Treaty 7 Day, Truth and Reconcilation Day and Sisters of Spirit Day

From Tony Snow, Indigenous Minister Chinook Winds Region: This September and early October, there are many significant days and observances that call us to live out our Calls to Action (to educate, to listen and to inspire changes of hearts and actions). If we hear this call and live into the promise of a better tomorrow, we can begin to find the path to reconciliation. Check out Tony’s video introduction to Season of Spirit HERE

Full Schedule and Resources on the Indigenous Ministry Page as well as content from previous events.

September 22, 2021 – Treaty 7 Day

We commemorate Treaty Day on September 22 in Chinook Winds for the signing of Treaty 7. 

• Online Regional Town Hall (2 pm – 3:30 pm MDT) – We will take a moment to discuss the history of Treaty 7 and the perspectives of Indigenous peoples on the 144th anniversary of the treaty signing. We will also discuss the Ally Toolkit being developed for the Region by grassroots volunteers and your chance to get involved. Register HERE
• Online Treaty Talk – At 7 PM we will take some time to engage with the text of Treaty 7 and discuss our understandings and information gaps. We will look at what Reconciliation looks like today for our Region and for our communities of faith. Register HERE

September 30, 2021 Truth and Reconciliation Day

(Also, Orange Shirt Day)

Truth and Reconciliation Day was established in Canada this year in response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission to commemorate the history and legacy of residential schools and honour the survivors, their families, and communities.

Online Panel with Ecumenical Indigenous Clergy
for Truth and Reconciliation Day 7 pm MDT

We gather a distinguished panel of ecumenical Indigenous Clergy voices from various denominations and spaces to discuss the history of residential schools, the impact of intergenerational trauma, the recovery of children’s bodies and the ongoing role of Indigenous ministry in the church’s dialogue about reconciliation today. Representatives from The United Church of Canada, the Anglican Church of Canada, the Roman Catholic Diocese of Calgary and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada among others will join us to discuss the efforts and challenges of reconciliation in their own contexts. Via zoom. Everyone Invited! Register HERE

Other Ways to Mark Truth and Reconciliation Day:

Wear Orange Shirts: On Sunday, September 26 and Thursday, September 30, we are encouraged to wear Orange Shirts and post their photos. Details from the United Church’s Indigenous Ministries and Justice HERE

The Apologies and Response: Individuals and Communities of Faith may want to spend time reading again The United Church of Canada’s 1986 Apology to Indigenous People, the 1988 response and the 1998 Apology to students of United Church Indian Residential Schools and their families and communities. Download the Apologies and Response HERE

Teachings of the Seven Grandfathers: As well, you may want to look at the teachings of the Seven Grandfathers. The Town of Orangeville created an orange sidewalk with seven feathers representing the seven teachings of wisdom, love, respect, bravery, honesty humility and truth.

Sisters of Spirit Day, October 4, 2021

A series of events give us an opportunity to commemorate the lives of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two Spirit people and to advocate for change to prevent further tragedies. 

Sisters in Spirit Day on Monday, October 4 – We encourage all to connect with community vigils, small gatherings and socially distanced marches in your area that occur on this day — some are online and others are in person outside. 

Below are some October 4, 2021 Vigils we have heard about:

• Native Women’s Association of Canada Virtual Vigil on Facebook https://www.nwac.ca/event/sisters-in-spirit-virtual-vigil/

• 15th Annual Sisters in Spirit Vigil, Calgary, AB: https://www.awotaan.org/news/mmiwg/

• Sisters in Spirit Vigil, Lethbridge: https://www.facebook.com/LethbridgeSistersInSpirit/

MMIWG2ST Day of Wellness on October 2  – We host our second annual Day of Wellness on October 2 at McDougall United Church in Calgary (11 am – 3 pm) This is specifically for those affected by the loss of Grandmothers, Mothers, Sisters, Daughters, Spouses and Friends. It is a day of spiritual care and gathering to reflect on our journey through arts, crafts, traditional teachings and ceremony. Everyone is welcome. COVID-19 restrictions apply (Health and Safety guidance will be strictly followed including masks, social distancing and other requirements). Register HERE

MMIWG2S+ Memorial Service on Sunday, October 3 (2 pm on Zoom) – We will hold our annual memorial service on Zoom memorializing and remembering the lives of Indigenous Women, Girls and Two Spirit people in our community who have been lost to their families and friends. Register to receive the Zoom link