Anticipated Start Date: August 26, 2024
Description
Indigenous or Racialized Youth Retreat (16-25) | August 26–30, 2024
Participate in forming a community of faith among Indigenous and Racialized youth by building capacity through mutual learning on experiences of racism and creative responses to anti-racism in The United Church of Canada.
In forming a youth-oriented community of faith, eight (8) Indigenous and eight (8) Racialized youth applicants will be selected to create a space where they can demonstrate how racial equity can lead toward affirming different cultural and spiritual heritages as a worshipping youth community within the United Church. This event will take place at Sandy Saulteaux Spiritual Centre in Manitoba. This retreat-event will also contribute to the commitment of The United Church of Canada toward becoming an anti-racist denomination.
This event is part of the Strategic Plan of the United Church that highlights three themes: bold discipleship, deep spirituality, and daring justice. More importantly, this event is framed around the Indigenous understanding of the Medicine Wheel and how experiences of racism and responses leading to anti-racist activities impact the totality of one’s being.
Here are some of the events that will take place at Sandy Saulteaux Spiritual Centre:
- Sweat lodge (while participation is encouraged, it is optional; everyone, though, will be involved in some capacity, i.e., offering water to those coming out of the sweat lodge)
- Share, listen to, and learn from each other’s experiences of racism and our responses to racism
- Eat amazing food
- Beach day!
- Traditional Indigenous crafts
- Contribute towards forming a youth community of faith
- Campfires
There is no fee associated with this program. Except for personal expenses, The United Church of Canada will cover all event expenses and make all travel arrangements.
You are an amazing candidate if you are:
- Indigenous or Racialized youth between the ages of 16-25 years old
- Are interested in anti-racism, seeking justice toward racial equity, and equality issues both within and outside the United Church
- Have demonstrated commitment/affiliation to and/or active engagement in The United Church of Canada (locally, regionally and/or nationally)
- Are willing to engage in future conversations about this experience with other groups from the United Church
- Potentially continue to be part of a community of faith formed at the retreat
To Apply
Please complete your expression of interest by May 17th to apply for the program. Successful applicants will be notified by May 30th.
If you have questions, please email