By Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News
Representatives of a number of parish truth and reconciliation committees gathered April 23 for a supper meeting to share updates, learn more about TRC efforts, and brainstorm ideas for future events.
The networking event is held twice each year, coordinated by Myron Rogal of the Office of Justice and Peace in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon.
Parish representatives shared updates and suggestions during the April 23 supper meeting. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Following supper, Elder Irene Sharp of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish opened the meeting portion of the evening with a smudging ceremony.
Updates on activities and plans related to truth and reconciliation in various parishes were discussed, as well as possible ideas for the next diocesan “Continuing the Walk” adult faith TRC event.
Past diocesan events have included a joint presentation by Chief Cadmus Delorme of Cowessess First Nation and Archbishop Donald Bolen of the Catholic Archdiocese of Regina about finding new ways of walking together; a day-long workshop focused on TRC Calls to Action related to economic reconciliation; and a joint presentation by Archbishop Emeritus James Weisgerber and former National Chief Phil Fontaine about their shared journey of reconciliation.
Suggestions for possible future topics included:
- Exploring the common areas of belief between Catholicism and First Nations spirituality;
- Providing insights into the ongoing fallout from colonization and the residential school system that has led to inequities, poverty, homelessness, incarceration etc. as well as the ongoing resilience and success of those who are overcoming that harmful legacy;
- Training on how to build greater understanding and forge relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people;
- Offering an introduction to the Returning to Spirit healing and reconciliation process;
- Going more deeply into the need for economic reconciliation, including addressing unemployment and ongoing racism and barriers to Indigenous participation in the economy;
- Seeking and sharing existing resources more widely — such as the one-hour documentary film produced by St. Paul’s Hospital introducing their surrounding neighbourhood: “Bringing Back the Circle: The Voices of Pleasant Hill.”
It was noted during the meeting that this year is the 150th anniversary of the signing of Treaty 6 at Fort Carlton in 1876. There is a celebration planned in August at Fort Carlton Provincial Park, located near Beardy’s & Okemasis Cree Nation and One Arrow First Nation.
Brainstorming ideas for a diocesan TRC event was part of the April 23 supper meeting. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
Rogal also invited those present to attend an Indigenous Reconciliation Fund (IRF) spring gathering at 3 p.m. Friday, May 22 at the Catholic Pastoral Centre, second floor of the Cathedral of the Holy Family, 123 Nelson Road, Saskatoon. The public gathering will include reports about the impact of the IRF through its support of local projects.
With the diocese close to meeting its $1.25-million commitment to the national fund established by Canadian Catholic bishops, the Diocesan IRF Discernment Circle is now reflecting on how funding of local projects might continue in the diocese of Saskatoon, said Rogal.
For more information about truth and reconciliation in the Roman Catholic Dicoese of Saskatoon contact Myron Rogal, Coordinator of Justice and Peace, at mrogal@rcdos.ca or call (306) 659-5841.
Parish representatives gathered April 23 to discuss truth and reconciliation efforts. (Photo by Kiply Lukan Yaworski, Catholic Saskatoon News)
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Kiply Lukan Yaworski is the communications coordinator for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon: rcdos.ca.
Justice and Peace, Truth and Reconciliation, Communications, and Catholic Saskatoon News are supported by gifts to the Bishop’s Annual Appeal: dscf.ca/baa