Living into Right Relations: March 2022

Reconciliation and Indigenous Justice News from The United Church of Canada Spring Equinox Reflection By Jess Swance, Candidate for Ministry, Indigenous Pathway   Spring Lamb [Photo credit: Jess Swance]   On Sunday, March 20, we turned our faces to greet the Sugar Moon, the Spring Equinox. It is a day where light and darkness are balanced in time, just as Maple water was a medicine gifted to Indigenous people to bring balance to body and spirit. We begin the spring season being mindful of the intricate balance of Creation, of life and death, of new and old. We give thanks for the small part we have in bringing and assisting new life to bloom, grow, and thrive in our world.  Creator God, With a breath of fresh spring air, over flow our lungs, awaken our Spirit with the sureness of Spring. Winter, though necessary, was a hard season for many in our communities. We give thanks for the change of season, for bringing balance and the cycle of creation to our lives. Creator, we ask that you put in our heart a song of peace, understanding, and comfort for a world that is experiencing so many heavy things. May the arrival of Spring lambs, robin song, and peeking tulips be a sign of hope and renewal.  Amen.  Indigenous Ministries and Justice Facebook Live: Jordan’s Principle     [Image credit: © First Nations Child and Family Caring Society]   On Thursday, April 21 from 7:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. EDT, join Leeann Shimoda, Independent First Nations Jordan’s Principle Coordinator, in a Facebook Live discussion hosted by the Indigenous Ministries and Justice unit. Leeann will be teaching the ins and outs of Jordan’s Principle and answering any questions that come up. This free event is open to anyone but may be particularly helpful to parents/caregivers of Indigenous children and people who work with Indigenous children. Making Land Acknowledgements Meaningful   [Photo credit: Colli Colburn | Unsplash.com]   In The United Church of Canada, we have been making land acknowledgements since the time of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Most often, this is a simple acknowledgement of the Nations who previously or now live on the territory we have taken through colonization, or the Treaty we live in. As Moderator Richard Bott reflected in the opening worship session of General Council 44 in February (the video will begin at 36:00 minute mark), this is no longer adequate – reconciliation and reparation require more. How can we critically assess the way we and our institutions acknowledge Indigenous peoples and the land? This article from a group of Indigenous anthropologists in the United States is a helpful starting place.   Acknowledgement of Indigenous Territory Workshop April 27, 2022 10:00 a.m. EDT, online Antler River Watershed, Horseshoe Falls, Western Ontario Waterways regions are offering a practical workshop designed for individuals and communities of faith who are considering either starting a practice of acknowledgment of Indigenous territory in their worship and other activities, or would like to re-visit their current practice. We will follow a PowerPoint presentation developed by Rev. Matthew Stevens, which will introduce some key questions and considerations as you consider your acknowledgment of territory. Find out more, and register. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.   Eliminating Racial Discrimination   [Image credit: © Fancyart | Dreamstime.com] As the United Church continues to work towards becoming an anti-racist institution, we took time on March 21, the International Day for the Elimination of Racism, to share 10 ways, from prayer to reflection to action, to work towards anti-racism. For settler colonials, these include learning more about the Indian Act and exploring your or your family’s role in the ongoing colonization of Indigenous peoples. Facebook Twitter Website Email Instagram YouTube Donate to The United Church of Canada and help fund life changing work around the world!

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