This month—June—is National Indigenous History Month, a time to honour the histories, cultures and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples in Canada. Since 1996, June 21 has been declared National Aboriginal Day in Canada and this year marks the 30th anniversary of the celebration. In the Anglican and many other denominations, June 21st also marks the National Indigenous Day of Prayer, a day to honour Indigenous Peoples, celebrate Creator’s gifts, and recommit to the shared work of healing, right relationship and renewed life in Christ.
This month—June—is also PRIDE month, celebrating the contributions, resilience, and culture of 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals while promoting equality and acceptance. It serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle against discrimination and the importance of visibility for 2SLGBTQIA+ communities. Today, in just a few hours, members of this congregation will take part in the PRIDE parade here in Duncan, a “celebration of love, diversity and acceptance”, as Rev. Theo wrote in this week’s Beacon.
Read the whole sermon below