Walking the Path
Walking the Path is an informal working group formed under the umbrella of the Ministries Commission. With members from a number of MC Sask congregations, together with valued Indigenous partners, this group desires to connect energy and wisdom in order to foster and improve good relations between MC Sask constituents and Indigenous peoples. Meetings are open to anyone interested in the work and vision of walking the path towards reconciliation.
History
Walking the Path began in May 2010. Its original project (of collecting stories of Mennonite interaction with Indigenous neighbours) shifted, with the opportunity to participate in and respond to the planned Truth and Reconciliation Commission hearings in Saskatoon in 2012. Walking the Path continues to be responsive to new opportunities as they emerge.
Who We Are
Currently we have about ten active participants, mostly from MC Sask congregations, but also including MC Canada’s Indigenous Relations staff person, and MCC Saskatchewan’s Indigenous Neighbours coordinator. From the beginning, it was important to have an Indigenous voice within the working group, and for many years Walking the Path has been well served by the guidance and wisdom of Harry Lafond, past chief of the Muskeg Lake Cree Nation and former executive director of the Office of Treaty Commissioner.
There is a wealth of experience and relationship networks in the current group, but it wants to make room for new people and new vision for the work. Walking the Path welcomes anyone with an interest in fostering relationships between MC Sask members and Indigenous peoples. Meetings are held monthly at the MCCS Centre in Saskatoon, and are accessible online (or by phone) as well.
For further information, please contact the MC Sask office, and your inquiry will be forwarded to Walking the Path.
What We Do
Walking the Path meets monthly, and tries to pay attention to local opportunities and needs. The group has been involved in a number of projects and initiatives over the years. We’ve organized events like “Music Under the Arbour,” where Mennonites and Cree came together at Muskeg Lake Cree Nation for a time of sharing songs and a potluck supper. We undertook a major project to produce the documentary Custodians: A Story of Ancient Echoes (2022). The group promotes viewings of MCC Saskatchewan’s Reserve 107 documentaries. Walking the Path continues to explore new ways of building relationships and intercultural understanding, and working for justice in the Saskatchewan context. And it’s joining in the emerging cross-Canada conversations being held with other MC Canada regional working groups.
Walking the Path wants to see all of MC Sask’s churches walking a similar path towards reconciliation.
How to get started?
- Read a book. Alone, or start a book club with some friends. Here is a suggested reading list.
- Attend a local Indigenous public event (powwow, Back to Batoche, etc).
- Ask for a guest speaker to come to your congregation. MCC Saskatchewan (Indigenous Neighbours coordinator) or the Office of the Treaty Commissioner are good starting places.
If you want to reach out to Walking the Path, please contact the MC Sask office, and your email will be forwarded to the group’s facilitator.