Dear CLC in Canada Members,
This last month has brought to light a deep darkness in our national history. Finding the unmarked graves of the 215 ‘Holy Innocents’ has brought many of us to our knees with tears of shame and desire for forgiveness. It has brought us to the foot of the Cross, the third week of the Exercises, where we stand in solidarity with the innocent and crucified Christ- those victims and families of Kamloops and Residential Schools throughout this country. If there is one thing that Covid-19 has taught us, it is that when ONE suffers, we ALL suffer. This includes the whole of Creation. In Canada and throughout the world, we have been filled with all the deep, painful and human emotions of grief.
I suggest we change our focus this Monday, June 21. National Indigenous Peoples Day is a day to put our grief aside and to ‘Walk in the Light”- to participate in the rich culture and traditions of the First Nations, Inuit and Metis of Canada. It is a time to enter into the 4th week and the JOY of the Risen Christ-risen out of deep pain, suffering and injustice. On this National Indigenous Day, the longest day of the year, do whatever you can to celebrate through conversation, technology or events. Listen to the rich Indigenous stories of Creation; feel the beating heart of Mother Earth in the sound of the drum; let your spirit enter the rhythmic dancing and the sound of the jingles. Let your eyes be opened to the colour of the ribbons, beaded dress and feathers. If you are privileged enough to attend any celebrations in person, don’t miss the opportunity. For this day, experience some of these First Nations’ amazing cultures and traditions that have managed to survive despite so many obstacles and injustices.
Remember though, that after the resurrection, there is much learning and work to be done. We are DISCERNING, APOSTOLIC COMMUNITIES. We are called to listen, to dialogue, to pray, reflect, learn and to act. We are called to make amends against these atrocities of our dark past and to change unjust structures against the Indigenous Peoples of Canada…and even throughout the World.
We are called to challenge all levels of Government to ACT on the TRC Recommendations and change unjust structures. We, as individuals, have limited ability but, as discerning communities, we are strong. As one Body of Christ much can be done. This is the Ignatian 500 year…a Call to Conversion. We are deeply blessed and privileged to have in our membership communities like ‘Walk in the Light”, “Oramus” and ‘Joshua’s Tree’. We are also gifted by the presence of the Elder, Graydon Nicholas of ‘River of Life’. Those of you who attended the National Assembly received a taste of the richness that these members bring to the table. We are honoured and blessed by their presence in CLC. We need to listen and learn more through their example and experience. We also have the treasure of the recently published guide from the Jesuit Forum “Listening to Indigenous Voices”. The idea for this project was born out of Fr. Peter Bisson SJ’s imagination and efforts after his own conversion experience. Through dialogue and deepened understanding we can learn how to make a difference. If communities are interested, I am sure that monies to buy the guide can come from our National Funds for Formation. I am sure that John English would be delighted to know of such a venture! As Maya Angelou said: "Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better."
To conclude, we call ourselves Canadian, after the Indigenous name, Kanata, meaning village. Let’s make it a village where we uphold the dignity and rights of each person and each other.
Miigwetch,
Michelle Mahoney, on behalf of General Council
