Canadian constitutional negotiations.

During the 1990's MCC coordinated numerous learning tours and cross-cultural exchanges to facilitate understanding between Mennonite and Aboriginal peoples.

In 1998, at the invitation of Pimicikamak Cree Nation at Cross Lake, Manitoba, MCC stepped up advocacy for honourable implementation of the 1977 Northern Flood Agreement.