In the presence of Indigenous elders, and residential school survivors, along with pastor Michael Wolbaum and Archbishop Richard Gagnon, fire-keeper Lance lit a sacred fire. All participants were invited to place sage and tobacco into the fire – an action to keep the sacred fire burning brightly, to ask Creator’s blessing, to acknowledges all our ancestors in faith, to pray together and to renew our commitments to one another.
In this context, Fr. Stan Fontaine, an Indigenous priest, proclaimed to the community what he described as “A Spiritual Undertaking”. More about that declaration later.
Alongside this proclamation, a ”wampum belt” to mark this occasion was created by Kateri parishioner Cheryl Anne Carr, and the two strands of the belt (representing Indigenous and Settler histories) were tied together and hung in the sanctuary at the beginning of Mass.1
We now turn to Fr. Stan’s declaration:
A Spiritual Undertaking
Let it be known that the Indigenous people and the Roman Catholic parish of St. Kateri Takakwitha Indigenous Catholic Church wish to embark on a Spiritual undertaking, beginning this 1st day of October, 2023 in the city of Winnipeg, Manitoba.
In recognition of this Spiritual Undertaking, we wish to symbolically express together to form a fusion, unity or coming together. This two-piece belt will symbolize the unity of our togetherness and our pledge of “walking Together” as brothers and sisters.
In a Spirit of mutual respect for one another.
In advancing a healthy relationship with each other.
In caring for the personal growth and development for each other.
In communication and dialogue with each other in mutual trust and honesty.
In advancing the future of each other through letting go of past negative experiences and embracing mutual love and empowerment of each other.
In recognizing one another’s gifts, cultures, values and other diversified strengths.
In listening to and trying to understand each other.
In laying our lives before the Lord in prayer FOR and WITH one another.
In the promotion of both the good teachings of the Church and that of the Indigenous people.
In walking forward to achieve synergy or the dynamics of something new.
In dealing with any future problems, conflicts or issues through mutual sharing, dialogue and resolution.
This SPIRITUAL UNDERTAKING is accompanied with Indigenous gifts of the MEDICINE WHEEL necklace to the archbishop of Winnipeg and the pastor of St. Kateri Tekakwitha Church, in recognition of the Roman Catholic Church and to symbolize the teachings of the spirituality of the Indigenous peoples. May the MOST HOLY SPIRIT, who is also the GREAT SPIRIT, guide our footsteps in the way of Walking Together forever for true peace, brotherhood and sisterhood. Amen.
May today’s prayer be another step of reconciliation and healing for us all.
On Wednesday, October 4, we will publish a story Fr. Stan also told today.
Veronica Dunne is a Sister of our Lady of the Missions (RNDM), who has primarily worked as an educator and counsellor in institutional and community based settings in Canada. She has also served with the RNDMs outside of Canada in Senegal, Peru, and Aotearoa New Zealand.
A 2002 Doctor of Ministry graduate from the University of St. Michael’s College, Toronto School of Theology at the University of Toronto, she subsequently served as director of the Doctor of Ministry program at St. Stephen’s College at the University of Alberta in Edmonton. Her current research interests are in eco-theology and cosmology, and their intersections with indigenous cosmologies and spiritualties.
She presently serves on the RNDM leadership team in Canada.
Thank you for this, Veronica. I am deeply touched by the Spiritual Understanding and the RNDM participation in this.