At times such as these, we strive for reconciliation with our Indigenous neighbours
Here on Turtle Island, we remain dedicated to recognizing and confronting the wrongs we as settlers have inflicted on Canada’s Indigenous peoples. Among other initiatives, the Foundation has helped a regional council hire a Reconciliation awareness officer, supported the publishing of the Bible in the Mohawk language, and provided scholarships to Indigenous students.
Awarded through 10 Seeds of Hope grants
Awarded through 3 other grant programs
Building a more-connected Reconciliation movement
Recognizing the heightened barriers Indigenous communities face in Canada, the Conseil régional Nakonha:ka Region Council (QC) began the Respect & Kanoronhkwátshera program to raise awareness and mobilize acts of justice.
For the Living into Right Relations Leadership Circle of the Conseil régional Nakonha:ka Regional Council, it was important to elevate Indigenous voices and to join in their fights against injustice, rather than seeking to control the narrative.
With a Seeds of Hope grant in 2023, the Conseil régional Nakonha:ka Regional Council was able to hire a coordinator for the Respect & Kanoronhkwátshera program.
The program seeks to inform, but also connect. Through newsletters as well as posts on social media, Respect & Kanoronhkwátshera is reaching out to and building relationships with Indigenous-led organizations and initiatives. In one case, newsletters were used to source personal care items for the Indigenous Health Centre of Tiohtiá:ke.
As we seek to broaden our connections with Indigenous Peoples, we applaud the Conseil régional Nakonha:ka Regional Council and their Respect & Kanoronhkwátshera Aviyah for their efforts in fighting injustice.
Photo: Conseil régional Nakonha:ka Region Council
Creating new ways to read the Bible
The Holy Bible in Mohawk is now published! This complete translation of the Bible into the Mohawk language is available through the devotion, knowledge, and artistry of Harvey Satewas Gabriel. Moderator Carmen Lansdowne called it “the most important book published in 2023”!
Fostered by generations of women in the Gabriel family and the communities of Kanesatake and Kahnawake, this translation was also made possible through the support of Kanesatake United Church, the Kanesatake Mohawk Council, Canadian Bible Society and a grant from The United Church of Canada Foundation.
All profits from the sale of the Bible will go to Indigenous language projects through the Indigenous Church and the Foundation.
Some of the Foundation team joined the celebrations in Kanesatake on September to launch and dedicate the Bible. We are blessed to have played a role in helping this important work to publication.
Video: United Church of Canada
Supporting Indigenous students in their education
The Foundation is proud to provide scholarships for Indigenous students through the Waase Abin Indigenous Endowment Fund. The Fund was established by donors from Peterborough, Ontario in 2010 to help support Indigenous youth seeking to enter or continue post-secondary education. The donors are delighted to receive updates on scholars each year and to support students as they achieve their dreams!
“Receiving the scholarship has shown me that other people believe in my academic journey and in my potential as an Indigenous student,” says Keisha, who received the scholarship in the spring of 2021.
For Briana – who received her scholarship in 2020 – the award is about more than money. “I’ve been able to focus on my studies and worry less about my finances. That’s allowed me to achieve better grades, but it’s also allowed me to prioritize my mental health.”
“Oftentimes, Indigenous students do not receive the encouragement and acknowledgment that we deserve, especially as we often have to jump through more barriers than other students in these institutions,” says Keisha. “Receiving this scholarship boosted my confidence in myself, in my intelligence and in my capability of supporting my community.”
Present and Merciful God:
At such a time as this,
Help us to recognize the pain we have caused
And create new and brighter futures.
Amen.
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The United Church of Canada Foundation provides service and support to all courts of the Church and United Church-related institutions and organizations.
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