We acknowledge that this church is situated upon traditional territories. The territories include the Wendat, Anishinabek Nation, the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, the Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nations, and the Métis Nation. The treaty that was signed for this particular parcel of land is collectively referred to as the “Toronto Purchase” and applies to lands east of Brown’s Line to Woodbine Avenue and north towards Newmarket. We recognize the enduring presence of Indigenous peoples on this land.
The community at St Augustine’s takes seriously the calls to action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Over the last number of years, we have engaged in learning opportunities to better understand Indigenous traditions and history. These include events like the Kairos Blanket Exercise and attending Pow Wows such as the annual excursion to the Native Child and Family Service Pow Wow in September.
In June, we host an annual Indigenous Sunday worship service and invite guest Indigenous leaders to guide us with their preaching and to shape our worship with smudging, drumming, and prayers. We have also marked Orange Shirt Day on September 30 with an outdoor service to help connect our worshipping community to the land. Orange Shirt Day is also marked to honour those affected by the residential school system and to teach that part of Canadian history.
It is our sincere desire to better understand the troubling elements of our religious and national history and to move forward towards reconciliation through education, relationship building, and prayerful worship. We extend our welcome to include members of First Nations communities and we strive to become better advocates in the church and in the secular community.
