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We have reached Week 4 in the Season of Creation. The theme which is being lifted up internationally is ‘Living Water.” Over the past weeks, the visual imagery by the altar and lectern has changed from barren browns and dead plants signifying that without water all living things die, to bits of blue showing, to more blue added along with live plants, to this week wonderful ‘sea’ fabric with whales, dolphins, turtles and sea grasses in Indigenous motifs swelling the image of living water. In keeping with Orange Shirt Sunday and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30th - a day dedicated to recognizing Survivors, their families and communities while ensuring that the history and legacy of residential schools are publicly recognized - our blue slip question asked us to ponder, “In what ways might we be able to learn about caring for creation from our Indigenous Community neighbours?” Please keep these responses in your prayers through the coming days:

  • Try to learn from and understand our Indigenous community neighbours with respect, kindness and as equals.
  • Get to know some elders like Jared Williams Qwustenuxun.
  • Listen to our local peoples as they tell their stories—their accounts of their lives, both historical, recent, and present.
  • Read books written by Indigenous authors and print a reading list in the Beacon.
  • Learn how to listen to the land and embrace its sacredness.
  • Invite speakers.
  • Visit their sacred places.
  • Ask how we see ourselves as recipients of the Creator’s gifts.
  • Engage in teamwork, working alongside on repair and nature nurturance.
  • ‘Unlearn’ private ownership, recognizing that we do not own the land, or any of creation but rather learn and practice stewardship of creation.
  • Learn to regard that interaction with nature is for the community not for sport or personal gain; use only what you need; share the food; protect Quw’utsun Sto:lo. (The Cowichan Nation which is today comprised of the Cowichan Tribes, Stz’uminus First Nation, Penelakut Tribe, Halalt First Nation and Lyackson First Nation members.)