Synod Enters Season of Pakitinâsowin

The family of parishes comprising the Diocese of Edmonton took another step forward in its journey of reconciliation and right relationship with the Indigenous peoples of Treaty 6 and Treaty 8, when, on October 19, the 69th Synod voted overwhelmingly to support changing Canon 5 on the Disestablishment of Parishes.

The Edmonton diocese is entering into a Season of Pakitinâsowin by acknowledging that “true richness comes only when you can give away unjust gains that were never really yours at all.” (Source: The Spirit of Pakitinâsowin: Reparations in the Diocese of Edmonton Introduction)

When a parish is disestablished, its property assets are allocated for ministry and mission through the Diocesan Development Fund. With the change to Canon 5, Synod must allocate a minimum of 10 per cent of the property assets of the disestablished parish to the Pakitinâsowin (Sacred Lodge) Fund for Reciprocity and Reparations, or successor Funds established by the Executive Council for reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples.  

This carries forward the decision of the 68th Synod, in 2022, to direct the Executive Council of the Diocese of Edmonton to enact policies and procedures ensuring future material benefits of the lands and infrastructure occupied by churches are equitably shared with First Nations, Métis, and Inuit partners per the spirit and intent of the treaties.

Subsequently, at the direction of the Bishop and Executive Council, the Ven. Travis Enright, Archdeacon for Reconciliation and Decolonization, formed a Sacred Healing Lodge, Amiskwaciwâskahikan(ᐊᒥᐢᑲᐧᒋᐋᐧᐢᑲᐦᐃᑲᐣ), to develop a 10-year plan for Indigenous education and a spiritual system led by Indigenous people for vulnerable Indigenous youth. 

In the 2024 budget, Synod allocated general operating funds for the salary and benefits of the Archdeacon for Reconciliation and Decolonization and the lay reader-in-charge, Church of the Nativity, Frog Lake First Nation, currently Fred Matthews. In time, these offices will be modified to reflect the expanded responsibilities of what will eventually be known as the Standing Stones Sacred Lodge.

A misimâw/lodge elder will provide spiritual and administrative leadership to the Sacred Lodge community: Lodgepole communitas in Edmonton and Church of the Nativity parish on Frog Lake First Nation. This person will also inspire the ministry of an ayamiheweyiniw/pastor who will teach the sacred stories and knowledge of local gathering communities and help people find their way into the healing journey.

These two leadership positions will give significant expression to the diocesan reparations initiative concerning people and groups who walk together with and share in the ministries of the Diocese of Edmonton directly.