The abuse suffered by Native Canadians has been written about, apologies have been made and special ceremonies held.
Gale Presbyterian Church in Elmira is taking this difficult subject one step further by hosting a First Nations Sunday on Sept. 25.
”It’s a tough subject but an important one,” said Glen Allan resident Kees Vandermey, life and mission team convenor at the church.
“The theme of the day is Widening the Circle. There will be over 40 people participating in the event.”
Speaker at the first service, which begins at 10:30am, will be Presbyterian Church of Canada’s truth and reconciliation committee member Lew Ford on residential schools.
The evening program commences at 7pm in the gym with Kelly Laurila, an active aboriginal community member. Laurila is also an advocate for social policy change pertaining to Aboriginal housing, poverty and education. She will demonstrate and explain the practice of smudging, the purification of a room with the smoke of sacred herbs.
Mino Ode Kwewak N’gamowak (Good Hearted Women Singers), an Indigenous and non-Indigenous women’s drum circle, is performing throughout the evening. A film entitled It’s Time: And Justice For All is followed by a discussion surrounding residential schools by Bob Brown.
“We are advising people that they may feel discomfort during this evening. There will be individuals available during the reception to speak with,” Vandermey said.
“Everyone is welcome to join us on our journey of hope and healing.”
Gale Presbyterian Church is located at 10 Barnswallow Drive in Elmira. For information email Vandermey at rmvandermey@gmail.com.
