Merging Waters
United Church
Indigenous Reconciliation
REFLECTIONS
“We now stand at a crucial time in the life of the church, and the history of Canada, when we can see the journey through. For more than thirty years, the United Church and Indigenous peoples have been on a journey towards mutuality, respect and equity. Towards reconciliation. Towards justice.” United Church of Canada Reconciliation and Indigenous Justice.
We, at Merging Waters United Church have decided to embark on a journey of learning and unlearning what it means to works towards reconciliation, justice and allyship.
Starting our worship services with a land acknowledgement that includes an educational component, has allowed our community to have a better understanding and glimpses of the harmful history and impact of colonization of the First Peoples that was never in our history books.
ACTIVITIES
In the fall of 2023, we participated in the Kairos Blanket Exercise led by Elder Tom Dearhouse and facilitator Pastor Lisa Byer-de Wever. Learning the history of the land is the first part of our unlearning and relearning.
'Beyond the KBE' is a Kairos Infographic with more information and links to explore the activity further and learn more about Indigenous historyh
Some of our members then embarked on watching “Bones of Crows”, a psychological drama told through the eyes of Cree Matriarch, Aline Spears, as she survives Canada's residential school system. Each episode was followed by a talking circles to unpack, process and map a way forward.
On September 22 we gathered after service for a workshop on Land Acknowledgement led by Lisa and Tom Deerhouse. We looked closely at several different acknowledgements and discussed the elements of each and how they named the areas and peoples, recognized historical wrongs and committed to a better future. Everyone went away with a deeper understanding of the possibilities and challenges of land acknowledgement. Continuing to learn about the covenants that were made by the settlers and First Peoples of this area and our ongoing workshops on intercultural and anti-racism will also contribute to our learning path.
On Sunday October 6, many of us joined with Cedar Park United Church to be welcomed by Kahnawake United Church members in a meaningful time of worship and celebration of Holy Communion. This was followed by a time of learning and feasting at the Mohawk-Cree Gathering place. Many stories were shared, some heart-breaking, some inspiring. We all left with more insight into the past and perhaps even hope for the future, taking one more small step toward truth and reconciliation. Thank you to our hosts and the community for welcoming us into this sacred time of relationship.
LINKS
Living Into Right Relations Nakonh:aka Region webpage
The Respect & Kanoronhkwátshera intitiative brings together resources related to Indigenous justice initiatives in the Montreal / Quebec area.
Truth and reconciliation
The General Council of the United Church of Canada has recognized the long history of the Church in colonization and assimilation of Indigenous Peoples. In 1986 the Church made its first formal, public apology for the harms done and pledged reconciliation. The apology and the path since are described on the UCC Apologies website.
Calls to the Church: The Calls to the Church document articulates the Indigenous Church’s vision for the ongoing development of Indigenous Peoples’ mission and ministry and communities of faith within The United Church of Canada. It outlines pathways for the whole church to continue to walk in the Spirit of Christ toward justice, healing, and reconciliation.
United Nation’s Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
21 things you may not have known about the Indian Act
Our Home on Native Land Interactive Global Map
KAIROS: Canadian Ecumenical Justice Initiatives Indigenous Rights Program
UCC Website repudiating the Doctrine of Discovery
Bring the Children Home: A program of the UCC to support Indigenous communities in their work on unmarked graves.