Aboriginal Initiative
We acknowledge that we worship on the traditional territories of the Wendat, the Haudenosaunee, and the Michi Sagiit Nishnaabeg, with our nearest neighbours being the Chippewas of Georgina Island. For thousands of years, these Indigenous Peoples developed their knowledge, wisdom, and spiritual practices in caring for this planet so that their grandchildren’s grandchildren may also benefit from the gifts of Mother Earth. We appreciate the teachings about respectfully connecting with all Human Beings and with all non-human Beings as relatives. We also appreciate the teachings about putting into practice the principles of an Honourable Harvest. It is good to walk beside Indigenous Peoples giving Creator/Gitchi Manidoo thanks for the many gifts of Mother Earth which sustain us each day.
Rev. David Franks Updates
Prayers to Honour the Survivors of Residential School as well as the Children and Youth who did not return to their Indigenous families and communities
Creator, Divine Mystery, Peacemaker, Gitchi Manidoo (Great Spirit), we ask you to be with those buried on the grounds of residential schools from coast to coast to coast, for those buried in unmarked graves, and for those lost in their respective journeys in returning to their homes and communities. Walk with them on their journey to the Spirit World to be with their Ancestors.
We ask that you comfort the families and communities of the children and youth who did not return to their homes from residential schools and from caregivers provided by child welfare agencies. Hold in the palm of your hand those whose hearts have been heavy with sorrow for so many years.
We also ask that you comfort and strengthen all those who re-experience the traumas of living in residential schools or homes provided by child welfare agencies as well as those who continue to cope with the impact of intergenerational trauma. Help each of them to find courage to share their stories and find healing for their pain.
For Settlers and Newcomers to Canada, help us to listen to the voices of Indigenous Peoples and find ways to honour the gifts that Indigenous children and youth bring to our lives.
Support us, Source of All Life and Love, through each of our days in this troubled world is over, and our work is done. Then, Source of All Life and Love, in your lovingkindness, give us safe lodging, a holy rest, and peace at last.
Amen.
Rev. David Franks Reminds
National Truth and Reconciliation Day is formerly known as Orange Shirt Day. For a history of this Day began by Phyllis Webstad in 2013, visit the website ORANGE SHIRT SOCIETY.
EVERY CHILD MATTERS!
Every child is a gift of the Creator for not only parents and extended family members but also for everyone in our communities from coast to coast to coast. Creator Sets Free Jesus put a child in the middle of the crowd and taught those who walk in his way to learn from these children.
If you have yet to donate to FNMI INITIATIVES, please be generous in providing honoraria for Indigenous Participants in worship for the Sunday for Truth and Reconciliation and for the Trinity Fall Talking Circle 2025.
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On a cheque, identify your gift as FNMI INITITATIVES.
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For an e-transfer, enter FNMI INITITIATIVES in the message box.
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In giving cash, place your gift in an envelope and write FNMI INITIATIVES on the outside of the envelope.
FNMI stands for First Nations, Metis, and Inuit, who are identified as having Indigenous heritage.
Prayerfully consider donating on a monthly or quarterly basis over the coming year.
The children and youth who wear their Regalia dance in the Pow Wow Circle can be recognized and appreciated in a more substantial way. Those who make Regalia can receive some support.
Education
We offer Lunch & Learns, Movie Nights & Coffee Hours focusing on the impact of poverty, Residential Schools and current events (Truth and Reconciliation Commission, Idle No More)
Advocacy
We work with the National Indigenous Bishop of Canada, Bishop Mark MacDonald, and his ‘water group’ Pimatisiwin Nipi to support clean and accessible water for all people in Canada
Spiritual walk
We support the integration of thoughtful prayers and Indigenous-focused worship services
Strategic Funding
We assist the First Peoples of Canada through participation in the Advent Conspiracy program each December. Our strategic funding has been focused on the Pikangikum Water Project through PWRDF.
spirit garden
Now is Open
The last week of September 2024 we celebrated the opening of SPIRIT GARDEN to honor the residential school survivors.
A video clip of this project introduces the various artists and Knowledge Keepers who contributed to making this Call to Action #82 from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission a reality.
This interpretive center provides visitors with a reflecting pool, a Two Row Wampum Belt Walkway, a Voyageur Canoe, Inukshuk, a timber frame Teaching Lodge, a Three Sisters Carden, and a Turtle Sculpture climbing out of the waters.
Funding for SPIRIT GARDEN has been gathered from a host of individuals (including some from Trinity in Aurora) and corporations (including the Anglican Diocese of Toronto) as well as from the City of Toronto, the Province of Ontario, and the federal government.
To learn more about the first-hand experience of the Opening Ceremony, click HERE.
