National Indigenous Month begins with sad reckoning

The recent announcement regarding discovery of a mass, unmarked burial site on the grounds of the Kamloops Residential School has shocked many people into a new or renewed awareness of the treatment of Indigenous people by the governernment and by the Church. 

Sadly, we can't change history - but we can choose to learn from it and commit to doing better. Please take this opportunity to listen to stories like this one from a North Vancouver woman who was a student at the Kamloops Residential School, read the 94 Calls to Action from Canada's Truth and Reconciliation Commission that we reference at the beginning of our Sunday services (particularly #58 through 61), and consider a donation to the Indigenous Residential School Survivors Society, headquartered right here in North Vancouver.

Flags at many government and other institutions have been lowered to half mast to honour the memory of the 215 children whose remains were discovered, and the thousands more across the country who have not yet been located. As National Indigenous Month progresses, the focus will shift to celebrating the culture and contributions of First Nations, Metis and Inuit people in this land. This North Shore News article offers lots of good ideas on how to enjoy local Indigenous cuisine, natural lore and learning, both online and in real life.

National Indigenous Day of Prayer takes place annually on June 21; more information on that will follow in the weeks to come.