Under the umbrella heading of "Pathways to Reconciliation", each of the four gatherings is designed to raise awareness about the history of First Nations, Métis and Inuit and their relationship with Canada. It is also an opportunity to learn and participate in facilitated discussions about many complex issues with the aim of exploring paths towards reconciliation.
Over the summer months, representatives from Church of the the Holy Trinity and the Parish of St. Mark - Ocean Park, formed a planning committee which met several times to build content for the four gatherings. The committee members are:
- Kerry Baisley, Missioner for Indigenous Justice, Diocese of New Westminster
- Reverend Billy lsenor, Rector of the Parish of St. Mark - Ocean Park
- Reverend Wesley Hills, Priest-in-Charge, Church of the Holy Trinity
- Mari Anne Hussen, Peoples' Warden at the Parish of St. Mark - Ocean Park
- Simon Johnston, Parish Council member, Church of the Holy Trinity
The schedule for the gatherings is as follows:
- Saturday October 2, 1:30-4:30pm at Church of the Holy TrinityTheme: "The Doctrine of Discovery" - a documentary video & discussion
- Saturday February 5, 1:30-4:30pm at Parish of St. Mark-Ocean ParkTheme: "First Nations 101: tons of stuff you need to know about First Nations people". Author Lynda Gray will attend to discuss her book, followed by a Q&A.
- Saturday April 2, 1:30-4:30pm at Church of the Holy Trinity
Theme: "The Indian Act and Residential Schools" interactive discussion - Saturday June 18, 1:30-4:30pm at Parish of St. Mark-Ocean Park. Theme: "The 94 Calls to Action and Resiliency" interactive discussion.
These gatherings are free of charge and open to all. Attached is a flyer containing a schedule and other details about the first gathering. A new flyer will be issued one month in advance of the remaining events.
We do hope you will come and participate in these unique opportunities to listen, to learn and to explore pathways to reconciliation.