What is the HCC?

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So, this is not my regularly scheduled content (what schedule, you ask?) but it is heathen and Canadian, so that makes it apt content for this blog. If you aren’t from Canada, that is okay. It might interest you too, or you might want to skip this one, your choice. 


What is the Heathen Confederation of Canada (HCC)? It is a newly formed organization in Canada that advocates on behalf of Canadian heathens. But before I get into the how, I want to be transparent here. I am running for the National Council. However, this isn’t a political post. I am not trying to gain any votes here. In fact, if you aren’t already a member, the cut off has passed for being eligible to vote in this first election. Instead, this post is to tell you more about this organization and why I think it is beneficial to all Canadian heathens, and why you should check it out for yourself.


If this is your first time visiting my blog and you followed the link in my candidacy bio, you are probably already a member. Please go check out some of my other posts and learn more about me. Feel free to reach out to me on Facebook or Instagram if you have any questions. If you aren’t already a member of the HCC, read on!


Onwards, to the actual content. 


The Heathen Confederation of Canada (HCC) is a non-profit organization whose purpose is to represent inclusive heathenry in Canada and abroad, to both heathen and non-heathen audiences. This is exactly why all inclusive heathens in Canada should take a look at this organization. According to the 2013 Worldwide Heathen Census there were 805 self-proclaimed heathens in Canada. Currently the membership roll of the HCC sits at a very small fraction of that number, but in order for this organization to represent the face of inclusive heathenry in Canada it needs more voices. We are a small yet diverse religion, made up of individuals, hearths, and kindreds/tribes who have many unique traditions. That makes it difficult to represent the scope of heathenry within Canada, but nevertheless it is vital that we try. Why? The main reason is that if we don’t, a vocal minority of heathens who are not inclusive in their practice will be the ones noticed by the media, and by extension the government and the people of Canada. We do not want this image to dictate our freedoms to practice our religion, because it is mistaken for a hate group. We cannot deny the somewhat questionable past of modern heathenry, but we must speak up and reclaim heathenry in Canada as an inclusive religion. 


How can the HCC help to create an inclusive face for heathenry in Canada? The simple answer is advocacy. Broken down, the HCC aims to engage with the following individuals/organizations to make this happen:


  • the media - offering an inclusive perspective when necessary to combat negative use of heathen symbols, etc. by individuals and groups that gain the public eye 

  • government officials - offering statements on behalf of inclusive heathenry where necessary for the good of Canadian heathens, engaging with lawmakers to make sure laws allow rights and freedoms to heathens and other minority groups

  • academics - acting as a point of contact that can point academics interested in studying/writing about heathenry, engaging with academics across fields in order to further the image of inclusive heathenry in Canada

  • religious groups - engaging with religious groups whether they be within heathenry or other faiths, to help build bridges of understanding


There are however, some things that are contrary to the purpose of the HCC which may come as a surprise to people deciding whether or not to become members. The HCC does not:


  • mediate between heathen groups

  • train clergy

  • proselytize

  • take theological positions


While this may be unexpected, it makes a lot of sense. The HCC takes this position for the purpose of being the most inclusive organization it can be, without telling its membership how to heathen. As long as you are an inclusive heathen then you are welcome. 


How can you help the HCC to become successful at its purpose? The HCC wants to be the most accurate representation of inclusive heathenry in Canada that it possibly can be. It aims to do this by engaging with HCC members to create representational data about the faces of heathenry in Canada. What this means, is the more members there are, the more accurate the data becomes. Your voice gets heard by becoming a member. I know how many people feel in federal elections that your voice isn’t getting heard. The HCC is different in that it truly is working towards being the voice of the people. Your opinions matter and can shape the direction this organization takes. We are building the future of heathenry in Canada, and require your voice. 


Check out the links below and learn more, because while I can argue for you to join until I am blue in the face, it is more valuable for you to do your own research and decide if the HCC is right for you, your hearth, or your kindred. Give their webpage a read. Have these discussions with your family or tribe, and hopefully, take action!




Links:


https://heathenconfederationcanada.wordpress.com/ The Heathen Confederation of Canada webpage.

https://www.facebook.com/The-Heathen-Confederation-of-Canada-La-CPNGC-108500098465808 The Heathen Confederation of Canada Facebook Page.


https://twitter.com/HeathenCanada?s=20 The Heathen Confederation of Canada on Twitter.


https://www.norsemyth.org/2014/01/worldwide-heathen-census-2013-results.html?fbclid=IwAR28VnPSLOFZ0vv8KQyvDJ996n-LY7N2lHHKv0hNgDVSNZ0R4hb1-RPOQW8 2013 Worldwide Heathen Census. 



Image Source:


Logo. The Heathen Confederation of Canada.

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