September is Orange Shirt Month here at the parish, giving us an opportunity to deepen our knowledge and renew our commitment to living a life of reconciliation. We do this by listening and learning from indigenous voices directly.
Here are some ways to start on the road to reconciliation from wherever you are on the journey:

  • Wear something orange (shirt, cap, bandana, scarf, button) and send it to us (email:-office@stanselms.ca) and/or post it on social media
  • Use the slogan ‘Every Child Matters’ in every way you can
  • Pray for the residential school survivors and families
  • Share Phyllis’ story on social media
  • Engage in conversations on all aspects of Residential Schools, its effects and legacy
  • Meet a First Nation person/family and learn about their perspectives and culture
  • Attend a session on the history of First Nations
  • Have discussions on how the church can be involved in recognizing, healing and reconciliation process
  • Buy merchandise in support of the cause to wear as a daily reminder of our communal need to engage in reconciliation together.(shirts, lapel pins, etc.):

Consider also reading some of these resources, written by indigenous voices:

Residential Schools, with the Words and Images of Survivors, A National History. By: Larry Loyie (Cree), and co-authored by Constance Brissenden and Watne K. Spears (Mohawk).

You Hold Me Up   By: Monique Gray Smith.

Indigenous Relations: Insights, Tips, & Suggestions to Make Reconciliation a Reality. By: Bob Joseph & Cynthia F. Jospeh.

Every Child Matters, and there are many more resources than just these. Reconciliation starts somewhere, maybe your somewhere starts here.

 

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