The history of residential schools in Canada is a painful scar that continues to re-open in the relationship between indigenous peoples and the settler communities of Canada. After the discovery of the bodies of 215 children found on the grounds of the Kamloops Indian Residential School, many people are walking with indigenous communities in this renewed grief, and would like to better understand the most appropriate actions to take next, after taking time to mourn and lament the lost children and to grieve with their families and communities. One of our retired diaconal ministers, Sally Meyer, DM, felt moved by the Spirit to prepare a service of lament to offer to the wider church to mark Indigenous Day of Prayer (June 20, 2021).
NOTE: The content and format of this service were shared with the Elders of the Indigenous Ministries within our Regional Council for input and approval.
- Download (.docx): June 2021 – Lament – Mass Grave Discovery – final
- Download (PDF): June 2021 – Lament – Mass Grave Discovery – final