06.08National Forgiven Summit
Representatives and leaders from Canada’s First Nations, Inuit and Metis, the churches of the 10 provinces and 3 territories, international observers and media will gather in Ottawa to formally extend forgiveness to the government of Canada. There is no cost but registration is required. Broken Walls will be leading worship at this pivotal event. Please check the website www.i4give.ca for registration and more details or call 613-686-6441.
Chief Kenny Blacksmith Speaks from Gathering Nations on Vimeo.
This entry was posted on June 8th, 2010.
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Blessings,
Just listened to the audio of Cheif Blacksmith. So wonderful! I am newly familiar with Broken Walls. My church has just begun to have some interaction with First Nation people. We have a very integrated church, people of many different cultures coming together, each one bringing something wonderful to the worship. I am an American white woman. I feel so ashamed of what First Nation people have suffered and have no way of knowing if any of my ancestors contributed to that. I also feel bad that all these years we’ve lived on the same land, I have been oblivious to the First Nation communities. I am so happy today to be able to witness at least the beginning of reconciliation and restoration. My husband is African. So in that way he is native. He will always answer to a tribe and village in Africa. When he visits Nigeria, he meets with tribal elders to negotiate things he wants/needs to do. Our beginning marriage was not easy. I was young and lacking in knowledge and not yet saved and my husband was backslidden. I learned certain cultural differences the hard way. He was violent. But I found my refuge in Christ. I forgave and God turned my husband around. We have been married 26 years, serving God together. Thank you for forgiving. I look to partner with First Nation brothers and sisters to bring healing. God Bless.
Thank you so much, Jonathan and band, for the worship leadership you gave at the First Peoples Forgiven Summit in Ottawa. We really appreciate listening to your CD that we purchased, especially the song “When the Wind of the Spirit blows, Warriors ride the wind.
In Christ, Ed Hird+
http://www.stsimonschurch.ca
p.s. I am enclosing a weblink to an article that I just wrote about Chief Kenny Blacksmith and the Forgiven Summit
http://edhird.wordpress.com/2010/07/02/chief-kenny-blacksmith-walking-together-in-forgiveness/
Chief Blacksmith’s message was powerful. Forgiveness is at the heart of the gospel. For if it wasn’t for the Creator/Father’s forgiveness, I would not be writing this; I would be off somewhere doing my own thing. I am married to my bride (who is Dena’ina Athabascan) for forty years. We have worked with both Alaska Native Peoples and First Nations Peoples. I am very proud for our aboriginal peoples who have chosen “Forgiveness” as a way of life. Without forgiveness, people only hurt themselves, and can only expect resentments, bitterness, and continued hatred toward white people. Thank you my Native/First Nations brothers and sisters who have chosen to forgive……
Forgiveness changes the spiritual realm from darkness to freedom. The Lord rejoices in this act of faith. I live in the northern part of Vancouver Island. Although I am not part of the First Nations of this country, I feel in my heart the pain of the people in bondage. It was the same for my father in his native country. My hope is that all nations will follow this example!