CULTURE AND LANGUAGE REVITALIZATION

Algonquin language program at Kateri Native Ministry

For over two decades, Kateri Native Ministry in Ottawa has been an advocate for the healing, reconciliation and spiritual growth of Indigenous communities.

The Ministry’s Kendaasawin Project is a response to two distinct but connected issues: the need for culturally appropriate healing for Indigenous individuals and the necessity for actions that reflect the Church’s commitment to Indigenous peoples.

New to the Kendaasawin Project is a week-long Indigenous Language Training Program. The program will feature a language teacher who will share and teach the Algonquin language to Indigenous participants on Kateri land. To ensure inclusivity, all on-site events will have an online counterpart, enabling remote participation for those unable to attend in person.

A grant from the Indigenous Reconciliation Fund (IRF) will cover honorariums for the language teacher and staff, along with the maintenance of the land and facilities during the event.

Kateri Native Ministry has a rich history of hosting impactful events, including Healing Conferences, monthly masses, Potluck gatherings, sharing circles, and traditional assemblies. In the words of Chief Wayne Mckenzie from Timiskaming First Nation: 

“The [first retreat hosted by Kateri Ministry] was definitely covered with a warm native spirit of love which made it easy for people to share…All in all the weekend was a huge success and should be brought out to more mainstream public.”

Kateri Native Ministry of Ottawa (submitted by Archdiocese of Ottawa-Cornwall )

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