October 2006 A Section of Anglican Journal
Moving Beyond - An Annual Exercise in Healing and Commitment by Bishop Eric Bays GORDON’S RESERVE (QuA) Elders praying continually in a tipi, horsemen dressed in ceremonial headgear riding from four directions, an impressive concrete memorial unveiled on the grounds of the old Residential School: this was all part of the opening of an event called “Moving Beyond” held at Gordon Reserve from July 2527. This was the third year the event has been held, organized by the Wellness Centre under the direction of the Reverend Dale Gillman. The purpose of the events has been to help people move beyond any personal or social problems, especially those connected with attendance at a residential school. About 175 people registered for the event over the three days. They heard a capsule history of Gordon Residential School when the cairn was unveiled and then moved to the beautiful new school gym for discussions and entertainment. Chief Brian McNabb welcomed the people following the impressive “Ride from the Four Directions” and added his prayers for the effectiveness of the gathering. A panel led by Ed Bitternose, assisted by Bishop Greg Kerr-Wilson and the Reverend Arthur Anderson, explained to the people how to apply for the “common experience” compensation the federal government is offering to all former students of the residential schools.
There were a number of questions about this proce dure along with repeated warnings advising people to be wary when signing agreements with lawyers. Ed Bitternose explained the difference between a “contingency” agreement and a “retaining” agreement and the implications involved in giving a lawyer “power of attorney.” He noted that lawyers’ fees are now running as high as $500 per hour and that 75% of the compensation payments to people in the Gordon area had gone to lawyers. Eating is always an important part of First Nations’ gatherings and this event was no exception. One of the suppers was prepared by the local Diner that now operates on the reserve. There was much plain talking the second day about the dangers of alcohol and drug abuse. Presentations were made by people who had survived serious addictions and who now valued the new freedom they had found. Anger Management and Gang Awareness were other presentations designed to help people to avoid or overcome the perils of domestic violence. Most of the presentations kept the young hearers in mind but there was also one special session designed only for youth. If Gordon Reserve is a typical example it is evident that aboriginal people are working hard at overcoming the social and personal problems that have injured or destroyed many people in past years. There is a commitment among the leaders to help those who have problems and es-
photographer, Bishop Eric Bays
Chief Brian McNabb welcoming people to the gathering. The new cairn commemorating Gordon Residential School is in the background. pecially to encourage young peoplelive healthy and creative lives. This is important work and it is good to see the church leaders doing what they can to assist the process.
All Saints Parish Regina Continues to beActive as Refugee Co-Sponsor by Ralph Paragg REGINA - All Saints’ Church has been involved in refugee cosponsorships for several years. As a matter of policy, only persons who are recognized by the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) and who have family in the Regina area who agree to take on responsibility for food, clothing, shelter and related areas are considered. All Saints’ Church is able to act as a backup in case of emergency need through their refugee fund. Most recently Genet Eyob and her husband Eritreans from Ethiopia arrived in Regina in March. Their aunt, Jerusalem Eyob, and the parish are the cosponsors. The couple left Regina in late April to join relatives in Calgary who are assisting them with job finding. All Saints’ Church is also co-sponsoring the application for refugee settlement of John Taban Primo Ojyuk, a citizen of Sudan, with an aunt, Osanta Ogeri. Ojyuk is a lay minister with the Roman Catholic Church and alleges religious persecution by the military and police in the Sudan. He is currently a refugee in Cairo and has been recognised by the UNHCR as a legitimate refugee. photographer, Million Eyob Also this parish is currently co-sponsoring the application for refugee settlement for Yossief Berhe and Hana Mharay with Yossief's older brother Haile Berhe. Under this l to r, Ralph Paragg, Genet Eyob, Henok Fekadu arrangement All Saints’ Church and Mr. Berhe will have equal legal responsibility. Berhe will take on all the responsibility for food, clothing and shelter. He will be assisted by his wife and another brother in Regina, all of whom are gainfully employed. The parish will have back-up responsibility through the refugee fund. Yossief Berhe has passed his interview and is in the process of completing his medical and security check. He will likely join his brother in fall. Another group that the parish is cosponsoring is a Burmese family of husband, wife and two-year old son to reunite them with the wife’s uncle in Regina. The husband age 37 is a former school teacher. His wife age 34 is a tailor/dressmaker. The family is currently in India and have been recognized as UNHCR as refugees. Over three years ago All Saints’ Church undertook the cosponsoring of Daniel Andemariam, his wife Ekaberet and young son Dawit, refugees from Ethiopia in Kenya. They arrived in Canada in September last year and were met by their cosponsor, a cousin who lived in Regina. The cousin moved to Kitchener, Ontario, during the sponsorship process to a better job so the Andemariams have decided to settle and live with the cousin in Kitchener. Canada Immigration has agreed to this arrangement. Over the years, All Saints’ Church has successfully cosponsored and contributed to sponsorships with other organizations. To date the sponsorships have been very rewarding.