Cheryl Bear Concert at First Baptist Church, Regina, October 20, 2017.
First Steps Indigenous Weekend, 2017
One of the important issues facing Canada today has to do with Indigenous issues. These issues can often be polarizing and difficult, and sometimes increasingly so as we consider the role of the church in such issues.
Christian churches were asked to consider their role by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and UN Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Much more than that, we answer to the Creator, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, who calls us to reconciliation as a way of life.
The Canadian Baptists of Western Canada and Canadian Baptist Ministries are partnering with First Baptist Church Regina to offer three events to help foster education, conversation, understanding and healing.
Blanket Exercise, Friday evening – October 13
On Friday, October 13th, 7:00 pm, there will be a “Blanket Exercise”, an interactive teaching event that helps people understand Indigenous history in Canada.
Seminar, Saturday – October 14
On Saturday, October 14th, 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, First Baptist will host a seminar where we will have various presenters and times for discussion, as we hear about themes like residential schools, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
Lunch will be catered by The Bannock House (FB, YouTube, news article, directions.
Friday Evening Concert – October 20
Friday night, October 20, 7:00 pm there will be a concert featuring Cheryl Bear (Facebook). Cheryl is an Indigenous leader from northern BC and an award-winning singer/songwriter. She will offer an evening of Stories and Songs. As an Indigenous Christian, Cheryl attempts to help churches understand Indigenous issues relating to faith.
Albums on iTunes. YouTube videos: A’BA, Cheryl Bear, The Good Road.
There is no charge for the concert. We will be collecting donations for “She Matters”.
Registration
Please register online. Cost is $30 per person, or $50 per couple for Friday and Saturday. No cost for Saturday evening connect.. No one will be turned away. To register without paying immediately online, choose “pay by check” online.
Resources to Prepare Yourself
- Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRCC)
- YouTube reading of T&R report
- Highlights of Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Recommendations on Residential Schools (The Star)
- Read the 94 Calls to Action Here (APTN National News)
- Treaties, Reconciliation and Indigenous History in Canada (CBC)
- CBM Mosaic – From Recognition to Reconciliation, subscribe here
- MC Canada Provides Resource on Indigenous-Settler Reconciliation (Canadian Mennonite)
- Literacy to Support Truth and Reconciliation
- Reconciliation Canada
- Downloadable Publications
- Slide Show (don’t hit the “download” button!!)
- A collection of resources to support and incorporate Indigenous Education into the curriculum
- 11″ x 17″ Posters: Charting a Path for (re)Conciliation; Cheryl Bear Evening of Story and Song
- Atamiskākēwak Gathering 2018 — Putting the TRCC 94 Calls to Action into Action.
