FOR CHURCHES

 

Can the church, one of the primary wounding places for First Peoples, become a place of healing for Indigenous and non-indigenous people alike?

 

THE CHALLENGE

The non-Indigenous church is at a crossroads. Will we receive the invitation of residential school survivors and learn to walk together in a new way? Will we be shaped by Shalom — a pursuit of right relations where nothing is missing and nothing is broken? Or will we leave unexamined and unconfessed our participation in the violence of colonization? Only by facing the wounds we have inflicted is there hope of healing.

A process for healing

 
Illustration of hills and horizon

01 | Orientation

Illustration of a trowel

02 | Education and Preparation

03 | Building Partnerships

Illustration of red clover flower

04 | Consultation

01 | Orientation

Our work begins with gaining clearer understanding of our particular localities and challenges. Take a look at the resources provided on our site, then reach out for an initial conversation about how Healing at the Wounding Place might catalyze the work of healing in your context. We work with faith-based groups across Western Canada.

02 | Education and Preparation

We are frequently asked: How do we begin? Do we have the right posture and resources for the work ahead? Our ministry works with non-Indigenous groups to consider how trust-building, respect for differing cultural modes, and operating in trauma-informed ways are essential to the work of truth and reconciliation. Sometimes, churches need to dwell here for a while before taking next steps.

03 | Building Partnerships

Any proposals for action that arise from previous steps are brought to local Indigenous leaders for consideration. No action is taken without the welcome of the Indigenous community. Our ministry serves as a bridge between non-indigenous and Indigenous groups, with the intention of facilitating healthy partnerships.

04 | Consultation

The work is carried out through relationships formed between Settler groups and First Peoples. Healing at the Wounding Place can continue to serve as a resource or consultant as the process unfolds.

What can you do?

 

Support Us

Your donation helps us extend our work to groups with limited financial resources.

Learn more

Questions about residential schools, systemic racism, and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission? Start here.

Work with us

Let’s discuss how Healing at the Wounding Place can catalyze right, just, and whole relationships in your context.

What people are saying

  • Jodi has been an invaluable resource for me as a pastor and for our Church community. She has led us through weekend workshops, helping us to connect with our local Indigenous neighbours, showing us how to respect them, learn from them and chart a course toward reconciliation together. The Kairos blanket exercise is an important learning tool we will use again and again. Our deep gratitude goes out to Jodi, who has helped us begin this long journey well.New List Item

    Rev. Randy Hamm First Baptist Vernon

  • Jodi and her team have taught with collaborative exercise(s) and thought provoking stories to assist each one of the UGM staff on their own journey of Truth and Reconciliation. I recommend her instructions to any organization which is seriously considering the first few steps of becoming a student and to grow with awareness of the First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples. If you are serious about the calls to actions via the Truth and Reconciliation Report – this is a good place to begin.

    Rev. Candice Harper -Manager Union Gospel Mission Women and Families Centre

  • It is not easy to open hearts without also causing people to become defensive or feel guilty. You have facilitated in a way that allowed for people to come to terms with these harsh histories and realities. And to encourage them to take part in reconciliation and look to build relationships with their Indigenous neighbours.

    Workshop participant

  • Jodi is a gifted presenter and educator. Her enriched understanding helped to broaden our knowledge-base in our work alongside all people impacted by colonization and she did it in a way that had us both laughing and sobered. She has a rare set of gifts that makes you want to learn hard stuff and be a part of change.

    Kate Corcoran - SPCA