Meeting aims to develop local pastoral plans to further First Nations and Church relations
First Nations and Archdiocese of Vancouver relations could get a boost next month when the archdiocese hosts the next meeting of the St. Kateri Tekakwitha Council.
The St. Kateri Tekakwitha Council, formerly the First Nations Council, promotes dialogue between Church and First Nations and will meet May 4 at the John Paul II Pastoral Centre to discuss ways to further develop bonds.
Council chairman Shirley Leon hopes the meeting will provide the opportunity to develop an effective pastoral plan, noting “stabs have been made at local activities with success,” only to die out later. “Valiant efforts are still being made, but too much is happening in insolation,” Leon said. “It is like spinning wheels with no growth.”
Deacon Rennie Nahanee, the council’s co-chairman, hopes membership will grow as the council works to unite First Nations in activities and events, while addressing issues they hold in common.
“I hope more people will join and participate in the St. Kateri Tekakwitha Council as members and share activities from their communities as Catholic First Nations people in the Archdiocese of Vancouver,” said Deacon Nahanee.
“I would like people to see this event as a place where First Nations people can discuss issues with the Church in light of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action regarding the Church.”
For more information or to register to attend the meeting, contact Deacon Nahanee at rnahanee@rcav.org. Lunch will be provided. The event runs from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the John Paul II Pastoral Centre.
