Almost a year has passed since our provincial convention in Edmonton when Archbishop Smith and Chief Wilton Littlechild shared their thoughts on our truth and reconciliation journey; and a journey it is, as it is rooted in knowledge, introspection, and conversion much like our own personal faith journey.

In September 2023, following a provincial meeting, a communique was sent that said we would try to send out a monthly communique to help us on this journey. So often good intentions do not materialize; but that does not mean the issue has evaporated. Sometimes the issue is so overwhelming it’s difficult to know where to begin. Father Cristino, at our retreat, suggested we begin with friendship, our friendship with God and with each other.

Each day God gives us a new thought to ponder through His Word Jesus. Often God uses this thought to nudge us to the Sacrament of Reconciliation, visiting a shut in or praying in front of the Blessed Sacrament. Our Truth and Reconciliation journey can begin the same way, with God giving us a nudge when we pray and ask the Lord to give us the grace to understand this journey to which we have been called. Where do we begin? Archbishop Smith suggests beginning by listening and reading the 94 calls to action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Which one is being placed on our heart? Our Alberta Bishops heard land acknowledgements to which they encourage us to use, in our words, at our meetings. A land acknowledgement indicates we are thanking our indigenous ancestors for welcoming our ancestors (European Explorers) to this land. They welcomed them in friendship and that is what we are encouraged to do now…forge friendships and to answer the call: Here I am Lord, Send Me!

At our midwinter meeting our council was nudged to accept the invitation to help youth ages 12-17 (mostly women at this time) who are directed to Alberta Campus Base Treatment Centres by providing them with quilts. Each person will receive their own quilt and when they leave the centre the quilt will go with them – a reminder that there are people who do love them. All 5 diocesan councils are invited to participate by encouraging their members to make twin size quilts (70”X 95”) made of cloth. The project is one of wrapping young people in an outward sign that there are people in the community who love them. Presently there are five care centres - two in Edmonton, one in Lac la Biche, one in High Prairie, one in Lethbridge. We invite all CWL quilters and friends of CWL quilters to participate in this love project. More information will be posted on our ABMK website and shared at our diocesan conventions.

Have a very blessed day as it is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Judy Look
ABMK Past President/Archives Indigenous Committee Chair