A group of United Church members from area churches are connecting around a shared desire to Live Into Right Relations with First Nations peoples (LIRR). We are excited about the opportunity to work and learn together, to develop a larger circle and to share the workload.
Please look at the events below and read the attached file.
Wednesday, October 4 - A day trip to Six Nations
Join a carload or two of interested folks for a visit to Nations Uniting in Ohsweken on Six Nations. We will meet Rhonda Johns, who is the director there. Part of her mandate is to build bridges between Indigenous and non-Indigenous churches. This is a valuable part of relationship-building as church members. Learn about what she's doing and the work of the United Church at Nations Uniting. We may also visit other churches on the reserve or the Woodland Cultural Centre, depending on the interests of the group.
Leave mid-morning, bring lunch and return in the afternoon.
To sign up or ask your questions please email or text Nancy Dykstra of Parkminster United Church, 519-744-9908, nancydykstra@gmail.com. Thank you!
To learn more about Nations Uniting visit nationsuniting.com
Thursday, November 16, 2023, 7:00 pm - Book Discussion with author Clarence Cachagee
Join Clarence Cachagee and a group of up to 12 to discuss Cachagee’s memoir, North Wind Man. Clarence originates from Chapleau Cree First Nation and calls Waterloo Region home. He is a helper, visionary, and Indigenous Community Educator, who founded Crow Shield Lodge, a place for land-based Indigenous and settler healing and reconciliation.
North Wind Man is a story of Clarence’s lifelong journey and path to becoming a helper. It is co-authored by Seth Ratzlaff, an emerging writer of Mennonite heritage who explores the intersection of storytelling and peace.
How to get the book:
Borrow from KPL and WPLn buy from Crow Shield Lodge or Wordsworth Books, or contact Shirley Irish for one of the 4 books she has available to borrow.
Location: The home of Jeanne Foster, 93 Maplewood Place, Kitchener.
If this interests you please call, text or e-mail Shirley Irish of First United Church, 519 884-8030, marguerite.35.z.13@gmail.com. The first 12 people to sign up will enjoy this opportunity.
To learn more about Crow Shield Lodge visit crowshieldlodge.com.
Tuesday, October 17, 7 p.m.
Kelly Curley returns to the Fireside Room at Forest Hill United Church to share
"A Story of the Creation before the Creation"
All are welcome.
KELLY CURLEY, FIRE KEEPER and SPIRITUAL LEADER
Kelly Curley is Onondaga Beaver Clan, born and raised on Six Nations. He is a Fire Keeper and Spiritual Leader with Healing of the Seven Generations in Kitchener. He provides alcohol, drug and sexual abuse counseling along with conflict resolution and positive parenting support. Previously he provided counselling in various settings to all ages, teenagers through adults.
In his work Mr. Curley draws from his wide knowledge of Indigenous spiritual teachings. He shared one of these teachings with us earlier this year and is returning to share the Story of Creation before Creation with us on October 17.
Donations at the door are welcome to cover the cost of the event.
Please contact Ron Morgan of Forest Hill United Church at rretired.ron@gmail.com for more information.
To learn more about Healing of the Seven Generations visit healingofthesevengenerations.ca.