The European colonial project out of which Canada became a country began in the 1400s. Established churches recognised this project as an opportunity to send labourers into the harvest. These religious missionaries, however, went carrying the weight of empire. Aligned with the political authorities at home, they developed their theology in a way that would benefit themselves and their benefactors, specifically, the European states.
This is known as the Doctrine of Discovery. This theological and political statement includes pronouncements such as the concept of terra nullius, or empty land. That is, peoples found to be living in regions where the colonial project expanded were only viewed as ‘civilised’ if they looked and sounded like Europeans. All other ways of being were seen as insufficient to warrant rights and protections, leaving people vulnerable to occupation and abuse. Ultimately, this statement allowed the missionary Churches to be ‘paid’ for their work as they took the land and took the people as slaves.
The relationships between Indigenous peoples and Settlers continues to be lop-sided, favouring Settlers and disadvantaging Indigenous peoples in diverse ways. Even now, the land on which we gather and in which we serve is stolen land. We continue to benefit from these abuses. There remains a deep need for reconciliation and transformation. Acknowledging these truths remains a work in progress.
So far, we have seen the Anglican Churches in Canada apologise for harms committed against Indigenous peoples, pay restitution for the role the Anglican Churches played in residential schools, refute the Doctrine of Discovery, create opportunities for Indigenous communities to be self-governing in relation to Church structures, and establish a National Indigenous Day of Prayer to invite ongoing reflection on these relationships.
In the Diocese of Huron, the Ven. Rosalyn Elm serves as the Archdeacon for Reconciliation and Indigenous Ministry and the Rev’d Hana Scorrar serves as the Indigenous Ministries Missioner. When speaking about their roles at Synod, Ros and Hana explained that they are working to transform the relationship between the Church and Indigenous Peoples in ways that honour the wisdom and gifts of Indigenous Peoples. Hana described her process of Proclaiming the Good News as one in which the Gospel is no longer used to require conformity but rather is placed in the centre of the community with an invitation for reflection and conversation. This, she explained, is the difference between ‘missionary’ and ‘missioner’. Hana meets the community where they are at, honours their gifts and wisdom, creates space for people to share as they choose, and acknowledges that we, as Church, are better when we can include the diversity of God’s Beloved children and Creation.
Then (Jesus) said to his disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few; therefore ask the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into his harvest.’
What happens when we recognise that Indigenous peoples can be labourers in the harvest? What more can we do to honour the wisdom and gifts of Indigenous peoples locally? How can we proclaim the Good News in loving and faithful ways to Indigenous neighbours? As we celebrate National Indigenous Day of prayer, consider:
· Adding Indigenous books to your reading list. Personally, I found Wab Kinew’s “The Reason You Walk”, Jessica McDiarmid’s “Highway of Tears”, and Robin Wall Kimmerer’s “Braiding Sweetgrass” particularly meaningful.
· Supporting Indigenous businesses. The Caldwell First Nation now has a Gas & Variety Store on Mersea Rd in Leamington. There is also Native Wonders Gourmet Grub and Gifts & Gallery on Ottawa St. in Windsor.
· Attending events celebrating Indigenous communities like National Indigenous Peoples Day programming at the Art Gallery of Windsor June 21-24 which includes workshops, watercolour painting, and Indigenous Circle programming.
There is a path to reconciliation and transformation in the relationship between the Anglican Church and Indigenous Peoples. It happens in all the ways in which people of faith choose to meet Indigenous peoples where they are at, create spaces for Indigenous peoples to share their wisdom and gifts as they choose, and remember that we are all better when we walk together on this journey.
As we celebrate National Indigenous Day of Prayer, may we continually work to respect and value Indigenous peoples in the ways we embody our faith. This we pray as we sing: (VT) 389 Together