Elders’ Statement from The National Indigenous Spiritual Gathering (NISG)

The National Indigenous Spiritual Gathering (NISG) met in Winnipeg from November 29 through December 2, 2024 for a time of discussion, reflection, and prayer. At the end of the gathering, the Elders present set aside some time for healing and established a path forward for the Indigenous church. Read their statement on The United Church of Canada website.

[Image credit: Jodi Shawana]

Have a Heart Day – February 14

Have a Heart Day is a child and youth-led reconciliation event that brings together caring Canadians to help ensure First Nations children have the opportunity to grow up safely at home, get a good education, be healthy, and be proud of who they are.

The First Nations Child and Family Caring Society has a lot of great ideas of how you can mark this in your home and community – ideas that can also be adapted for church or Sunday School on February 9. Check it out on First Nations Child and Family Caring Society website.

CHURCHx: Placing Ourselves in Colonialism, Part Two

In 2023, Indigenous Ministries and Justice collaborated with the Anti-Racism and Equity program to offer a webinar series for settlers and newcomers called “Placing Ourselves in Colonialism.” This impactful series explored the deep roots of colonialism in North America.

We invite you to continue this important journey of reflection and understanding through "Placing Ourselves in Colonialism: Part Two." This four-session workshop will provide a space for settlers and newcomers to:

Explore personal and collective histories
Engage in theological reflection
Learn from diverse perspectives
Contribute to a more just and equitable future

For more information and to register, visit CHURCHx.

[Image credit: The United Church of Canada]

Toronto: Conversation with Marie Wilson, former TRC Commissioner

Join us on at 7:00 PM on Monday, February 24 for an in-person conversation with Marie Wilson about her new book “North of Nowhere: Song of a Truth and Reconciliation Commissioner.” The Truth and Reconciliation Commission was critical to establishing a public record of the experiences of Survivors of residential schools and generated 92 Calls to Action for all areas of society to work towards reconciliation. Marie Wilson will speak about her time with the Commission, the ongoing need for truth, healing and justice for Indigenous people in Canada, and where we are today. Copies of her book will be available for purchase. This is a collaborative event with the Anglican Church of Canada and the Presbyterian Church in Canada. Registration is free but required. Details will be posted soon on social media!

[Image credit: Courtesy of Marie Wilson]

Edmonton and Saskatoon: Special Interlocutor’s Report Workshops

Reconciliation and Indigenous Justice Animator Sara Stratton will be visiting Edmonton on February 27 and Saskatoon March 1 to participate in workshops on Our Sacred Obligations: Learning from the Unmarked Burials Report and Challenging Settler Denialism. All are welcome to these day-long learning spaces. We will focus on the United Church’s responsibilities, but all backgrounds are welcome as a full part of the day. Together we will learn about the recent report on unmarked burials; explore what reparations means; learn about the problem of settler denialism; and practice together how to challenge it. Community, prayer, ceremony, and cultural supports will be part of our day. Respecting the gravity of this topic, support space is also available to First Nations, Metis and Inuit. Lunch and snacks included. Registration is free but required. Details will be posted soon on the Living Skies and Northern Spirit websites.