People of all faiths are welcomed to take part in this short-term learning and solidarity delegation. There will be a specific focus on Christian and Jewish responsibilities to the work of undoing colonialism.

Dates: August 15 – 24th, 2019
Departs from: Winnipeg, MB, Treaty 1

What can our faith traditions teach us about reconciliation, solidarity, and the current struggles of Indigenous peoples? How can we stand in solidarity with Indigenous communities resisting colonial oppression?  

For years, Anishinaabe people in Treaty 3 have, and continue to, defend their land, water and way of life. Community members resist imposed colonial crises, such as mercury contamination of the English-Wabigoon river system 50 years ago which continues to poison fish – a traditional food staple. In 2002, Grassy Narrows residents set up a blockade against clear-cut logging on their traditional territory which continues to halt logging on their land today. 

This trip will draw specifically on Jewish and Christian histories and perspectives, with two leaders, one from each faith background. With the delegation being open to all faiths and beliefs, as always, all are welcome to participate and contribute from your respective traditions. 

Starting in Winnipeg, MB (Treaty 1), delegates will meet with community organizers, Indigenous rights advocates, and leaders in Grassy Narrows and Kenora, ON (Treaty 3). Delegates will undertake an analysis of colonialism, participate in anti-racism exercises, and critically reflect on how to live in right relations with the Earth and their Indigenous neighbours.

Provided meals will be kosher-style. Dietary needs and spiritual practices will be accommodated as much as possible. For specific questions, please email ips@cpt.org.

This trip is jointly organized with Student Christian Movement and the Christian Peacemaker Teams Indigenous Solidarity Project.

Apply through the CPT Delegations Site

2018 delegation members said:

“The delegation brought me face to face with racism and oppression. This face to face experience is only the beginning in helping me to undo the past and I am now even more aware. I will work harder to be an ally.”

“If I had to highlight one thing I would say it would be the experience of the Women’s Gathering at Grassy Narrows. Being immersed in the culture, witnessing the different ceremonies and spending time in conversation with the Indigenous peoples gave me a deeper understanding of the beauty of their culture but also gave me a deeper understanding of the effects of colonization.”

SCM Canada is pleased to introduce Kelsey Enns, who will coordinate a study group in Winnipeg, Manitoba, exploring Biblical Experiments in Decolonization, thanks to a grant from the St Stephens-Broadway Foundation.

Kelsey is a theology student nearing the end of his Master of Arts degree from Canadian Mennonite University. He has also worked in Winnipeg’s downtown and North End which left a big impact on how he reads Scripture. He is keenly interested in how we communicate the Gospel to different people in different contexts while engaging in good faith dialogue.


The study is projected to begin in March, 2019, at Canadian Mennonite University. It will use the materials created by Student Christian Movement to support groups engaging ‘Unsettling the Word: Biblical Experiments in Decolonization‘.

You can contact Kelsey at winnipeg@scmcanada.org
Follow activities of the SCM Manitoba Facebook Page

This September’s Back to School Newsletter is now available online! You’ll find the answers to such burning questions as:

• Why are we so obsessed with buttons?
• What’s up with the Cloud of Unknowing?
• Who’s going to Mexico City to discuss Migrant Theology?

[Note that answers may prompt additional questions]

Find out some of what SCM Canada has been doing this summer, check out our eight page newsletter. If you like what you read – Make A Donation!

And why not sign up to get our newsletters sent direct to your door? Send your address to info@scmcanada.org and we’ll add you to the distribution list.

If email is more your thing, we send out a monthly newsletter. Sign up here

Whatever you’re doing this September, study, work, rest, play – we pray for God’s blessing on it. Thanks for being part of the Movement of God’s liberating Spirit, here on earth.

Did you know that September 30, Orange Shirt Day, is one of the days being considered as a national holiday? Call to Action #80 of the Truth & Reconciliation Commission reads:

We call upon the federal government, in collaboration with Aboriginal peoples, to establish, as a statutory holiday, a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation to honour Survivors, their families, and communities, and ensure that public commemoration of the history and legacy of residential schools remains a vital component of the reconciliation process.

This year, September 30 falls on a Sunday.

Spirited Reflection: Orange Shirt Day

If you are part of a worshipping community that will meet on Sept 30, encourage congregants to wear orange clothing to be part of this nation-wide movement to remember and honour the Indigenous children who survived Residential School, and those that did not.

Read a reflection of the meaning and history of Orange Shirt Day here

You can buy an orange shirt, with proceeds supporting awareness activities here