National Indigenous Peoples Day

I like the image above for National Indigenous Peoples Day even though, sadly, the activities listed can't happen this year, at least not in person. As we've moved through this month and toward this day I've thought a lot about the ignorance and outright denial of the systemic racism by some politicians and law enforcement officials which has led to the subjugation of Indigenous peoples and the injustice they experience. 

I first became aware of this reality at the tender age of 24 in the summer of 1979 when I was working as a chaplain intern at Kingston Penitentiary, a maximum security prison. There seemed to be a disproportionately high number of Native inmates, yet when they came to meet with me as a chaplain most of them seemed quiet and even gentle compared to others. At that time there was no recognition of Indigenous spirituality in the system and while a few came to Christian chapel services it wasn't many. Still, they wanted to talk, or at least to sit in the same room as a chaplain. They seemed content with long silences which were uncomfortable for me, at first. 

I don't doubt that these men were convicted of crimes in a court of law but I sensed that there was something not right about all this. Through the years I came to a fuller awareness of an "injustice" system which had a thumb on the scales and incarcerated Indigenous people so readily. It still hasn't changed sufficiently, not by a long stretch, and we hear far too many stories of Indigenous men and women held in inhumane conditions, including lengthy periods in isolation. 

I have also experienced Indigenous culture through both reading and actual interactions, everything from one-on-one conversations, to educational events, to pow wows. My life has been enriched and perspective altered. I'm convinced that we need to support Indigenous stewardship of the land around the world, and humbly acknowledge that European-dominated economic and political systems have made a terrible mess of Turtle Island, our planet. 


The United Church crest now includes "all our relations" in Mohawk and colours of the four directions

I appreciate that the United Church has upheld this month as a time for reflection and appreciation for at least a couple of decades. Through apologies, a reconciliation fund and reparations and involvement in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission we've taken steps to make amends for our complicity in colonialism There is so much more for those of us who aren't Indigenous to discover, if we are humble enough to do so. 

Comments? 

Creator God, Great Spirit, whose compassion has been known in our lives more times than we can count, we open our hearts and souls to the needs of this world. On this Indigenous Day of Prayer, we acknowledge the great injustices perpetrated against those who lived on and cared for this land long before our ancestors arrived. We pray that with compassion and determination we will continue to make ourselves aware of the impact of Residential Schools, the Sixties Scoop, and the suppression of Indigenous culture and tradition so that the legacy of colonization is acknowledged by each of us.

Creator God, Great Spirit, you call us to relationships rooted in equality and respect. This day we covenant to be more aware of the racism that the Indigenous, Métis and Inuit people of this country experience. We commit ourselves to raise our voices when we hear prejudiced comments, to guide others in the sacred direction of celebrating diversity that is Your gift to humanity.

Creator God, Great Spirit, in the quiet of our hearts and through the witness of our beings we pray thanks for Your accompaniment on the journey toward individual and communal wisdom and understanding. Let us who are the Church stand in solidarity and true to Jesus’ call to reconcile with sisters and brothers.

Creator God, Great Spirit, hear our prayers and guide our actions from this moment on. 

From the Covenant of Reconciliation: Worship Service for the Indigenous Day of Prayer 2020 

By Carolyn Wilson Wynne

Indigenous Health Care Workers

Wanna be a Druid? Maybe not, but take a look at my Groundling blog today about the Summer Solstice. 

 https://groundlingearthyheavenly.blogspot.com/2020/06/summer-solstice-at-stonehenge-then-and.html