RECAP AND RESOURCES
On October 6, a group of St. Jude's parishioners and guests gathered in Victoria Hall to learn about local Indigenous heritage and treaties at its Walking the Land event, honouring the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Convened by the Women's Study Group--who had invited ALL parishioners--men and women were present to watch two videos by Darin Wybenga, Mississaugas of the First Nation (MCFN) Manager of Culture and expert in traditional history and local treaties. Following the viewing, the Rev Canon Dr David Anderson spoke about the sacred land and watershed where St. Jude's is located—including the special confluence of the Sixteen Mile Creek and Lake Ontario—and shared reflections on responsibilities and possibilities. Nancy Coombs, Rector's Warden and Debwewin Ally Leadership Council Representative, then gave remarks on meanings of treaty, from Indigenous, historical and current perspectives. Allyship and inter-relatedness were also explored, with a brief overview of recent Indigenous partnerships and events with St. Jude's and beyond. It was reaffirmed that God is in relationship—as in treaty-marking—while we walk together in this process and in our everyday lives. Velda Vasilaros, Women's Study Group convenor, led a discussion, with attendees exchanging thoughts, reactions, and some lived experiences.
In closing, there was a Treaty 22 (signed February 28, 1820) Plaque installation ceremony in Victoria Hall, a lasting memento of this event and a reminder of the history of the land and of enduring ties to our MCFN Treaty partners. An excerpt of a speech delivered by a MCFN Chief in 1820—as transcribed at that time by William Graves, a British visitor to Canada, conveying the impact of settlement on Indigenous Peoples—was read as the plaque was hung:
“You came as wind blown across the great Lake.
The wind wafted you to our shores. We received
you - we planted you - we nursed you. We
protected you till you became a mighty tree that
spread thro our Hunting Land. With its branches
you now lash us.” (from Treaty Guide for Torontonians, Talking Treaties Collective, 2022)
It was further stated, “As we gather today, may we seek to live in right relationships with our treaty partners, seeking together to honour Creator and creation.” As Canon David has expressed—reflecting St. Jude's ongoing commitment to allyship—“We are conscious of our connection to all creatures through the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the land we walk upon. We seek to live in right relationship with all our relations.”
“We are grateful Treaty People” is often also said at St. Jude's and by Debwewin Oakville community partners. As we continue to deepen our knowledge of the treaties and local Indigenous heritage—including at Walking the Land--while building connections with our treaty partners, these words gain significance.
Some resources from Walking the Land:
Videos by Darin Wybenga (MCFN`s Manager of Culture) watched:
Readings discussed: