Aboriginal Ministries
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Aboriginal people have had a lengthy relationship with the Anglican Diocese of Rupert’s Land, stretching back to the early 1800s, when the Rev. John West, missionary, arrived in 1820. Under his leadership, Aboriginal people raised up their own missionaries and leaders. Other Anglican leaders, including the Rev. David Jones and Archdeacon William Cockran, worked alongside Aboriginal peoples, as the churches were built along the Red River. In the Red River Valley, Archdeacon Cockran encouraged the Aboriginal people in their efforts to become farmers.
Through the years, the Diocese of Rupert’s Land has engaged the Aboriginal people in concrete ministry efforts including the Indian Commission that met and ensured active ministry at Peguis, Fairford, the beaches and other rural and urban spots. In Winnipeg, the Diocesan Urban Aboriginal Outreach Ministry (DUAOM) was responsible for the urban mission and St. Helen’s Anglican Church ministered to Aboriginal people, especially those transient to Winnipeg.
Today, the Rupert’s Land Aboriginal Circle (RLAC), which grew out of the Rupert’s Land Indigenous Council (RLIC), consists of mostly Aboriginal board members and some non-Aboriginal partners who advise the bishop on Aboriginal ministry.
Under the guidance of Diocesan Council, the RLAC incorporated in 2006 and formed Rupert’s Land Wechetowin Inc. (RLWI) as its operating arm. The RLAC has recommended projects for funding by the diocese and hosts events such as the Sacred Circle. The RLAC advocates for Aboriginal ministry and mission and has hired an Aboriginal Mission Developer (AMD) to assist in its work. A key concern is continued efforts to live into the apology of the Anglican Church of Canada and federal government for damages done in Residential Schools.
Today, RLWI has four key projects—pastoral and spiritual care of Aboriginal people transient to Winnipeg, Restorative Justice, operating the Eagles Wings Theatre group and creating an Elder’s Circle.
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Rupert's Land Wechetowin Incorporated exists to respond to various opportunities for pastoral and spiritual care and advocacy within the Aboriginal community around the diocese. RLWI is the operating arm of RLAC and provides ministry and mission, especially in Winnipeg, for Aboriginal persons who are travelling to the city for purposes of health care or who require assistance with education or other issues.
Contact Information
Office: (204) 582-0130
Fax: (204) 582-0932
Cell: (204) 803-4715
Email: stjohnscamdmts.net
Download brochure as pdf: Wechetowin: People Helping People
Wechetowin Programs
Elder’s Circle
RLWI is in the process of gathering elders to create an Elder’s Circle that will meet to discuss the overall objectives of RLWI and offer guidance and wisdom.
Restorative Justice
This sub committee is seeking volunteers, Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal to explore ways to train volunteers to offer Restorative Justice Circles in schools and jails.
Volunteer Training
RLWI is seeking volunteers who share their objectives of healing and reconciliaiotn and self-determination. A Biblical study package along with training in pastoral visiting and spiritual care will be offered in the near future.
Pastoral and Spiritual Care
RLWI is seeking volunteers to offer spiritual and pastoral care to Aboriginal people transient to Winnipeg for purposes of health care or education or other reasons. This program is underway in the hospitals in Winnipeg and the Receiving homes where families stay while in Winnipeg.
Advocacy
RLWI is searching for participants and leaders in Advocacy programs such as Parenting classes to be offered in the new year.
The name “Wechetowin” is Cree for “People Helping People.”
Many thanks for your prayers and support as Wechetowin continues its mission of healing, reconciliation and self-determination for Aboriginal people. Here are ways you can respond:
Tutor Training
Wechetowin is looking for volunteers to take mentor training and teach biblical materials from the Cook School in Arizona. The material is designed to reach students with English as a second language and those who may only have a grade seven or eight education. Those who are certified will be eligible to teach the materials. If you have an interest, you need to register with the office at 582-0130.
The Eagle's Wings
Theatre Group Calling all those young and old with an interest in theatre and in promoting healing and reconciliation between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people! The Eagle’s Wings Theatre Group meets Wednesday evenings in John West Hall at the Cathedral. Those involved will write scripts, direct, act and perform in skits and public performances. For information, contact Baptista Martin at 283-0870.
Care Packages
Many thanks to all of the parishes and individuals who have responded so far to the request for pastoral care bags. Thanks especially to Pembina Hills, St. Thomas Weston, St. Mary, Charleswood, Holy Trinity, the Friendship Sewing Circle (RLAC) and St. John’s Cathedral. We are now searching for a volunteer to coordinate this effort. Thanks as well to those who have contributed financially to this project. The packages are used to assist the young Aboriginal children, boys and girls, who come with their families to visit in hospital. They end up bored and have little to do. The packages go a long way to relieve boredom with games, coloring books, toys, etc. If you would like a pattern for a care package bag, contact the office at 582-0130 or The Rev. Canon Murray Still on his cell at 803-4715.
Elders
An elder’s forum was held May 22 at Christ Church, Selkirk, with 15 people in attendance. The group discussed a number of topics including Residential Schools, the need of healing and reconciliation and the necessary funding for this important work. The group decided to meet again in early fall, 2008. If you would like additional information, or you are an elder and want to attend, contact the office at 582-0130.
Continued Prayers
Your continued prayers are appreciated. Wechetowin's Development Plan is finalized and the board will be seeking core funding for a full time diocesan Aboriginal Mission Developer (AMD) and part-time Volunteer Coordinator/Office Manager. With core funding in place, the mission of pastoral and spiritual care of Aboriginal people transient to Winnipeg will continue, along with a focus on pastoral and spiritual care for survivors of Residential Schools. Pray for continued healing and reconciliation for survivors and their families and for the programs now underway at Wechetowin--volunteer training, an Elder's Circle and Restorative Justice. Pray for the new theatre group, Eagle's Wings.
Parish Visits
Please take time to examine the concept of ‘Mission’ - particularly the mission among Aboriginal people. If you are interested in hearing more about Wechetowin, its goals and objectives and existing programs, we are equipped to make an hour-long Power Point presentation to parishes. To arrange a visit, contact the office at 582-1030.
Restorative Justice
Wechetowin is working at establishing Restorative Justice Circles for the Corrections and Education systems. We are searching for 15 volunteers, Aboriginal or non-Aboriginal, to take a three-day training course in the fall of 2008. Elder Art Shofley will train the volunteers and mentor them through the offering of five circles. Those 15 will then act as trainers, certified by Wechetowin Inc. Keep this effort in your prayers and watch for a one-day Restorative Justice workshop coming late spring or early fall.
University Course
Wechetowin has been working in partnership with the University of Winnipeg to create a two-year university credit course, tentatively called “The Aboriginal Spiritual Care Giver.” The student will spend the first year learning about important Aboriginal issues such as the history of colonization, Residential Schools and the impact on survivors. The second year will involve students visiting hospitals and possibly jails. The program will be open to Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal students and could start in September 2009.
For more information or to volunteer, contact:
The Rev. Canon Murray Still, Aboriginal Mission Developer
135 Anderson Avenue,
Winnipeg, MB R2W 5M9
Phone: 204-582-0130; 204-803-4715
Email: stjohnscamd
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