Join us online!

As an active community of faith in the downtown core of Calgary, our church is committed to learning more about local Indigenous histories and significant stories, as one way of taking active steps towards the Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in Canada. This book study is one step in Grace’s journey towards Truth, Healing and Reconcili-action.

From a response to red paint on the doors to a Truth, Healing, and Reconcili-action journey of many steps

Grace began an intentional journey of truth, healing and reconcili-action after red paint was splatted on the doors of many Calgary churches on July 1. Grace recognized the paint as an expression of anguish and of art, and not of vandalism. This led to a response to leave the paint up, go out onto the steps, and hold conversations with the community, and intentionally build relationships with Indigenous people, Indigenous leaders and Indigenous faith leaders, including Rev. John Snow Jr. and members of the Snow family; Tony Snow, Bill Snow, Gloria Snow, and Kyle Logan Standingready-Snow. Since then, Grace formed a Truth, Healing and Reconcili-action Committee which has held and is planning a series of events, from a September ceremony of Lament to a November KAIROS Blanket Exercise.

Journey with us towards truth, healing and reconcili-action – Study led by Rev. John Snow Jr. and brother Tony Snow

All are encouraged to participate with us in our faith walk. Take part in this four-part online study of the book by Rev. Chief John Snow Sr., on These Mountains Are Our Sacred Places: The Story of the Stoney People. These sessions will be co-led by Rev. John Snow Jr. and Tony Snow.

Book Study Overview: What you will learn:

Wednesday, January 12th

The main focus includes input and a discussion regarding the book’s entirety, beginning with the Oral Tradition of the Stoney people. As an Indigenous perspective is rarely considered in literature, historical and biographical contexts, Part II about the Treaty is essential to this book’s history and lived experiences. The final portion of the book is an analysis of Healing from an Ecumenical perspective, focusing on a vision of wellness that is sought by Indigenous peoples of Turtle Island today.

Wednesday, January 19th

Treaties and the Residential School experiences provide Indigenous insights on the very abusive policies that reverberate to this day. The main reason for the Apologies to Indigenous peoples from various national churches and the Canadian Government will be addressed.

Wednesday, January 26th

Morley is a site of rejuvenation and reconciliation that provided a National Day of Prayer and hosted the Ecumenical Conference. These historic events have now been transformed into the National Indigenous Day that include prayer, tradition, culture and several other Indigenous observances.

Wednesday, February 2nd

This session will focus upon Indigenous Place Names in Calgary and Kananaskis areas. The reconciliation act of renaming places in the Indigenous names and perspectives is gaining traction since many prohibitive and regressive legislative barriers have been removed. A new understanding of Indigenous histories and interpretations is rising in western society.

Sign up for the Book Study

Grace Book Order

If you have ordered a book through Grace, please email office@gracecalgary.org or call 403-244-5861 to make arrangements to pay for and pick up your book. *All books from this order have been spoken for.  

FAQ:

Who is this book study for?

Everyone is welcome. This is a general public book study and a faith based book study that will look at Indigenous interpretation of issues of History, Indigenous Spirituality and how the elements of Indigenous theology are held together with Christianity.  Some perspectives that the original missionaries were not able to appreciate, like an interpretive principle that Indigenous people already knew Creator before the arrival of the settlers.

Is there a cost?

The book study is sponsored by Grace Presbyterian Church as an opportunity to promote education and relationship building.

How do I get a copy of the book?

Please seek a book from a bookstore or online. *All books from the Grace order have been spoken for.

If you have further questions, please email office@gracecalgary.org or call 403-244-5861.