Listening to Indigenous voices

Here are a few good opportunities to listen and learn from Indigenous peoples and perspectives this fall:

Together for Nature tour — Sept. 15

The All My Relations Episcopal Panel wants to draw attention to the Together for Nature tour, which will have an event in Ottawa on Sept. 15, as an opportunity to listen and learn from Indigenous artists, musicians and land protectors. There will be musical performances by renowned Inuit singer Susan Aglukark at each of the four events (Ottawa, Toronto, Kitchener and London, Ont.) In Ottawa, Juno-nominate singer-songwriter Terra Lightfoot will also perform.

There will be keynote addresses from Indigenous youth-led movements  Okiniwak and Here We Stand, as well as Friends of the Attawapiskat River. There will also be a screening of the short film, Here We Stand.

“This is just the kind of collaboration that we need to encourage,” AMR co-chair Kathryn Fournier told Perspective. “We can think of reconciliation as a goal that is somehow happening at some distance from our own lives….  I am more and more convinced that deep and lasting change comes when we hear stories, share in song and performance and use our creative spirits to build relationships.  I hope this event will be part of that process.”

The Ottawa event will be held at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church at 7 pm. Tickets are $30, but some aid may be available if cost is a barrier.

ontarionature.org/events/together-for-nature-tour/

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation — Sept. 30

A public commemoration is planned for noon on Parliament Hill to honour residential school survivors, families, and children lost. Contact your local parish to ask about the ways they may be planning to mark the day locally.

Journeying with Allies discusses Aglukark memoir — Oct. 18 

The diocesan All My Relations book group warmly invites you to read and join in Sunday afternoon discussions of books by Indigenous authors. The 2026-2027 season starts up with Kihiani: A Memoir of Healing by award winning Inuk musician Susan Aglukark (with Andrea Warner). Paper and audio copies are available through the public library and local bookstores; Try to read at least the first five chapters in advance. All welcome! St. Margaret’s Vanier (205 Montreal Road) 2 pm to 4 pm.