As a faith community, we recognize the importance of actively engaging in the journey toward reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples. Here are some resources to deepen reconciliation efforts at your parishes.
These are some Prayers of the Faithful to consider praying at Mass:
- For the Indigenous Peoples of this land, that they may find healing, justice, and respect, we pray to the Lord.
- For our government leaders and policymakers, may they be guided by wisdom and empathy as they work towards meaningful change and reconciliation, we pray to the Lord.
- For the Church, that it may actively engage in the journey towards reconciliation, acknowledging its role in the past and working towards a more just and harmonious future, we pray to the Lord.
St. Kateri Tekakwitha
Patroness of the Environment and Indigenous People
Saint Kateri Tekakwitha, our elder sister in the Lord, discreetly, you watch over us. May your love for Jesus and Mary inspire in us words and deeds of friendship, of forgiveness, and of reconciliation. Pray that God will give us the courage, the boldness, and the strength to build a world of justice and peace among ourselves and among all nations. Help us, as you did, to encounter the Creator God present in the very depths of nature, and so become witnesses of Life. With you, we praise the Father, the Son and the Spirit. Amen.
Our Lady of Guadalupe
Patroness of the Americas
O Blessed Virgin, Our Lady of Guadalupe, intercede for us with your Son that we who live in this land, Indigenous and non-Indigenous, together may experience healing and reconciliation, on a renewed journey for justice and peace for our children. Mother of the Church, pray for us.
Land acknowledgments in a Church setting only make sense when you appreciate the meaning and richness being reflected in the words.
First, it must be understood that for Indigenous Peoples, “land is not a commodity but rather a gift from God and from their ancestors who rest there, a sacred space with which they need to interact if they are to maintain their identity and values” (Pope Francis, Laudato si, n. 146).
The Church has doctrine relating to the theology of creation, teaching us that creation is a gift from God the Creator to all peoples. The Indigenous practice of respect for the land is a beautiful tradition that recognizes land as a gift. When we acknowledge the land and the people, we are not making a political statement, we are recognizing a mutual spiritual truth that unites us and draws us into a deeper understanding of God our Creator.
Here is a land acknowledgement you can use in your parish:
PARISH NAME acknowledges that the land on which we gather and work is the traditional and ancestral territory of the Coast Salish Peoples, including the territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and Səl̓ílwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.
Here are some examples where you might use a land acknowledgement:
- Posted at the back of the church or on your parish website
- Printed in the bulletin
- As part of the welcome before parish events
One of the Archdiocese of Vancouver’s four Priorities & Goals is to Make Every Sunday Matter. We provide ideas and ongoing support that will contribute to transforming every parish into a welcoming community.
To make your parish more welcoming for Indigenous people you could consider commissioning or installing sacred art such as these icons created by Andre Prevost. The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops also has an art collection to browse. Consider installing a statue or image of St. Kateri Tekakwitha, or adding flags that represent your local nation.
The book study, "Listening to Indigenous Voices" prepared by the Jesuit Forum has been used successfully by many parishes and groups who want to further their knowledge and understanding of this complex issue.
The Kairos Blanket Exercise is an interactive educational tool developed by the Canadian organization KAIROS to enhance awareness and understanding of the historical and contemporary experiences of Indigenous peoples in Canada. Participants engage physically with a representation of Indigenous land using blankets, guided through scripted scenarios that depict key historical and ongoing events, such as colonization and the impact of policies like residential schools. The exercise is designed to foster empathy, insight, and dialogue, serving as a means to promote reconciliation and a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by Indigenous communities. It has been widely used in educational, workplace, and community settings to facilitate meaningful conversations about Indigenous issues.
Everyone is invited to attend St. Paul's Squamish Nation Church in North Vancouver for Mass in Squamish on the fourth Sunday of the month at 11:00 am
Solange Legal focuses on Indigenous Reconciliation for the Archdiocese of Vancouver. Solange is a Métis woman from the tri-cities area. As a dedicated Catholic, mother of five, musician, teacher, and business owner, she brings with her a wide range of skills and experiences. We are grateful for her service on the Archdiocesan Healing and Reconciliation Grant Committee since its inception in January 2022.
Solange's primary objective in her role is to support parish-level initiatives and foster connections between our parishes and local Indigenous Groups. Her services encompass a variety of areas, including:
- Answering Questions: Solange is here to provide answers and guidance on matters related to Indigenous reconciliation.
- Establish or Enhance a Parish Reconciliation Group: Solange can help you initiate or expand your Parish Reconciliation Group, providing insights, advice, and resources.
- Access to Resources: She can connect you with a wealth of resources, whether it's literature, educational materials, or practical tools.
- Actionable Items: Solange is available to assist in identifying specific actionable steps your parish can take to further the cause of Indigenous reconciliation within the community.
Solange is eager to engage with you and contribute to the work of reconciliation. Please don't hesitate to reach out to her via email at [email protected] for any inquiries or assistance you may require.