Seeds of Hope in Bloom: McDougall United Church Seeks Reconciliation
The Journey of Learning and Un-Learning
McDougall United Church’s 2020 Seeds of Hope grant from the Foundation is assisting their journey of learning, un-learning, healing, community, faith, and action. Committing wholeheartedly to this work, the Calgary, AB community of faith convened a series of events in 2021, showing that McDougall United Church seeks reconciliation with its Indigenous neighbours and communities.
Red Dress Day
They began in May with marking National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and Two–Spirit People (MMIWG2S) aka Red Dress Day. At the beginning of May, a call went out to the congregation for red dresses to display near the tipi. 14 dresses were subsequently collected and hung near descriptive posters for folks to read and reflect. Additionally, McDougall’s Lead of Right Relations, Marilyn Agnew, tells us, “We were given the privilege of having the unveiling of a Red Jingle Dress that Teresa Snow was commissioned to create for the United Church of Canada.” Marilyn also interviewed Teresa regarding the meaning behind the dress. The video was shown during a Sunday service, and you can view it here: https://youtu.be/3F8GDHY4LQU.
Women’s Wellness Day
Another event was Women’s Wellness Day, honouring Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and Two-Spirit People. Indigenous women affected by the loss of a loved one attended a healing workshop hosted by Indigenous healer Nellie Rider. Focusing on spiritual care and reflecting through arts, crafts, traditional teachings, and ceremony, the day also included music ministry from Wendy Walker (Ashakos Iskwew). Additionally, Nellie offered a healing session to each attendee following her lecture. She set up in the chapel, staying until the last participant was seen.
Sadly, Nellie Rider has since passed away. Demonstrating God’s perfect timing, Shauna Kennedy, McDougall’s Witness to Reconciliation, says of Nellie: “How blessed we were to have had her beautiful healing presence that day.”
Certainly thanks in part to Nellie, the community of faith is inspired to continue the path towards reconciliation and transformation. McDougall United Church welcomes everyone who seeks reconciliation, truth and healing.
Support Reconciliation
We are grateful to everyone involved in making this vital work possible! From the thoughtful and hopeful people carrying out the projects, to the faithful generous donors supporting these efforts, thank you. Gifts to the Foundation ensure that important ministry like McDougall United Church’s Reconciliation events can continue. You can show your support for future projects like these by making a gift to the Foundation today.
Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples is a Foundation priority. In seeking reconciliation, the Foundation will:
–Work with the church to support reconciliation and Indigenous justice initiatives
-Reflect on and respond to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action
-Contemplate and discern on the Calls to the church from the Indigenous Caretakers
Click here to learn more about this priority.
