Christian Peaceamaker Teams

Classification scheme:

XV-90

Title: Christian Peacemaker Teams (Canada) fonds

Dates of creation: 1978-2013; predominantly 1990-1995

Physical description: 1.02 m of textual materials ; 1 optical disc ; ca. 360 photographs : digital

Administrative history: Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT) grew out of a call in the 1980s to Mennonite and Brethren in Christ churches to establish a non-violent, volunteer peacekeeping force. A steering committee was formed, and CPT was formally organized in 1987 with a head office in Chicago. The Church of the Brethren joined the Mennonite Church and General Conference Mennonite Church as CPT sponsors in 1986, but the Mennonite Brethren and Brethren in Christ withdrew their sponsorship. Friends United Meeting joined as a sponsor in 1996. Mennonite Church Canada is also a sponsor.

In 1990  in Ontario, a group in solidarity with the Innu people was organized; this group would eventually become CPT-Ontario in 1997, with Doug Prichard as part-time staff person. This office has been mostly based in Toronto. At the request of Mennonite Central Committee Ontario, CPT-Ontario began responding to violence affecting Indigenous communities in Ontario. Its work soon spread to other provinces. CPT's work in Canada continues to be based around expressions of solidarity with Indigenous peoples.

Custodial history: Files transferred from Christian Peacemaker Teams (Canada) in 2016. The Archives is the official repository for this organization.

Scope and content: The fonds has been organised into 13 series. The first series contains formational documents. Series 2 through 10 group together files documenting significant CPT interactions with specific Indigenous communities. Series 11 and 12 contain miscellaneous files of CPT activities, and series 13 consists of miscellaneous grey literature resource materials collected by CPT (Canada).

Notes: Archival description created 2017-2018 by Laureen Harder-Gissing with assistance from Paulina Hem. See the Milton Good Library catalogue for CPT annual reports and other published materials.
 

File list:

Series 1: Minutes and correspondence

  1. Early conversations between MCC Ontario and CPT, 1996, 1998-1999
  2. Aboriginal Justice Team minutes, 2008-2009
    Note: For additional CPT Ontario minutes see XIV-3.43/6 MCC Ontario Peace and Social Concerns Committee fonds
  3. First Nations contact lists

Series 2: Nawash

Note: Associated names and places not evident in the file titles include Chippewas of Nawash, Chippewas of Saugeen, Saugeen Ojibway, Nawash Ojibway, Cape Croker, Owen Sound

  1. Reports and legal documents, environmental issues, 1993-1998
  2. Correspondence, pamphlets and news clippings, 1997-2003
  3. Freedom of Information request correspondence, 2000

Series 3: Ipperwash

Note: Associated names and places not evident in the file titles include Kettle and Stony Point First Nation. See also MCC Ontario "Dudley George shooting and Ipperwash inquiry" file, XV-14.3.20.3/27.

  1. News clippings, 1999-2005
  2. Dudley George shooting aftermath, 1995-1998
  3. Coalition for a Public Inquiry into the Death of Dudley George, 1997-2001
  4. Ipperwash Inquiry, 1999-2005
    Note: Includes notes on the MCC Ontario Ipperwash consultation, 2004-2005

Series 4: Caldwell

Note: Associated names and places not evident in the file titles include Caldwell First Nation, Blenheim, Chatham-Kent

  1. Research, news clippings, reports and correspondence re Caldwell land claim, 1998-2005

Series 5: Treaty 3

Note: Associated names and places not evident in the file titles include Lake-of-the-Woods, Buffalo Point First Nation, Anishinaabe, Grassy Narrows First Nation, Saulteaux, Kenora, North-West Angle Treaty, Ojibwa

  1. Treaty 3 issues, 1999-2001
  2. Treaty 3 texts
  3. Treaty 3 delegation logbook, 2010
  4. Treaty 3 commemoration medals, 1998
    Note: This file consists of two identical medals presented to CPT by Indigenous groups. The medals depict a government official and a Saulteau leader shaking hands, surrounded by the text "Treaty No.3 October 3, 1998 125 years October 3, 1873." The back of each medal contains the text "Presented by Canada in commemoration of 125 years of Treaty No. 3."

Series 6: Asubpeeschoseewagong Netum Anishnabek (Grassy Narrows) and Kenora

  1. Correspondence re police misconduct at Grassy Narrows
  2. CPT blockade orientation
  3. Anishinabeg writings, 2011
    Note: File includes poems titled "Aspens fall amongst us," "A response to the news of the agreement creating Mitigook," "Faster faster more," "Simple simple frugal frugal," "You got no equity; we all revise history," and "The huge, huge trees." Several of the poems are attributed to Charles Wagamese. Also includes a document titled "A Freedom Plan."
  4. Posters and pamphlets
  5. "Homeless in Kenora" story collections
  6. Grassy Narrows miscellaneous reports and news clippings
  7. CPT correspondence with government and corporations re Grassy Narrows protests against logging and pesticide use, 1994-1999
  8. "Treaty and Aboriginal rights research information package, 1998," Grand Council Treaty #3.
    Note: Note on cover of second copy (not kept) reads "Leadership info: CPT delegation Kenora/Grassy Narrows, Aug 2009."
  9. Ontario Independent Forest Audit Program reports, 1996 (Black Sturgeon), 1996 (Black River), 1997 (Lac Seul)
  10. Daily blockade reports at Grassy Narrows, 24 Nov 2002-30 Mar 2003
  11. Delegation to Grassy Narrows log, 2003
    Note: Also includes information on the occupation of Anishinabe Park (Anicinabe Park), Kenora, and other correspondence, reports and news clippings
  12. Okiikida: The Warrior Society / Terrance Nelson. Letellier, Man. : Okiijida, [1997] (photocopy)
  13. Grassy Narrows/Kenora, 2003-2004, 2011
    Note: Includes various project proposals and review of CPT team, logging and environmental issues in Grassy Narrows, racism and violence reports
  14. Grassy Narrows, 2002-2004
    Note: Includes reports, news clippings, correspondence re logging and the environment
  15. CPT reports re Grassy Narrows, 2003-2004
  16. CPT report re trip to Grassy Narrows, 2008
  17. CPT reports and correspondence, 2000-2002
  18. CPT reports and correspondence, 2003
  19. CPT delegation reports to Grassy Narrows, 1999-2003
  20. Calendar of CPT designated delegates, 2002-2004
  21. CPT notes and correspondence, 2003-2005, 2007
  22. Grassy Narrows historical research, 2003-2007
    Note: Also includes CPT correspondence, proposal and evaluation
  23. Evaluation of CPT role at Grassy Narrows, 2003-2005
  24. Anishinaabe Peace and Justice Coalition of Kenora, 2004
  25. Violent crime and Indigenous people in Kenora, 2002-2005
  26. CPT Kenora team notes, 2004
  27. Kenora news clippings, 2005
  28. Reports and other writings, 1978, 1996, 2005-2010, 2016
  29. Correspondence from Trout Lake Namekosipiiw Anishinaapek re Kenora Project, 2005
  30. Kenora Resource Team, "Respecting the Challenge project: resource guide for victims in Kenora," 2009
  31. Northwest Community Legal Clinic information, 2006, 2011
  32. "Native Land Rights Now!" action at Queen's Park, Toronto in September 2007, 2007-2008
  33. Healing cross-cultural relationships workshop, Red Lake, 2005
  34. Kenora Project, 2005
    Note: This file consists of an optical disc containing digital files (text and image) related to the Kenora Project. Most files have been copied in PDF/A and .jpg formats to the Archives server.

Series 7: Esgenoopetitj (Burnt Church) and Elsipogtog

  1. Papers and correspondence, 1999-2001, 2005
    Note: Includes copy of "Gunboat diplomacy: Canada's abuse of human rights at Esgenoopetitj (Burnt Church, New Brunswick)," Christian Peacemaker Teams, February 2001
  2. Mi'kmaq reports, 1987, 1998, 2000
  3. Burnt Church video logs, 2000-2004
  4. CPT delegation to Elsipogtog First Nation, 2013

Series 8: British Columbia

  1. CPT exploratory delegation to British Columbia, 2002
    Note: The delegation met with people involved in conflicts over the development of ski resorts at Sun Peaks and Melvin Creek and Fraser River fisheries.
  2. Sun Peaks Resort expansion, 1999-2002
    Note: Includes opposition to the Sun Peaks Resort expansion by the Lakes Secwepemc (Shuswap) peoples of Skwelkwek'welt, north of Kamloops, BC.
  3. United Nations reports on racial discrimination in Canada, 2002
  4. Fishing rights disputes, 2003-2005
  5. Abbotsford International Airshow peace witness, 2000
  6. Miscellaneous correspondence, 2005
    Note: Includes correspondence on Sun Peaks, logging on Haida Gwaii, Tahltan band office occupation in Telegraph, BC
  7. Tar Sands pipelines impact, 2011-2012

Series 9: Algonquin

Note: Associated names not evident from file titles include Robertsville Mine, Shabot Obaadjiwan First Nation, Ardoch Algonquin First Nation, Frontenac Ventures Corporation, Anishnabek

  1. CPT correspondence re Algonquin uranium mining protest, 2007
  2. CPT Algonquin project log, 2007-2008
  3. Blockade of uranium mining exploration, 2007-2008
  4. Court documents, 2007-2008
  5. Complaint against Superior Court judge, 2008
  6. Gathering of Mother Earth Protectors, 2008
    Note: This was a rally for Indigenous land rights at Queen's Park in Toronto, May 26, 2008
  7. Notes on changes to Mining Act, 2009
    Note: In response to Bill 173 - Ontario Act to Amend the Mining Act, first reading (30 Apr 2009)
  8. News clippings, 2007-2008

Series 10: Haudenosaunee (Six Nations)

Note: Associated places include Brantford and Caledonia

  1. Correspondence re occupation of Red Hill Valley, 2003
  2. Land claims history and other information, 2008
  3. Articles, statements and news clippings on activism and Caledonia, 2006-2009
  4. Mennonite Central Committee Ontario "Justice for the Land" resources, 2007
  5. Minutes, correspondence, statements, information re Six Nations, 2008-2009
  6. Six Nations Solidarity Network, 2009-2010

Series 11: Miscellaneous activities

  1. Non-violent direct action workshop at Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug (Big Trout Lake), 2008
  2. Miscellaneous news clippings, 1997-2010
    Note: Includes several clippings on the opposition to the transporting of MOX fuel to Chalk River. Most clippings relate to military air shows, nuclear power or Indigenous issues.
  3. Indigenous issues in Saskatchewan, 1981, 1995-1996, 2000, 2002,-2003
    Note: Includes reports on the Young Chippewayan Indian Reserve #107, Sandy Bay (Pawastikuk Itinewuk people of Wasawakasik) and the Island Falls hydroelectric development, and other materials
  4. Northeastern Ontario, 2000, 2003-2004, 2009
    Note: Predominantly includes materials related to a CPT visit to northeastern Ontario in 2000. Includes information on the New Post First Nation, Wahgoshig First Nation, Nishnawbe-Aski Nation (NAN) territory, Abatibi Consolidated agreement, the Adams Mine, and the Far North Act (Bill 191).
  5. Militarism, [1995?], 1999-2003
    Note: Includes the poster "It's a sin to build a nuclear weapon," and materials on the military air show protests in Hamilton and Toronto, the Homes Not Bombs "Nonviolent Citizen's Inspection" of Diemaco in Kitchener, a response to Ernie Regehr's article "Culpable Nonviolence," the "Take down the SNC" campaign (SNC-Lavalin), the "Nix the MOX" demonstration, opposition to biohazard training at CFB Suffield, and other materials
  6. Mishkeegogamang/Saugeen blockade, 2004-2005
  7. Algonquins of Barriere Lake, 2001, 2008-2010
  8. Mohawk communities, 2007-2009
  9. Pimicikemak Cree Nation of Cross Lake and Manitoba Hydro, 1999-2002
    Note: See also Aitchison, John, Stan McKay, Helen Norrie, Arie Van Eek, Manitoba Aboriginal Rights Coalition, and Interchurch Inquiry into Northern Hydro Development. Let Justice Flow : Report of the Interchurch Inquiry into Northern Hydro Development. Winnipeg, Manitoba: Manitoba Aboriginal Rights Coalition, 2001. A copy is located in the Milton Good Library.
  10. Oneida home demolitions, Syracuse, NY, 2000, 2002
  11. First Nations governance legislation (Bill C-61), 2001-2002
  12. Innu land claims, 2000
  13. St. Raphael Signature Site, 2004-2005
  14. Sioux Lookout Anti-Racism Committee, 2005
  15. Canada's endorsement of UNDRIP, 2007-2008, 2010
  16. Friends of the Lubicon, 1993-2004
  17. Notes re racism and Indigenous peoples in Canada

Series 12: Christian Peacemaker Teams

Note: This series consists of files of the activities of the larger Christian Peacemaker Teams

  1. Israel-Palestine, 1997-2004
  2. Hebron Delegation, 1999-2002
  3. Miscellaneous CPT activities

Series 13: Grey Literature

Note: This series includes grey literature (articles, pamphlets, information packets, reports and other informally published resource materials) that do not belong in other series.

  1. Mennonite Central Committee papers on Indigenous issues
  2. Articles and pamphlets
  3. Reports and information packets
    Note: Materials with an asterisk (*) are located in the Milton Good Library
     

    Taylor, Stuart. 1991. The American journey, 1492-1992: Call to conversion: a process in response to the Quincentenary. Erie, Pa: Pax Christi USA.*

    Rethinking Columbus. Rethinking schools [special issue]. 1997. Milwaukee, Wis: Rethinking Schools Ltd.*

    Canada. 1997. Gathering strength: Canada's Aboriginal action plan. Ottawa: Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development.

    Canada. 1998. An Agenda for action with First Nations = Un plan d'action pour les Premières nations. Ottawa: Minister of Public Works and Government Services Canada = Ministre des Affaires indiennes et du Nord canadien.

    Pohl, Ann. 2000. Building international awareness on aboriginal issues. Toronto: Citizens for Public Justice.

    Canadian Union of Public Employees. [2006?]. CUPE Aboriginal Council. Ottawa: CUPE.

    Citizens for Public Justice. 1998. Wiciwetowin: walking together on the path of justice. Toronto: Citizens for Public Justice.

    Peace Brigades International. 1997. Peace Brigades International North America Project: Making Space for Peace: the NAP Reader, 1992-1997. Toronto: Peace Brigades International.

    Grand Council of the Crees (of Quebec). 2001. Pushed to the edge of extinction: racism against indigenous peoples in Canada. Nemaska, Québec: Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istchee).

    Aboriginal Rights Coalition (Project North). 2000. Indigenous perspectives of jubilee: "start from Mother Earth". Ottawa: Produced by the Aboriginal Rights Coalition (Project North).

    Bianchi, Ed. 2000. Restoring right relations: educating for jubilee year 3. Toronto: CEJI.

    Summit on Aboriginal Economic Development: Developing Aboriginal Economies. 2008.

    AFN/INAC Joint Initiative for Policy Development. 2001. The Voice of First Nations: Planning for Change. Ottawa: The Assembly of First Nations.

    Union of Ontario Indians. Anishinabek. 5 leaves.

    Canada. 2000. Ontario treaties. [Ottawa, Ont.]: Indian and Northern Affairs Canada.*