Happy National Indigenous Peoples Day!

This year it feels like some of the celebration of this day has been displaced by the devastating news of 215 children who passed away at the residential school in Kamloops. Appropriately, there are calls to thoroughly investigate other residential school sites for what survivors already know – more bodies of children.

Below are some resources for comfort, learning and prayer. While it is important to mourn with those who mourn, the journey doesn’t stop there. Truth must be told. Reconciliation must move forward in action.

Prayer:

Here is the National Indigenous Peoples Day prayer Andy used in our service on June 20, 2021.

Comfort & Lament:

Here is a Lament for Comfort that Sherry Ansloos recently recorded:

Story & Learning:

Here is an interview with Dr. Ray Aldred who discusses the impact of the 215 children found in Kamloops and what it is like growing up indigenous in Canada. Dr. Aldred also gives some historical context to treaty, and what it means to be an indigenous follower of Jesus in light of the evil perpetrated toward Indigenous people by Canada and the church. This interview is from Tenth Church in Vancouver (25 mins).

Support:

If you need support, or know of an indigenous brother or sister who needs support, the Indian Residential Schools Crisis Line is available 24-hours a day for anyone experiencing pain or distress as a result of his or her Residential school experience. 1-866-925-4419