Reconciliation (Knowledge- Understanding- Doing)

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“Ask yourself, where am I at in this process? How much do I really know historically and what’s going on now? How do I get to know, especially if it was never taught to us? Leaders have got to give a go-ahead to educate. It’s a process of gaining the necessary Knowledge or Kaskihtomowan in my Cree language, then Understanding (Instohtomowin), and then doing- or To-Do (Itohtah).”
— Deloris Netmaker
“The Coming Spring” sculpture in Saskatoon, SK Canada downtown in Victoria Park.

“The Coming Spring” sculpture in Saskatoon, SK Canada downtown in Victoria Park.

The Coming Spring

I went for a walk with my friend Deloris in Victoria Park which hosts Saskatoon’s youngest landmark sculpture: the “Coming Spring” which speaks to rebirth and change. Rich with symbolism, its visitors are encouraged to reflect on the need for reconciliation. The sound from the chimes blowing in the wind is intended to evoke emotions, thoughts or prayers. It can be a time for meditation as one reflects on past or present harms that require restoration and reconciliation corporately or on a personal basis. Canadian artist Gordon Reeve who created this reflective art piece was interviewed by Shaw TV in 2018. He invites us to have hope for the future. Click here to view the 9 minute video to learn more.

Walk for Reconciliation

Although Saskatoon is unable to host our annual walk for reconciliation on June 21 as we have the last few years (due to the pandemic restrictions), we can do our own walks with small groups this summer (as we practice physical distancing) and throughout the year. If you are in the Saskatoon area, I encourage you to visit this sculpture, read the messages on the plaque, and process in prayer or meditation what is stirring in your own heart for reconciliation.

Feeling Deeply

She shared a recent experience herself when she visited the site of an abandoned Indian Residential school with her husband Marvin and the deep well of emotions that arose as a result of walking through that space and land. I felt her lament amidst great hope.

In honour of Indigenous Peoples Day here in Canada, I'm reposting a 2018 video where Deloris was featured in an interview on Context. She shares a beautiful word of healing and transformation referencing the story of Lazarus. If you are not familiar with the story and the miracle found within, you can read here as she sees a clear symbolism here with healing and transformation.

“...I believe that as we unwrap, God will heal. That is the only way it’s going to happen, (sharing stories, addressing injustice, living by faith). And that’s the process we are living in today... watch and see what God’s going to do with our people when He heals them. ”
— Deloris Netmaker

During a recent protest, a friend of mine snapped a photo of a sign which said “Black & Indigenous Live Matter”. It was catching peoples attentions, as the controversial BLM movement started in the United States was rising up a “woke” state of being. A term that also became divisive. Some wanted to be woke. Some didn’t want to be associated with that term and what it represented, and many didn’t and still don’t know if it is good or bad to be called woke. Truly, humanity if left to ourselves will continue to try and define what is right in their own eyes and demonize the “other”.

Biblically, ALL people really do matter as the Word of God confirms that our original intent was that we were created in God’s Image as male and female (Genesis 1:26-27). The word has much to say about equality- healthy relationships- justice. Question remains, which source do we turn to try and bring about that? The systems of the world can only do so much.

But Christ.

His followers are to draw from His strength, peace and wisdom as true “ministers of Reconciliation” (2 Corinthians 5:11-21) . Jesus IS the source of true and everlasting life.

In the natural realm, people are crying out for equality and justice. I am NOT a far left winger and am against the lawlessness that has erupted in many public squares. In the supernatural realm, as sisters in Christ, Deloris and I both felt that was a sign that more voices are rising up to engage in desiring justice which will require reconciliation than ever before in our lifetime.

Question is- where do we turn for ultimate justice?

When asking her what advice she has for others she says “Ask yourself, where am I at in this process? How much do I really know historically and what’s going on now? How do I get to know, especially if it was never taught to us? Leaders have got to give a go-ahead to educate. It’s a process of gaining the necessary knowledge or Kaskihtomowan in my Cree language, then Understanding ( Instohtomowin), and then doing- or To-Do Itohtah).”

Wise words from another world changer I’ve been blessed to get to know over the years. We both turned 50 this spring, I am proclaiming that hope is rising and the coming spring is just around the corner:) Let’s “be the bridge’ and lean into all our part in the reconciliation pathway.

“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed.”
— Proverbs 31:8