Aboriginal Day of Prayer

These materials for Aboriginal Day of Prayer were compiled by former Moderator Stan McKay. They provided the basis for the opening worship at Worship Matters, June 10-12, 2005, in Halifax, Nova Scotia, led by Stan McKay and Nanette McKay.

It is hoped that other communities will use these materials to develop their own prayer circles and worship services around working toward "right relationships" among Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal peoples.

Introduction

June 21st has been observed in many Native communities in North America as the National Indian (or Aboriginal) Day of Prayer. It is traditionally a sacred time marking the summer equinox and coming of new growth.

The 24th General Council invited non-Native congregations to recognize this date as a traditionally sacred day among First Nations. The 34th General Council reiterated this invitation in light of the 1992 activities to observe the 500 years of contact in the Americas between Europeans and Indigenous peoples. In 1996, the federal government also proclaimed this a national day of celebration and reflection on the history and contributions of Aboriginal peoples in Canada.

This year, non-Native congregations are invited to be proactive in supporting the United Church goal of building "right relationships" with Native peoples (see Principles in the Search for Right Relationships).

Right Relationships

Two years ago, staff from Saskatchewan Conference, the Calling Lakes Centre, and Treaty 4 offices in Fort Qu'Appelle came together to explore "right relationships." The presentation by a Treaty 4 representative led to discussions around the spiritual understanding of the making of a treaty. (The result was a follow-up event in 2004 titled "Understanding Treaty as Covenant.") The Elder from Fort Qu'Appelle described the history of the Treaty 4 negotiations....

In 1874 the Government of Canada sent a team of treaty negotiators to Fort Qu'Appelle, but the treaty negotiators were frustrated by the slow process: The First Nations leaders withdrew for ceremony and prayers before they could be involved in the treaty process. The First Nations leaders understood this was a sacred, spiritual agreement that required spiritual preparation. They understood that the process involved three parties: The primary component of the First Nations and Canada coming to an understanding was the acknowledgement that the Creator held the promise of peace and sharing.

• Liturgy: Worship as Covenant Action