Trenton UC Sunday September 26, 2021
I was impressed on Sunday morning by our congregation, Trenton United, as we prayerfully acknowledged the deaths of Indigenous children across this country during their incarceration in what was supposedly the protective environment of the Residential School system. We were invited to wear orange as a visible sign of our remembrance and at least half the congregation did so. After the service we gathered for a photo beneath the orange Every Child Matters flag. Kudos to Rev. Isaac,Dianne, the outreach committee, and congregation members, for honouring Indigenous peoples in this way.
This Thursday is the actual Orange Shirt Day with September 30th as the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. During this week there will be many events across the country, including one at Market Square in Belleville at noon on Thursday. The CBC will broadcast a full day of First Nations, Inuit, and Metis programming and perspectives. https://www.cbc.ca/arts/how-to-watch-and-listen-to-national-day-for-truth-and-reconciliation-on-cbc-1.6186017
"All My Relations" in Mohawk was added, & the colours of the four directions
We are fortunate that as retirees we can listen and attend and learn. We will do so as those who are part of a grim settler legacy and as Christians whose denomination was part of systemic injustice regarding the Residential Schools. The United Church and its members can continue working toward truth and reconcilation, and do so humbly and repentance.
We'll wear our orange tee-shirts again on Thursday and we have a flag up in recognition of this solemn week. This is a commitment which must be more than a brief show of solidarity. Justice and reciprocity for and with Indigenous peoples will require vigilance through generations.
Read a summary of the work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission here:
https://ravenreads.org/blogs/news/truth-and-reconciliation-commission-work-summary
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