October 22nd, 2024Investing in Indigenous Relations
Randy Woodley writes in his book, 'Becoming Rooted', about nurturing a framework of generosity, to see wealth as "a shared community investment as opposed to an individual asset" (p. 125). Within Indigenous Relations reconciliation circles, our churches are given many opportunities to invest in community. Here are some examples from within Mennonite Church Canada...
MC BC is hosting an event in support of Indigenous Theological Education.
In MC Manitoba, four Mennonite congregations have included a percentage of their annual budget to go towards investment in Indigenous communities. One way to contribute money toward Indigenous groups is through Share the Gifts: Honor the Treaties.
MC Eastern Canada, congregations on the Haldimand Tract participated in a Strawberry Thanksgiving gathering.
In MC Saskatchewan, efforts continue to find ways to support the land claim and compensation efforts of the Stoney Knoll First Nation.
In MC Alberta, concrete support is offered to Indigenous neighbours who are struggling with food insecurity.
Nationally, MC Canada and MCC Canada have long encouraged giving to the Jubilee Fund which offers grants to land-based healing and reclamation efforts.
Let's continue to pray for our congregations to lean into opportunities to invest in communities and, more importantly, grow relationships of mutuality, kinship, and trust.