Calendar of Events

Monday, September 20, 2010

Re-awakening of the Spirit

Greg writes:

Ahniin, Hello, I am called Greg, I am a husband to Rachel, a father to Nathan, Hannah and Miriam. I am a ‘Oshkabaywis’, or helper to the children of Waabgon Gamig First Nation School on Georgina Island. I follow the path of Gizhemandio, Great Spirit, Creator, God. Welcome to the beginning of Community Mennonite’s experience of ‘Re-awakening of the Spirit’ a journey of healing from trauma suffered from Residential Schools

A national United Church conference entitled ‘Living into Right Relations’ was held in Pinawa, Manitoba in May 2008. This gathering was the beginning of a five-year journey during which Aboriginal and non- Aboriginal people will engage with each other to model and facilitate just and right relations.

From this conference there was a ‘Reawakening the Spirit Gathering’ at Salvation Army Conference Centre in Jackson Point. The gathering went to small circles and decisions were made to bring and share in our local communities the mandate “To foster right relations between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people.“

What will this idea look like? There are a number of educational workshops available to provide opportunities for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people to better understand the enduring impact of European worldviews and culture on the First Peoples of Canada. We also wanted to know our neighbours so a “Social Potluck” was planned between Chippewas of Georgina Islands United Church, Trinity United of Newmarket and Community Mennonite of Stouffville.

On Saturday September 4, 2010 some 30 brave members of Community Mennonite met at The Aazhaawe (Going Across) Ferry. It was a blustery day. The only weather we did not experience was snow! Upon disembarking the ferry most members walked to the United Church and enjoyed a 3km trip or should I say they were blown to the church!

We participated in meet and greet games and broke bread together! This was an important step in the start of peoples journey for understanding, reconciliation and healing! These relationships must be fostered for long term just as our Creator had intended from the beginning!

On a note of interest for Community Mennonite Church. There was a baseball tournament happening on Georgina Island at the same time as our social! I was in conversation with a community member and an idea that was put forth “Would your people put a baseball team together and sign up for next year?” Opportunity knocking?

My hope is that we continue this process of friendship and we keep the dialogue ongoing and open for sharing and support. That we are able to share with the understanding and respect that people’s experiences not to be confused with stories! An old saying ”We must look back in order to move forward”, seven generations back seven generations forward!

At the end of the evening after disembarking the Ferry Aazaahawe Creator gave us a full rainbow as a “gift” a “promise of never again!” Chi-Miigwetch to All!

- Greg