Today, June 21st, is National Aboriginal Day in Canada. Sine 1996, this day has been set aside to recognize and celebrate the unique heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples, collectively known as Aboriginal or Indigenous Peoples (https://www.aadnc-aandc.gc.ca/eng/1100100013248/1100100013249).
As we look to celebrating and commemorating Canada’s 150 birthday in the coming days (and through the rest of the year), it’s important to reflect on the impact that immigrants from Europe and elsewhere had on the indigenous people and culture that was here long before we came. It’s also important to consider what we can do to shape and change the shared narrative of all Canadians – aboriginal, European and many regions of the world. Find Aboriginal Day celebrations near you: https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/celebrate-canada-days/aboriginal-day/activities.html.
At Oasis 2017, we’re very excited to welcome Dr. Terry LeBlanc as one of our speakers. Terry will be giving a seminar on Friday afternoon, he’ll be part of a panel discussion on Saturday morning, and he will speak to us on Saturday afternoon on “Creating a New Shared Narrative in Canada”. You can read his bio here: http://oasis.baptist-atlantic.ca/bios/terry-leblanc/. Watch the promo video, download and share with your church:
We are also thrilled to welcome singer/songwriter and Indigenous Leader Cheryl Bear from the Nadleh Whut’en community in Northern British Columbia. Cheryl is an award-winning performer and educator who shares stories of Indigenous life – the joy, sorrow, faith and journey. Along with a performance in our final rally, Cheryl will be hosting a free concert on Saturday evening at Crandall University @ 6:00pm, sponsored by Canadian Baptist Ministries and the She Matters Campaign. Plan to stay one more evening or one more night after Oasis for this great opportunity.
