We share this letter written by our Federation Office for Systemic Justice to Prime Minister Carney to express the Federation’s deep concern about his decision to eliminate the office of the Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise (CORE) . The letter calls on the PM to reinstate “a strengthened, fully empowered CORE capable of delivering accountability and justice”.
Weekly Pause and Ponder
The Significance of National Indigenous Peoples Day
National Indigenous Peoples Day, observed on June 21 in Canada, is a time to recognize, honour, and celebrate the rich histories, cultures, traditions, languages, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. It is an opportunity to acknowledge the deep connection Indigenous peoples have with the land, waters, and all of creation, as well as the wisdom and teachings that have been passed down through generations.
This day also invites reflection on the experiences of Indigenous peoples, including the impacts of colonization, residential schools, discrimination, and the ongoing journey toward reconciliation and justice. It reminds all Canadians of the importance of listening, learning, and building respectful relationships based on understanding, dignity, and mutual respect.
National Indigenous Peoples Day is not only a celebration of Indigenous identity and resilience; it is also a call to recognize shared responsibilities in creating a future where Indigenous rights are honoured and where all peoples can walk together in healing, respect, and hope.
It is with deep admiration and respect that I acknowledge the Indigenous and Metis peoples with whom I have been privileged to journey as we work together to proclaim TRUTH by facilitating the Kairos Blanket Exercise (KBE) together as well as providing other platforms for the Truth of the harms caused by colonization.
The resiliency of these wonderful peoples is admirable, and they certainly model a people who truly wish a better future for our world.
-Sister Kathleen Lichti, CSJ
World Refugee Day - June 20, 2026
World Refugee Day is observed globally on June 20 to honour the strength, courage, and resilience of individuals who have been forced to flee their home country to escape conflict or persecution. It is an occasion to build empathy and understanding for their situations.
Ensuring protection for refugees strengthens communities, promotes stability, and saves lives. This year marks the 75th anniversary of the Geneva Convention which is the international agreement that protects the rights of refugees. This year’s theme is: “Until Everyone is Safe,” which means:
· Governments to uphold fair and accessible asylum systems,
· Donors to sustain life-giving support.
· Communities to welcome those forced to flee,
· Each of us to defend the principle that safety must never depend on nationality, wealth, race, religion, gender, political opinion or migration status.
This World Refugee Day, do your part by supporting the We’re Better Together network’s open letter and advocacy campaigns to defend asylum rights and build community-led sponsorship programs across Canada: Week of Action – We're Better Together.
“Becoming a refugee is never a choice. But how we respond is.” -António Guterres, Secretary-General, United Nations
-Sister Nancy Sullivan, CSJ
Image: Ricardo Gomez Angel/Unsplash
