Faith in Indigenous Spirituality

 It can be exceptionally challenging between Indigenous Peoples and the Catholic Church as the history between the two parties is fraught with pain and requires slow, delicate steps to work towards a healthier relationship.

One way to rebuild bridges is to ensure that there are welcoming spaces within Catholic institutions to foster meaningful dialogue, provide opportunities for prayer, reflection, and learning, and ensure visibility of Indigenous faith, culture, and teachings.

St. Basil’s Parish in Ontario is deeply familiar with the process of reconciliation and has committed itself to Indigenous inclusion. Led by Pastor Fr. Daryold Winkler, an Ojibwe Catholic priest, the parish hosts a monthly Indigenous Catholic Mass and other traditional gatherings. As part of the parish’s journey toward reconciliation, it is transforming its unused baptistry into a sacred space to honour the anniversary of the late Pope Francis’s book, Laudato si’, and the release of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action. This gathering space will feature murals created by Indigenous artists and will host educational sessions that teach Indigenous histories, traditions and culture.

Reclaiming this neglected space is a tangible action representing the continued commitment to fostering healthy relations between Indigenous Peoples and the Catholic Church. The Indigenous Reconciliation Fund (IRF) is proud to contribute funding to strengthening relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities across Ontario using methods rooted in Indigenous teachings and spirituality. 

Archdiocese of Ottawa-Cornwall