A vision for healing in Canada was sparked in 1995 that involved a spiritual reckoning, bringing together faith leaders and elected officials from across Canada at an event called The Sacred Assembly.
EFC leaders were a part of the event and helped to edit a document called the Reconciliation Proclamation, which was a result of the Sacred Assembly and a seed for much of the work that continues today.
Thirty years later, some of the original organizers are now hosting a commemoration event in Winnipeg from January 23-25.
The late Elijah Harper, an Oji-Cree politician, activist and Christian leader, cast the vision for the original Sacred Assembly. He is most notably known for single-handedly blocking the Meech Lake Accord in 1987, but his lesser-known contributions and advocacy for Indigenous rights still impact us today.
The Sacred Assembly and the Reconciliation Proclamation helped to shape the EFC itself, as in recent years the EFC has published seven commitments towards right relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people.
As David Guretzki (EFC President), Bruce Clemenger (former president, who attended in 1995) and several members of the Seven Commitments Working Group prepare to attend the commemoration in Winnipeg, please be in prayer for them and all who attend. May the hope and healing that began in 1995 continue to grow and multiply, by God’s grace, among all people who call Canada home.
You can learn more about the 30th anniversary commemoration and register at commemorating1995sa.ca.