On Sunday, September 26, Grace took first steps on a path towards truth, healing and reconci-action by holding a community event on the steps of the church. View the highlights reel of the event.
Grace was grateful for the sharing of:
- Tony Snow, Indigenous Lead Hillhurst United Church and Indigenous Minister, Chinook Winds Region, United Church of Canada
- Gloria Snow, Stoney Nakoda Student Minister, studying in the Masters of Divinity Program at the Vancouver School of Theology
- Shirley Shingoose Dufour, Elder, Social Worker, Residential School Survivor, Member of the National Healing and Reconciliation Advisory Committee
- Kyle Logan Standingready-Snow, Traditional Stoney Nakoda Knowledge Keeper who shared music and drumming
- Mayor Naheed Nenshi
- The Grace Choir
- Comments from Rev. Jake Van Pernis, Rev. Maren McLean Persaud and Rev. Christian Persaud
- Volunteers and staff from the Truth, Healing, and Reconcili-action Committee (Susan Love, Mary Jardine, Mark Durieux, Elizabeth Cressman, Cindy Stephenson, and Bruce Perrault, Rev. Jake Van Pernis and Amy Dunn Moscoso) prepared the event – and are working on the journey ahead.
Truth and Reconcili-action is a Journey of many steps, conversations and relationships
We invite you to join any or all of the opportunities that are upcoming – some of which include:
- A planned November KAIROS blanket exercise (What is a blanket exercise and why it is performed? Check out our upcoming events)
- An Indigenous-led faith-based book study in the works for 2022 – open to churches and the community. Details to come!
- Work around the red paint on the doors – including a possible mural. Details to come!
As we take these steps, we invite you to walk with us on this journey to deepen our education on the truth, our understanding of the impacts that continue today, promote healing, and support reconciliation.
Grace and the Red Paint on the Doors: A Catalyst for a Journey and New Relationships
On July 1st, two sets of doors at the top of the steps at Grace Presbyterian Church had red paint splattered on them as an act of protest and expression of grief regarding the recent discoveries of numerous unmarked graves at the sites of former residential schools in Kamloops, Cowessess, Cranbrook, as well as in other places in Canada. The paint remained on the church’s doors until Session met on July 8 to provide direction.
The Formation of the Ad Hoc Truth, Healing and Reconcili-action Committee
At Session’s direction, an Ad Hoc Truth, Healing and Reconcili-action Committee was formed. The committee meets regularly, plans events and activities to promote truth, healing and reconciliation, and collaborates with other committees, such as the facilities committee on next steps for the red paint on the doors. (Please await further recommendations following the November Session meeting.)
Grace’s Journey in the News
View the news coverage of the red paint response, the 7 Generations event, and the ongoing Truth, Healing and Reconciliation journey of Grace – and other churches from July, September, and October. News outlets include the Calgary Herald, CBC, CTV, Global News and the Presbyterian Church of Canada here.
We Invite Everyone into Education
Education is a powerful tool on this journey: as the journey starts with truth. Grace will be running events that help with education. The Presbyterian Church of Canada also has many resources on the 11 residential schools that the church ran, a Confession, and the Healing and Reconciliation Program here.
