A Southdale church played host to an important weekend workshop on churches and faith communities participating in reconciliation with Indigenous People.

The Canadian Baptists of Western Canada (CBWC) organized the event which took place at Willowlake Baptist Church.

Heartland Area Minister for the CBWC, Rev. Mark Doerksen, said that this is an important issue for Christians and churches to participate in. "There's been some very difficult pieces against Indigenous People that many folks have not had to face. Understanding those issues really helps us in making steps to reconciliation."

The weekend event provided a space to come and learn about those stories firsthand. Pastor Howard Jolly shared about his own experience as an Indigenous Christian in Canada. 

Last year Canadian Baptist Ministries (the national arm of the CBWC) apologized to Indigenous Peoples on behalf of Canadia Baptists. Terry Smith, Executive Director of CBM said in the apology, "I am mindful that I cannot apologize for others’ acts without admitting my own shortcomings. As a community of God’s people, we admit that too often we have not been or done what we could or should have to live and act justly. To you, our neighbours, our sisters and brothers who have been hurt, directly or indirectly by our actions and inaction, we ask your forgiveness."

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