Indigenous Relations

Formation for Indigenous Relations and Ministry Program

 In response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, Archdiocese of Regina members and Indigenous community members created this program for seminarians and interested clergy, religious and laypeople. A rich array of learning activities provided opportunities for friendship and connection between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people, as well as help for seminarians as they prepare for parish ministry.

    For a full report on this program, click HERE.

Archdiocesan Commission for Truth and Reconciliation (ACTR)

     This commission is made up of approximately 10 Indigenous and 10 non-Indigenous people who meet to listen to one another, build relationships and discern together what steps the archdiocese can take to respond to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action.

    ACTR’s foundational principles include: support for and engagement with Indigenous spirituality, culture and language; education about Indigenous Peoples, their history on this land (including the impact of colonization and Indian Residential Schools), and Treaties; dialogue and relationship building; and working together for justice with Indigenous Peoples.

     There are 4 circles of activity and engagement wherein the commission strives to strengthen  relations, respond to the TRC Calls to Action, and connect pastorally with Indigenous brothers and sisters:

1) in schools and academic institutions;

2) in parishes;

3) through formation for those in leadership (priests, seminarians, diaconal candidates, lay formation candidates); and 

4) working with ecumenical  and  interfaith partners and other agencies in the wider  community in the pursuit of justice for Indigenous Peoples.   

To learn more or to get involved, contact Sr. RéAnne Letourneau: 306-540-3686.

Aboriginal Non Aboriginal Relations Community (ANARC)

Our community began as a ministry in 2009 in response to a request by the Bishop that the Archdiocese reach out to our Aboriginal brothers and sisters in the city of Regina. The ministry team has morphed into a community of Indigenous and Non Indigenous persons coming together to get to know one another, build relationships, share stories of pain and struggle, of strength and hope, to heal, reconcile, and find a way forward together.

ANARC’s vision , simply put is relationships. Our mission is to help facilitate good relationships between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal peoples…to journey together inter-culturally, rooted in truth, justice, love and humility.  (“To act justly, to love tenderly, and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8)

In order for a community to be vibrant and alive, relationships have to be strong. It has become clear that in order for reconciliation and right relationships to happen between peoples, both groups need to come together to learn from one another and get to know each other. We often underestimate the value of “presence” but it really makes a difference in peoples’ lives when we can just “be” together. One of the core events that this is happening is our monthly potluck and sharing circle, where Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people come together in an ecumenical spirit. This monthly gathering has been one of the best ways to build bridges as community is forming among the people. It has created a space for people to encounter one another, where people feel listened to and where friendships are growing. All are welcome!

Among all our different initiatives and efforts for right relationships, healing and reconciliation, we have 6 main goals:

1)      To gather: to gather together to build relationships within and between the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal communities.
2)      To educate: to provide teaching rooted in the Medicine Wheel and Sacred Scripture, fostering holistic health and growth.
3)      To engage: to engage Elders and members from the Aboriginal and Christian communities, reclaiming our identities, and moving towards a mutual cross-cultural living directed towards integration.
4)      To build up: to build community; partnerships; liaison with other organizations and groups.
5)      To tear down: to help tear down the barriers of racism and prejudice.
6)      To heal: to foster healing and reconciliation within and between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people. 

To learn more or get involved, contact Sr. RéAnne Letourneau: 306-540-3686

Valley Native Ministry

     This ministry focuses on building relationships between First Nations and non-First Nations people in the Fort Qu’Appelle area.

    On Fridays in Lebret, volunteers at the “Too Good to be Threw” second-hand store offer lunch and shopping for First Nation and non-First Nation families and seniors. A monthly newsletter called “Gathering the Four Winds” shares activity information, articles dealing with First Nations culture, Archdiocesan and Church news, funerals and coming events.

    New volunteers and supporters can contact Sr. Bernadette at: 306-332-6838.

Rylan Bellegarde, Richelle Lee Asapace and Tyra Lee Bellegarde from Regina and Black Bear, wore their traditional dress when they recieved the sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation.

Immaculate Mary in Cree

Mission Statement

We, the people involved in Regina Archdiocesan Native Ministry, will work in a co-operative effort through the Circle of ministers and the Circle of Elders to:

1. More effectively serve the First Nations people.
2. Jointly explore and determine pastoral approaches of Native Ministry.
3. Jointly take responsibility for adequate church building and gathering places for ministry.
4. Assist Native peoples in becoming more responsible for ministering in their respective regions..
5. Promote positive attitudes toward Native Ministry.

	Honouring Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha On October 21. 2012, we celebrated the canonization of Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha. as SAINT Kateri. To commemorate this wonderful event and to be more closely connected to this happening in our Church, we have decided to  acknowledge others who have been a great part of ministering to First Nations people. To download the French text of the bilingual homily by Bishop Lionel Gendron at Mass of Thanksgiving for the Canonization of Saint Kateri Tekakwitha click here
	One of those people is Fr. Jean-Marie Lacasse omi, who has served in the Perigord region for over four decades.  and became closely and personally connected to the Lestock and area Native Ministry, as well as the Valley Native Ministry Program. A Certificate of Special Recognition from the Regina Archdiocese was presented to Father Lacasse, by Dorothy Sentes from Lestock. (on behalf of Father Wojciech Wojtkowiak O.M.I. and Sister Bernadette Feist OSU on Sunday May 27, 2012 in Perigod Sask.
	Sister Gemma Staudt O.S.U.  was also recognized. She served   as a Missionary with the Carry The Kettle First Nation and area for many years. Even though she is retired, her ministry hasn’t ended as she continues to visit, mentor, listen, and pray.

Ecclesiastes tells us there is a time to plant - to sow - to reap, This is the time to be grateful for their dedicated and generous service to the First Nations people over the years.