Dear parish family,

 I write to you, your brother in Christ, from the traditional and unsurrendered territory of the Squamish Nation, the original and ongoing stewards of this land.

 Tomorrow, Wednesday September 30th, marks the first Day of Truth and Reconciliation in Canada.

I urge you to stop and mark this day prayerfully and earnestly. I hope that this may be a step on the road to healing and transformation our society desperately needs concerning the historic and present-day injustices against Indigenous peoples.

 Some ideas on how to engage in this day include…

 1. Wear an orange shirt.

Let us visibly show our support. If you do not know the significance of the orange shirt, you can read about it here. https://www.orangeshirtday.org/phyllis-story.html

 2. Donate to an Indigenous organization or support an Indigenous owned business

Some suggestions of groups that make a big impact are…

• The Indian Residential Residential School Survivor Society

https://www.irsss.ca/

• Kwi Awt Stelmexm, a language and art society for the Squamish Nation.

https://www.kwiawtstelmexw.com/

 3. Listen & Learn.

​There are so many resources out there. However, some good places to start are…

• The 94 calls to action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission

https://ehprnh2mwo3.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Calls_to_Action_English2.pdf

• “Doctrine of Discovery: Stolen lands, Strong Hearts,” a documentary made by the Anglican Church of Canada in response to the 94 calls to action.

https://www.anglican.ca/primate/tfc/drj/doctrineofdiscovery/

 4. Show up.

There are several events happening online and in person in Squamish and around the lower mainland. I particularly commend you to the Truth and Reconciliation Commemoration Event from 1pm to 3pm tomorrow at Osiyam Pavillion in downtown Squamish.

 5. Pray.

This is important for us as people of faith.

• Watch and pray along with this specially produced service for Orange Shirt day led by Indigenous Anglican Elders.

https://www.anglican.ca/orangeshirtday/

• Pray this prayer found at the end of Bishop John’s pastoral letter for September 30th.

https://www.vancouver.anglican.ca/news/pastoral-letter-from-bishop-stephens-regarding-september-30

 This is only one day, but I hope that the Holy Spirit may animate us to walk the road of truth and reconciliation all year long until God’s peace and justice reigns.