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

Early conversations between MCC Ontario and CPT, 1996, 1998-1999
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
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

Reports and legal documents, environmental issues, 1993-1998
Correspondence, pamphlets and news clippings, 1997-2003
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.

News clippings, 1999-2005
Dudley George shooting aftermath, 1995-1998
Coalition for a Public Inquiry into the Death of Dudley George, 1997-2001
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

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

Treaty 3 issues, 1999-2001
Treaty 3 texts
Treaty 3 delegation logbook, 2010
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

Correspondence re police misconduct at Grassy Narrows
CPT blockade orientation
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."
Posters and pamphlets
"Homeless in Kenora" story collections
Grassy Narrows miscellaneous reports and news clippings
CPT correspondence with government and corporations re Grassy Narrows protests against logging and pesticide use, 1994-1999
"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."
Ontario Independent Forest Audit Program reports, 1996 (Black Sturgeon), 1996 (Black River), 1997 (Lac Seul)
Daily blockade reports at Grassy Narrows, 24 Nov 2002-30 Mar 2003
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
Okiikida: The Warrior Society / Terrance Nelson. Letellier, Man. : Okiijida, [1997] (photocopy)
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
Grassy Narrows, 2002-2004
Note: Includes reports, news clippings, correspondence re logging and the environment
CPT reports re Grassy Narrows, 2003-2004
CPT report re trip to Grassy Narrows, 2008
CPT reports and correspondence, 2000-2002
CPT reports and correspondence, 2003
CPT delegation reports to Grassy Narrows, 1999-2003
Calendar of CPT designated delegates, 2002-2004
CPT notes and correspondence, 2003-2005, 2007
Grassy Narrows historical research, 2003-2007
Note: Also includes CPT correspondence, proposal and evaluation
Evaluation of CPT role at Grassy Narrows, 2003-2005
Anishinaabe Peace and Justice Coalition of Kenora, 2004
Violent crime and Indigenous people in Kenora, 2002-2005
CPT Kenora team notes, 2004
Kenora news clippings, 2005
Reports and other writings, 1978, 1996, 2005-2010, 2016
Correspondence from Trout Lake Namekosipiiw Anishinaapek re Kenora Project, 2005
Kenora Resource Team, "Respecting the Challenge project: resource guide for victims in Kenora," 2009
Northwest Community Legal Clinic information, 2006, 2011
"Native Land Rights Now!" action at Queen's Park, Toronto in September 2007, 2007-2008
Healing cross-cultural relationships workshop, Red Lake, 2005
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

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
Mi'kmaq reports, 1987, 1998, 2000
Burnt Church video logs, 2000-2004
CPT delegation to Elsipogtog First Nation, 2013

Series 8: British Columbia

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.
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.
United Nations reports on racial discrimination in Canada, 2002
Fishing rights disputes, 2003-2005
Abbotsford International Airshow peace witness, 2000
Miscellaneous correspondence, 2005
Note: Includes correspondence on Sun Peaks, logging on Haida Gwaii, Tahltan band office occupation in Telegraph, BC
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

CPT correspondence re Algonquin uranium mining protest, 2007
CPT Algonquin project log, 2007-2008
Blockade of uranium mining exploration, 2007-2008
Court documents, 2007-2008
Complaint against Superior Court judge, 2008
Gathering of Mother Earth Protectors, 2008
Note: This was a rally for Indigenous land rights at Queen's Park in Toronto, May 26, 2008
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)
News clippings, 2007-2008

Series 10: Haudenosaunee (Six Nations)

Note: Associated places include Brantford and Caledonia

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

Series 11: Miscellaneous activities

Non-violent direct action workshop at Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug (Big Trout Lake), 2008
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.
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
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).
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
Mishkeegogamang/Saugeen blockade, 2004-2005
Algonquins of Barriere Lake, 2001, 2008-2010
Mohawk communities, 2007-2009
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.
Oneida home demolitions, Syracuse, NY, 2000, 2002
First Nations governance legislation (Bill C-61), 2001-2002
Innu land claims, 2000
St. Raphael Signature Site, 2004-2005
Sioux Lookout Anti-Racism Committee, 2005
Canada's endorsement of UNDRIP, 2007-2008, 2010
Friends of the Lubicon, 1993-2004
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

Israel-Palestine, 1997-2004
Hebron Delegation, 1999-2002
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.

Mennonite Central Committee papers on Indigenous issues
Articles and pamphlets
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.*