An Act of Reconciliation

Something happened naturally this year that I wanted to share about the impact of our chokecherry tree; the tree that we and all parishes in the diocese planted back in 2015 in response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission calls to action.

Our local elementary/junior high school (Hardisty) used the chokecherry as a place of teaching and reflection for their students on Orange Shirt Day, September 30th. (I know it is a while back, but I just received the photos now.) Classes would cycle through in turn, telling the story of the chokecherry at St. A's and also about the importance of the chokecherry in aboriginal culture. It was really lovely to see and seemed to be just the right use of that tree. It has grown a lot since we planted it.

These photos were taken and shared by school principal Jim Scott. I told him that I would share within our diocese. If I had to pick a favorite picture it would be the one with the students all seated in circle together.  

Submitted by the Rev. Jonathan Crane, rector of St. Augustine of Canterbury Anglican Church in Edmonton.