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A Word on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation:
On September 30th many across Turtle Island, most recently called Canada, will join together in deep reflection and respectful witness of the stories of Indigenous families, friends, colleagues, and communities. This is a time for lament, a time for prayer, and time to commit to the deep and hard work of reconciliation and living in right relations with all peoples.
Throughout the spring and summer, our hearts were broken with the news of the discovery of unmarked graves at residential schools. Canadians responded with donations to Indigenous organizations, outpouring of emotions included laying shows on steps of churches and government buildings, lighting candles and tying ribbons.
The work of truth and reconciliation must continue. We are grateful to be part of two churches who are engaged in this work and continuing the journey of reconciliation, in both thought and action.
There are numerous resources, and we’ve shared a few of our favourites below:
Video: “Lost Souls” by Tom Jackson: “Lost Souls” is the song of “silenced children.” It highlights the grim reality of what is alleged by the survivors of the Residential School system, and the victim families who have been silenced for generations. This haunting song hopes to give a voice to some of the lost souls. Watch the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C9gOBtGfvaE. If you are a residential school or intergenerational survivor and this content is upsetting, please call the National Indian Residential School Crisis Line at 1-866 925-4419.
To learn more about why we wear Orange, check out: https://www.orangeshirtday.org/. This site includes the story of Orange Shirt Day came to be as well as various resources. If you’d like to purchase a shirt for future years, please consider purchasing from an Indigenous-run company, such as https://ourfeather.com
Memorial Ribbons at Caledon East: You are invited to join Rev. Emma and Rev. Heather at Caledon East on September 30th to add ribbons to the railing. Each ribbon is placed to recognize an Indigenous life that has been lost. This is also a symbol of our commitment to the work of reconciliation. Drop by between 10am and 3pm.
As Indigenous peoples, peoples of settler origin and newcomers, it is a privilege to work and worship on this land. We acknowledge that the land on which we gather is part of the Treaty 19, 1818. We acknowledge the territory of the Anishinabek, Attiwonderonk, Anishinabewaki, Huron-Wendat, Haudenosaunee, Wendake-Nionwentsïo, Petun, and Mississaugas of the Credit.
May we live with respect on this land.
Rev. Emma & Rev. Heather
To learn more about the United Church and Indigenous Ministry, check out these links:
Shining Waters Regional Council’s Indigenous Ministry: https://shiningwatersregionalcouncil.ca/right-relations/reading-viewing-lists/
A Message from Indigenous Ministries and Justice at the United Church of Canada: https://shiningwatersregionalcouncil.ca/right-relations-resources/
A re-commitment to Reconciliation
We mourn the loss of life and the pain that the discovery of 215 remains of children at the former Kamloops Indian Residential School represents.
It is in through our hearts and minds that the work of reconciliation will be realized. Now more than ever we must be in right relationship with all our relations and come with humble hearts and a loving spirit.
We lament and mourn with all indigenous families. Every child matters.
At Caledon East we are taking time to reflect and pray on what we are called to offer in solidarity with our indigenous relations.
A prayer
“God of All People,
We mourn the unthinkable loss of life and the pain that the discovery of 215 remains of children at the former Kamloops Indian Residential School represents.
Lord, help us to admit the truth. Children were forcibly removed from their families. The laughter of children was stolen from their communities. Thousands upon thousands of children never returned home. Many died separated from their families and buried far from their land. Communities were abused and permanently scarred.
We recognize that much of this was done by those who bear your name, Lord, who called themselves Christians. These atrocities were done by people like us. They profaned your name by claiming these actions were your will.
We confess, Lord, that we closed our eyes and hardened our hearts to these truths. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission noted that large numbers of Indigenous children who were sent to residential schools never returned to their home communities and became “Missing Children.” We’ve seen the pain in faces. Yet we haven’t listened to the pain of scarred families and abused communities. We haven’t opened our hearts to feel their pain. We haven’t sought forgiveness. We have not worked for healing.
Lord, forgive us.
Lord, we pray for your Spirit to help us seek healing and reconciliation both for ourselves and for others. Give comfort to all who mourn, openness to face and feel the pain, freedom through forgiveness, and strength for the work of righting wrongs.
In the Name of Jesus, Lord of the Nations, we pray. Amen.”
Mike Vander Laan,
Co-Pastor, Sahali Fellowship - Kamloops, BC
Where are we working in the community?
- Abbeyfield Caledon
- Caledon Community Services (food & clothing, Santa Fund, Heating Fund)
- Caledon Meals on Wheels
- Camping Opportunities
- Fair Trade
- Fallis Scholarship Award ( Download Documents Here )
- Family Transition Place
- Five Oaks (United Church Training Centre)
- Headwater's Chaplaincy
- Hospice Caledon
- Massey Centre
- Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast
- Mission & Service Fund
- UCW 40th Anniversary Award (given to a person pursuing a vocation in Ministry)
- Women’s Interchurch Council
- A variety of other causes are supported on a one-time basis.