For thousands of years, Indigenous peoples from across Turtle Island regularly gathered where the Red and Assiniboine rivers meet in Winnipeg. From July 28-31, North Americans from all cultures, ethnicities and age groups are invited to the campus of Canadian Mennonite University in Winnipeg for Native Assembly 2014.
“It may be called Native Assembly, but it’s not just for Indigenous people,” says Steve Heinrichs, Mennonite Church Canada Director, Indigenous Relations. “It’s a place where people from all backgrounds can get together and get to know each other better, while exploring what the Creator is saying to us in a time when creation is in peril.”
The Assembly theme, Ears to Earth, Eyes to God, is drawn from Job 12:7-10 and encourages us to listen to creation, remembering our responsibility as God’s stewards of creation.
The biennial gathering, co-sponsored by Mennonite Church Canada and Mennonite Church USA, typically takes place in the rural US. It’s the first time it has been held in Canada since 2004, and the first time it has ever been held in a city. With its rich Indigenous history, Winnipeg seemed a logical choice.
Specially organized learning tours will provide guests the opportunity to delve into the past, present and future of Indigenous nations. Thousands of years of history come to life at The Forks – where the Red and Assiniboine meet; at Fort Whyte, an environmental education centre that is home to bison, waterfowl, prairie dogs, and more; and the Manitoba Museum. Contemporary realities and future possibilities emerge through a trip to Neechi Commons, an Indigenous-owned and -operated food co-op and speciality market. Participants will learn more about the Idle No More movement and Treaty relationships, while appreciating the unique artwork of the neighbourhood.
Fittingly, most of Ears to Earth, Eyes to God takes place in the open air. A Sacred Fire will burn for the duration of the event. In the afternoons and evenings, guests will be invited to visit the Re-Creation space with activities for young and old alike, featuring a tiki-bar with slushies and popcorn, wading pools, slip n’ slide space, sports equipment and shaded seating.
During scheduled events, participants will hear from a number of respected Indigenous elders and teachers who wrestle with the challenges of our day. Workshop leaders include Adrian Jacobs, Keeper of the Circle at Sandy-Saulteaux Spiritual Centre (SSSC) in Beausejour, Manitoba; Judy da Silva and Peter Haresnape (UK) of Christian Peacemaker Teams; Pastor Stan McKay, the first Indigenous moderator of the United Church (1992-94), who now address injustices resulting from colonial history. Also leading workshops are Melanie Kampen and Deanna Zantingh, two young women from settler communities who advocate for Indigenous communities.
Special guests include the Summer Bear Dance Troupe and elder and educator E. Clarence Nepinak.
Registration for Native Assembly has been extended to July 4 at http://home.mennonitechurch.ca/event/NativeAssembly2014/children
--Posted June 25, 2014
Native Assembly is a biennial event co-hosted by Mennonite Church Canada and the Mennonite Church Manitoba Partnership Circle. Planners for the 2014 Winnipeg event include, from left to right: Norman Meade, Neill von Gunten, Jeff Friesen, Terry Zimmerly, Melanie Kampen, Sam Bergen, Edith von Gunten, Steve Heinrichs, Pat Palson, Dorothy Fontaine, and Ingrid Miller. (Credit: MC Canada)
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