The Moderator’s National Indigenous Peoples Day Message 2024

National Indigenous Peoples Day is on June 21, and June is National Indigenous Peoples Month in Canada. It is a time to recognize Indigenous Peoples, languages, contributions, and cultures that have been here since time immemorial.

In her National Indigenous Peoples Day message, Moderator Carmen Lansdowne reminds us that we can all take specific actions to celebrate or recognize this day and National Indigenous Peoples Month.

To the Indigenous Church, and especially our elders, Walis Gayasixa (thank you) for the ways that you have fought, sometimes against all hope, for recognition and respect in The United Church of Canada.

Read the full news story and watch the video.

[Video still credit: The United Church of Canada]

Support the 2024 Northern Pastors Retreat – Give Healing and Respite

Sun shining between branches with maple leaves

Imagine facing seven funerals in a month—all young people lost to suicide. This is the reality for ministers like Olive Flett, Lawrence Moore, and Grant Queskekapow. In just one community, Norway House Cree Nation (Kinosao Sipi), with a population of 10,000, the emergency is very real.

These dedicated individuals are the only lifeline for countless grieving families. These ministers are stretched beyond capacity, and they desperately need our support.

Here's how you can help:

Donate today to support their vital work and bring hope back to these communities.
Help create a safe haven for healing. The United Church's Indigenous Ministries and Justice unit is seeking to raise funds for a retreat in October. This retreat, held at the Sandy-Saulteaux Spiritual Centre, will offer 12 ministers from the most impacted communities in Northern Manitoba and Ontario three days of:
- Respite from the relentless crisis.
- Training to better equip them to support their communities.
- Spiritual healing for themselves.

Bringing ministers together is crucial, but expensive. Your gift will be doubled by a matching grant from the Healing Fund.

[Image credit: Canva]

United Church Bookstore: Ohiatonhseratokénti: The Holy Bible in Mohawk

Ohiatonhseratokénti: The Holy Bible in Mohawk is a complete translation of the Bible into the Mohawk language made possible by the devotion, knowledge, and artistry of Harvey Satewas Gabriel. Fostered by generations of women in the Gabriel family and the communities of Kanesatake and Kahnawake, this translation was also made possible through the support of the Kanesatake United Church, the Kanesatake Mohawk Council, The United Church of Canada Foundation, and the Canadian Bible Society.

It is available at the United Church Bookstore for $45.00. All profits from the sale of the Bible will go to Indigenous language projects, through the Indigenous Church and The United Church of Canada Foundation.

You can learn more about the translation in this Broadview article and this video from The United Church of Canada Foundation.

[Image credit: The United Church of Canada]

Attention French Speakers! Explore Your Spirituality and Faith at MonCredo

Are you curious about the big questions in life? MonCredo is a welcoming platform where you can explore spirituality and faith in an open-minded way. We offer a variety of French language spiritual resources—articles, videos, podcasts and discussions—to help you find answers, connect with others, and discover your own beliefs.

MonCredo is a safe space for anyone seeking to learn and grow. And did you know MonCredo offers a monthly e-newsletter? Sign up today to stay informed about new content, upcoming events, and inspiring stories from our community! Visit MonCredo.org.

[Image credit: MonCredo]

Mission and Service Stories: An Act of Generosity

a child's hand and an adult's hand both holding a yellow daisy

Behind every act of generosity there’s a story. Those who work in the United Church’s Philanthropy Unit have the privilege of hearing these stories from generous supporters. Sometimes the story involves honouring someone significant through a gift; other times it’s responding to a deep internal impulse to create positive change in the world.

Thank you for supporting the work we do together as a United Church. May the story we tell in our giving and receiving bring us ever more near the heart of God.

[Photo credit: Hakase_]