When I decided to formally study history a few years ago, it was partly with the aim of discovering the mechanics of colonization, from its inception to where I sit now, part of the result of a foiled attempt at the assimilation of Indigenous people. My studies were successful, and I can trace the lineage of colonization worldwide in a number of ways. My main goal, however, was not that discovery but to help find solutions to problems. Studying history was a place to begin, so I could see the boundaries keeping us apart as God’s people and find ways to unravel the tangles in these places, through education and truth-telling, bringing us together in a good way. I wanted to find out how we as a church community could be different and evolve our truth and reconciliation landscape into one of “reconcili-action.”

My first step was to offer to create a position at my church whereby I could be part of making change. I worked together with my priest, deacon and parish council to create a new role, which we called “Indigenous cultural sensitivity leader.” The goal was, and is, to make our church a safe, welcoming and recognizable place for us, Indigenous people, to worship—while involving the local Indigenous community in the process. (Please note that I do not speak for all Indigenous people; when I say “us” or “we” I am........

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