A Message from Archbishop Anne Germond
On Sunday, June 7, I joined clergy from across Thunder Bay and the North Shore for an evening of fellowship and conversation. Gatherings like these are always a gift. They remind me that ministry is never carried out in isolation and that some of the most important learning happens around a dinner table.
That evening, I had the opportunity to speak with Deanna Blanchard, Communication & Connections Department Head at NorthWind Family Ministries and the wife of the Rev. Jonathan Blanchard. As Deanna shared stories of NorthWind’s work, I found myself reflecting on the many ministries across our diocese that quietly and faithfully serve Indigenous peoples and communities every day.
National Indigenous Day of Prayer invites us to remember our shared history, to pray for healing and reconciliation, and to give thanks for the gifts of Indigenous peoples within the life of the Church and our communities. It is also an opportunity to notice the ministries, relationships, and partnerships that are already helping to build understanding, hope, and healing among us.
In Thunder Bay–North Shore Deanery, one such ministry is NorthWind Family Ministries, a Christian ministry serving individuals and families—especially within Indigenous communities—through counselling, discipleship, and community programs. Through trauma-informed care, compassionate support, and faithful accompaniment, NorthWind helps people find hope and healing in difficult circumstances.
In Algoma Deanery, we give thanks for Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig, an Indigenous-led post-secondary institution located on the historic Shingwauk site in Sault Ste. Marie. Through education, cultural revitalization, and leadership development, it nurtures future generations while transforming a place once associated with the residential school system into a centre of Indigenous learning and resilience.
In Sudbury–Manitoulin Deanery, we remember the work of N’Swakamok Native Friendship Centre, which creates opportunities for Indigenous people and families to gather, access services, celebrate culture, and strengthen community.
In Temiskaming Deanery, we give thanks for the North Bay Indigenous Friendship Centre and its commitment to friendship, culture, education, and community-building.
In Muskoka Deanery, we celebrate the work of the Muskoka Indigenous Friends Cultural Centre, whose gatherings foster understanding and relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous neighbours. I am particularly grateful for its connection with St. James’ Anglican Church, Gravenhurst, which serves as a gathering place for some of the Centre’s activities. It is a
reminder that reconciliation often begins with hospitality, friendship, and a willingness to learn from one another.
These ministries represent only a few examples of the many organizations, communities, and individuals working faithfully throughout Northern Ontario. Their work takes many forms, but each reminds us that reconciliation is not only something we talk about. It is something we practice through relationships, service, listening, and care.
This National Indigenous Day of Prayer, I invite you to pray for the leaders, staff, volunteers, elders, knowledge keepers, and participants who make these ministries possible. Learn about a ministry in your own community. Support its work if you are able. And give thanks for those who are helping to build bridges of understanding and hope.
May God continue to guide us in the work of reconciliation, deepen our relationships with Indigenous peoples and communities, and help us to see Christ in one another.
+Anne
The Most Rev. Anne Germond Archbishop of Algoma
Resources
Diocese of Toronto
National Indigenous Day of Prayer resources and worship materials. NEW: Indigenous Peoples Day liturgical resources
Anglican Church of Canada
National Indigenous Day of Prayer resources. Resources available for National Indigenous Day of Prayer, June 21 – Anglican Church of Canada