Bringing Us Together
Baree Uguzhum
Manawi Payin
This is the name of a Youth initiative taken on by two Oblate Parishes, St. Albert Parish and Lac St. Anne Parish and its missions. Pope Francis was explicit with his words to Catholics when he pilgrimed here to Canada to see first-hand the pain experienced by Indigenous People. During his speech in Maskwacis, he shared:
“I trust and pray that Christians and civil society in this land may grow in the ability to accept and respect the identity and the experience of the Indigenous peoples. It is my hope that concrete ways can be found to make those people better known and esteemed so that all may learn to walk together. For my part, I will continue to encourage the efforts of all Catholics to support the Indigenous peoples. I have done so on other occasions and in various places through meetings, appeals, and also through the writing of an Apostolic Exhortation. I realize that all this will require time and patience. We are speaking of processes that must penetrate hearts.”
As an Oblate Associate, I have always felt that I walk in solidarity with the Oblates around me and those who went before me. For that reason, Truth and Reconciliation is significant to me for obvious reasons. As Oblates, many steps have been taken to right the wrongs of the past, and many more will be taken. I wanted to speak about some of the steps that were walked this summer and will continue.
It has long been a hope that these two parishes could find a way to bring youth together spiritually and meaningfully. There was a will of parishioners from Alexis to have an opportunity for catechesis for the youth in that parish mission. At the same time, further to work done by the Synod committee at St. Albert parish, there was a wish for the youth to experience and understand Indigenous spirituality and culture. The words of Pope Francis last summer sparked an idea that had been just beyond our reach. We could no longer wait for the idea to form; we needed to be intentional about it. After an initial meeting of the two Pastors, Father Les and Father Jack, along with staff and volunteers from both parishes, it became apparent that we could move forward. It did not take long to decide that an overnight camp at Lac St. Anne Pilgrimage site would happen, and it would be called Bringing Us Together/ Baree Uguzhum/ Manawi Payin. This would be the first event for Indigenous and Non-Indigenous Youth.
On Friday, August 18th to 20th, Young people gathered with staff and volunteers to experience Indigenous Spirituality, protocol, culture and Catholic Faith. The youth were gifted with Bibles, made rosaries, heard about being Catholic from Father Mike Schmitz in a video, and prayed the Divine Mercy Chaplet, led by Rebecca Sakowich and Aidan O’Toole from St. Albert Parish. We had several Indigenous Elders come and spend time talking about essential parts of Indigenous life. Haward Mcdonld (Smoky) came from the Enoch Cree Community and shared protocol about smudging and how it prepares us to engage with the Creator. Trina Kootenayoo, from Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation, came to share her talents of sewing and beading. Elder Ella Arcand, from Alexander Cree Nation, shared the history of the Lac St. Ann Pilgrimage and its continued importance today with her community. From Alexis, Eugene Alexis explained the value of the arts, such as drumming, singing and painting. He explained that spiritual care was necessary and that the arts could help us. The arts can be like therapy for us by helping to rewrite our brains and help with trauma. This is where we can build our relationship with God, and we need to start now. Then, all the youth and adults joined in a Round Dance.
Two days and nights of activities, new friendships, essential learnings, and sharing meals, this was all we could have hoped for and more. A wonderful surprise was how mentorship happened naturally among the youth during the first event, which was smudging. An older Indigenous youth quietly helped younger children understand and participate. On the last morning, Mass was celebrated by the campers, their families and any other parishioners who wanted to join, followed by a final meal together. Fathers Jack and Les concelebrated with Archbishop Emeritus Lavoie as we came together as a community to celebrate a new journey.
We are already planning more activities and opportunities for the youth who came to the camp and others who want to join. The second activity took place; we were very excited to welcome Eugene Alexis to St. Albert Parish to lead our youth in an evening of prayer and painting toward healing. We are blessed and look forward to continuing our Bringing Us Together/ Baree Uguzhum/ Manawi Payin journey.
By Serena Shaw
