Etobicoke — Place of the Alders: Honouring the Original Story created by Philip Cote
Right Relations Circle
The Right Relations Circle is working to understand Canada’s past relationship to Indigenous Peoples and to foster reconciliation through education, programming and direct engagement with our Indigenous neighbours.
Reconciliation is the process of developing respectful relationships between Indigenous Peoples and settlers across Canada (Turtle Island). It involves working together to overcome the devastating effects of colonization, such as the intergenerational trauma caused by residential schools. Reconciliation requires working towards justice with Indigenous Peoples by collectively addressing both historical and ongoing injustices including racism. Reconciliation means walking the path of peacemaking and justice–a walk together in a good way.
To achieve this, we join with the Haudenosaunee, who speak of the Two-Row Wampum, a covenant of two peoples travelling down a river, each in their own canoe, allowing one another to be who they are. This covenant leads us to envision two bodies side by side— Islington United Church and Indigenous Peoples.
Together, we will support each other in our efforts to develop respectful relationships, healing, and justice for all. We are committed to acknowledging past injustices and living into the United Church of Canada’s apologies.
We aim for reconciliation through the following:
•Storytelling
•Education
•Art
•Understanding Indigenous Spirituality & Culture
•Resources
•Our Work to Build Allyship
On September 22, from 9:30 – 1:30 pm, Islington United Church and Indigenous Peoples of Etobicoke will come together using the medium of art as an act of Reconciliation to bless the commissioned mural, Etobicoke — Place of the Alders: Honouring the Original Story created by Philip Cote, well known Indigenous artist, educator, spiritual elder, historian and activist. The day will begin at 9:30 am outside the building, around the Sacred Fire and continue with Smudging before entering the sanctuary for a 10:30 worship service and Mural Blessing Ceremony conducted by Rev Maya Landell and Philip Cote.
At the conclusion of the service everyone is invited to return outside, view the Indigenous Mural on the southeast side of the church building and join in the celebration with Indigenous drumming, singing and dancing. Everyone is welcome to continue the celebration over lunch on this important milestone on the path to reconciliation.
Your witness and participation to this act of Reconciliation is deeply appreciated.
For more information on the Right Relations Circle please visit:
islingtonunited.org/right-relations-circle/
