The five-day gathering next week will be a sacred time of worship, ceremony, community building, and responding to God's call
From July 15–19, 2026, members of Indigenous communities of faith will gather at Carleton University in Ottawa, Ontario, for the National Indigenous Spiritual Gathering (NISG), the triennial gathering of the Indigenous Church in The United Church of Canada.
Under the leadership of the National Indigenous Elders Council (NIEC), participants will come together for sacred ceremony, worship, teachings, learning, fellowship, and community building. The gathering provides an important opportunity for Indigenous members to strengthen relationships and discern the future of the Indigenous Church.
A significant milestone for this year's gathering will be the establishment of a National Indigenous Council (NIC), which will provide leadership to the Indigenous Church as it continues its journey of self-determination. Participants will also take time to honour, acknowledge, and celebrate the leadership and service of the National Indigenous Elders Council. A time to remember and lift up retirees, individuals ordained, and those on their spirit journey since the last gathering, will also be offered.
Throughout the week, attendees will participate in worship led by their Indigenous ministry circles. They’ll also join in sharing circles, workshops, youth programming, cultural teachings, discussions on vocation and leadership development, and about the future of Indigenous ministry within the church.
Under the theme of “Our New Day,” the gathering will open with the lighting of the Sacred Fire, tended by the Miitig Healing Lodge Firekeepers, and will conclude with worship and celebration on Sunday, July 19.
A highlight of the final day will be the ordination of Brian George, a member of the NIEC. The service of worship will include the laying on of hands, as the gathered community celebrates his call and ministry.
"Gatherings such as NISG are sacred opportunities to strengthen connections, honour culture and tradition, and discern together the ways God is calling the Indigenous Church forward," said organizers. "This year, as new leadership structures are established and ministry milestones are celebrated, the gathering will mark an important moment in the continuing journey of self-determination."
A Call to Prayer
The United Church of Canada invites people across the church to hold the NISG in prayer.
Please pray:
- For safe travel for all participants journeying to Ottawa.
- For the wisdom and guidance of the NIEC and all gathering leaders.
- For the covenanting of the new NIC and its future ministry.
- For meaningful conversations, teachings, worship, and community building.
- For the Sacred Fire, ceremonies, and all who share their gifts and knowledge.
- For Brian George as he prepares for ordination, and for the ministry to which God is calling him.
- For the ongoing journey of healing, reconciliation, and self-determination within the Indigenous Church and throughout The United Church of Canada.
May all who gather experience God's presence, guidance, and blessing as they meet in Ottawa from July 15–19.
For updates throughout the week, follow Indigenous Ministries and The United Church of Canada on social media and watch for stories and photos from the NISG.