Indigenous Ministry Office Fosters Healing and Reconciliation in Northern Ontario

True reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples requires more than words – it needs tangible actions that preserve and celebrate Indigenous traditions and heritage.

The Indigenous Ministry Office at the Diocese of Thunder Bay has been doing just that, fostering healing and reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities across northern Ontario.

Recognizing the diverse and nuanced needs of Indigenous Peoples, the Indigenous Ministry Office offers a wide range of programs and services to support healing and spiritual growth. These include the guidance of an Elders Council, listening and healing circles, spiritual counseling, cultural programs, and other community services. The Office also helps individuals locate important documents like baptismal and confirmation records, as well as information on gravesites. This support is especially important for those seeking to reconnect with their ancestry and heritage.

Thanks to funding from the Indigenous Reconciliation Fund (IRF), the Office will be able to continue its work for another year, ensuring these programs and services remain available to the communities it serves – from Thunder Bay to Nipigon, Marathon to Heron Bay, to name a few.

Since 2019, the office has been a vital link to the community, offering workshops, educational programs, and a central hub where Indigenous Peoples can gather, access support, and find connection. Through its work, the Indigenous Ministry Office is helping to create a path toward healing and understanding that honours Indigenous heritage and works toward a more better future.

Diocese of Thunder Bay