Elders Have Set a Path Forward for the Indigenous Church

The following is a statement from Elders who attended the National Indigenous Spiritual Gathering, which met in Winnipeg from November 29 through December 2, for a time of discussion, reflection, and prayer.

“The Elders have set a path forward for the Indigenous Church, saying that we will allow time for healing and we will come back together and do the following:

• Expand the National Indigenous Elders Council to ensure better representation from all regions of the Indigenous church;
• Plan for a dreaming/visioning group that includes multi-generational participation from all communities;
• Refine the roles and responsibilities of the Elders Council;
• Seek a better understanding of the work of Indigenous Ministries and Justice;
• Gather and study documentation from all past iterations of the Indigenous Church, in order to guide the current process;
• Connect with relevant resource people to help bring clarity to the process;
• Involve the Community Capacity Development Coordinators in supporting planning and ongoing healing work.

We honour all that has come before this moment as we move forward into this new beginning.”