TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION COMMITTEE
The parish Truth and Reconciliation committee, which formed five years ago, has been working on a new project: an outdoor mural by local Indigenous artists. Now it’s time to involve you! Here’s more information so you can learn about it. There will also be a 10-minute presentation of this information after Masses on May 2/3 – hope to see you then!
Why do we need a mural?
This mural is intended to honour a people and a culture whose trust we – as a society, a government and a Church – betrayed during the colonization of this land. Thanks to Church and government leaders today who have heeded the courageous voices of Indigenous people, society is now more aware of past wrongs and is working toward reparations. Our Oblate parish is a vital part of that effort. The mural will be a visible sign to the Old Ottawa East community and passersby of our concern and view of a new relationship with our Indigenous family.
How big will it be and where exactly will it go?
It will be about 8 feet (2.5 m) wide and 11 feet (3.4 m) high and will be installed on the wall of the parish centre that faces Main Street.
Who are the artists?
The artists are Emily Akikodjiwan Brascoupé-Hoefler, Claire Brascoupe and Mairi Brascoupe, also known as the Three Sisters Artist Collective (threesistersart.ca). Three Sisters specializes in murals, public art and large-scale installations that blend traditional Anishinabeg art forms with contemporary techniques. They are members of the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation and are graduates of Immaculata; they know the church and surrounding area very well.
How much will it cost?
We have great news! The project has been approved by the local Indigenous Reconciliation Fund committee as part of the national three-year fundraising initiative, to which our parish gave very generously. That means the work will be funded without any additional contributions from the parish. We are exploring what any future maintenance costs will be.
What will it look like?
From the artists: “The mural will blend traditional Algonquin motifs with contemporary design elements. Central to the composition will be three sisters – symbolic of the Three Sisters Collective but also referencing the traditional planting of corn, beans and squash, which represent interdependence and resilience. Surrounding them, the visual language of birch bark basket patterns, waterways, plant medicines and star knowledge will be woven into the landscape. Animals, including birds with olive branches, will symbolize the region but also the act of reconciliation between the church and Indigenous Peoples. This artwork will not only acknowledge the land but speak to our enduring connection with it and our responsibility to future generations.” This design concept is just a starting point – parishioners will have input into it.
What do the Oblates think of the project?
The Oblates (who own the building) would like to know if the parish supports the project before committing to it. Fr. Frank is our liaison with the Oblates.
When will it happen?
The artists are ready to get started, so the work can be done in 2026.
How can you/the community give input?
The T&R committee will be organizing sessions soon (in person and online) where you can share your thoughts in small synodal sharing groups. We look forward to your input!
What happens next?
Watch the bulletin and listen for announcements in the coming weeks about the next steps.
Questions? Please email or call the parish office.
Truth and Reconciliation Committee Mandate and History
The past few years has seen a necessary and difficult national refocusing on truth and reconciliation following the discovery of unmarked graves at former Oblate-run residential school sites across Canada. The formation of a Truth and Reconciliation Committee at Canadian Martyrs reflects the concern and grief expressed by some parishioners and a focal point for action by our parish.
About
The discovery of unmarked graves at former Oblate-run residential school sites across Canada became a call to action for several members of Canadian Martyrs Parish.
• June 2021: The first informal meeting was convened to share feelings and reactions and to discuss possible next steps.
• August 2021: Pastoral Council approved a small working group to make recommendations.
• October 14, 2021: Pastoral Council voted to form a Truth and Reconciliation Committee.
• December 1, 2021: The committee held its first meeting.
The committee meets regularly to develop options and recommendations to advance truth and reconciliation in our parish and the broader community.
Mandate
The committee’s mandate was approved by Pastoral Council on October 14, 2021. It is focused on four main workstreams:
• communications with the parish and our community
• work with parish ministries and committees to embrace truth and reconciliation in all we do
• education led/guided by Indigenous peoples and residential school survivors
• engagement with the Oblate leadership toward greater transparency and accountability to residential school survivors
Engagement
• Oblate leadership: Engaging with the Oblate leadership was the committee’s starting point. On December 20, 2021, the committee sent a letter to Fr. Ken Thorson, Provincial Superior of OMI Lacombe Canada, to share concerns and invite him to meet with committee members. The committee met with Fr. Thorson and Fr. Richard Beaudette, Vicar Provincial of OMI Lacombe, on April 6, 2022; the committee’s overarching request to Fr. Thorson was for the Oblate leadership to better and more meaningfully engage and communicate with the laity in Oblate parishes across Canada so we can all better understand the work that has taken place and what is left to do.
• Kateri Native Ministry: Donna Naughton, executive director of Kateri Native Ministry, joined one of the committee’s online meetings as a resource person; committee members consult her periodically as needed.
• Truth & Reconciliation Network: A member of the committee is part of this network of five Ottawa-area parishes that are actively engaged in reconciliation.
Growing Our Understanding
The ongoing journey toward full truth and reconciliation will be long and, at times, very painful. Within our parish, we have barely begun this important work. One entry point is through our parish study group, using the dialogue guide, Listening to Indigenous Voices, by the Jesuit Forum for Social Faith and Justice.
Get Involved
The Canadian Martyrs’ Truth and Reconciliation Committee is committed to this parish journey. We will continue to provide updates on our work, and we welcome your feedback and participation going forward. If you have any questions, please contact us via the contact form on this website or through the parish office.
Activities
Prayer and liturgy
• July 2022: Parish prayer service marking the start of Pope Francis’ arrival in Canada for his “penitential pilgrimage.”
• September 2022: Three themed weekend liturgies leading up to National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30:
– September 10/11: Listening to Indigenous Voices
– September 17/18: Learning with Open Hearts
– September 24/25: Walking Together on the Path of Reconciliation
Presence in the community
• Flying the Survivors’ Flag outside the church as a sign of solidarity with survivors and their families
• Tying orange ribbons to the railings of the Main Street entrance and at the parking lot entrance the weekend before National Day for Truth and Reconciliation as a reminder of children sent to residential schools; handing out orange ribbons to parishioners after Mass to take home
• Writing articles for The Mainstreeter community newspaper
October 2022: Janice Cameron-Caluori, “Reconciliation with Our Indigenous Peoples” (p. 9); Fr. Tim Coonen, OMI, “Signs and Symptoms: Reflections on the Survivors’ Flag” (p. 16)
• Kairos Blanket Exercise, facilitated by Kateri Native Ministry at Immaculata High School (November 2022)
Parish resources
• Truth & Reconciliation table at the back of the church as a place to share information and engage in conversation with parishioners
• Ongoing group study sessions using the Jesuit Forum resource, Listening to Indigenous Voices (contact the parish office for details)
• Lending library of books by Indigenous authors for parishioners to continue learning
• Writing articles for parish’s newsletter, The Epistle
• Submitting announcements for the weekly bulletin