JOURNEY OF FORGIVENESS

Posted: January 20th, 2010.

"Forgiven Journey". In 2008 the Prime Minister of Canada stood in the House of Commons, with all parties in agreement, to apologize for the abuses of the residential schools. During his speech he asked the First Peoples of Canada for forgiveness. This was an unprecedented gesture of humility on the walk towards healing for Canada. In response to the Prime Minister's request of forgiveness, and in recognition that only God can empower hearts to truly forgive and heal. Chief Kenny Blacksmith of Gathering Nations and a group of First Nations, Metis and Inuit have embarked upon a journey across Canada to speak to their people about the need to forgive. We believe this could be one of the most significant things that our generation has seen (so far). The MY Canada Association FULLY endorses the Journey of Freedom. As such, our director, Faytene Kryskow, is also traveling with the delegation of First Peoples as a tangible gesture of support and we will be working to keep you posted through our sites.
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Get more information about the Journey of Freedom at www.i4give.ca.

The Journey of Forgiveness is on Twitter - follow the delegation and events here www.twitter./forgivensummit
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(Click here to watch the apology again.)

COVENANT OF THE FIRST PEOPLES:

In June 2006 Gathering Nations International, lead by former Deputee Cree Chief Kenny Blacksmith, held a Gathering of the First Peoples of Canada in Ottawa. At this gathering, key leaders from the First Nations, Metis and Inuit Community came from throughout Canada to begin a historic journey of reconciliation between the First Peoples of Canada. During this Gathering representatives from these 3 First Peoples groups signed a document called the COVENANT OF THE FIRST PEOPLES OF CANADA which declared their commitment to walk in a spirit of reconciliation, leaving behind them their historic rifts as a people, to see healing and reconciliation come to Canada and through Canada to the nations of the earth.

At this historic gathering 4MYC director, Faytene Kryskow, had the privilege of being one of 12 signatures to witness this historic and groundbreaking event (photo to the right) on behalf of the emerging generation in Canada. When Faytene signed this covenant it was our way of saying, "We are committing with the First Peoples of Canada to walk in a spirit of reconciliation and unity to bring healing to the First Peoples of Canada, and, through Canada to the nations of the earth."

In March 2007 a representation of this group of First Nations, Metis and Inuit will travel to Israel for another historic initiative of building a relationship of blessing and honour with Israel. At this time they will also be meeting with Members of the Kenesset to share with them about the Covenant of the First People's of Canada as a possible model (template) to bring peace between Jewish and Palestinian believers in Israel. This will be a very key trip.

At the Siege Ottawa Conference (Feb. 2007, Ottawa) we felt convicted to put our money where our mouth is and support the First People's of Canada in an extremely tangible way. We are so excited to report that at the conference 4MYC took a free will offering and was able to raise over $24,000 to sponsor 9 delegates on this 40 person! We are also excited to report that one of our very own team members, Kristin Macaulay will be one of the delegates traveling to Israel with this team as a Metis representative.

To find out more about the covenant of the First Peoples of Canada and this delegation that is going to Israel click here.