When Westdale Park Free Methodist Church began to think about accepting responsibility for their community, they looked to restoring relationship with their Indigenous neighbours from Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory.
Westdale Park FMC is located in Great Napanee, Ontario and Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory is located a few kilometres west of the church. As church leadership began talking about restoring relationship, pastor Will Kellar connected with Jonathan Maracle, founder of Broken Walls, a First Nations musical group and ministry. Broken Walls take their music to where healing, restoration and reconciliation are needed.
“Jonathan is excited to partner with us, and we know we need to move slowly and cautiously. We want to build relationships and we needed a starting place so we planned Many Voices, One Heart,” shares Will.
Many Voices, One Heart is a two day event on February 22nd and 23rd. The event’s tagline explains their intent clearly: Learning to Walk Together, Exploring Relationships with our First Nations People. Speakers include Chief R. Donald Maracle, Bishop Cliff Fletcher, Jonathan, Will and several others. The event will include music, Q&A, and lots time for conversation.
Westdale Park FMC is inviting anyone with an interest in restoration and reconciliation with First Nations to attend. “We don’t know where this will lead. We want to start a conversation and begin to build relationships.”
Many Voices, One Heart is a free event, but you need to register here:
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/many-voices-one-heart-tickets-54879261348
By Alison McKinnon
FMCiC Writer
