July 14th

Annual Symposium Draws Indigenous Theological Voices Together

Mennonite Church Manitoba Director of Mission Engagement, Melanie Neufeld, and Mennonite Church Canada’s Indigenous Relations Coordinator, Jonathan Neufeld, (photo includes Lucia Eitzen, from the BC Indigenous Relations Task Group) joined participants from around the world in early June for the annual NAIITS Symposium. The symposium was held this year on the campus of Acadia University in Wolfville, Nova Scotia, June 4-6, with the theme, “Being a Good Ancestor.”

NAIITS, a division of Indigenous Pathways, encourages Indigenous communities in the development and articulation of Indigenous perspectives on theology and practice. NAIITS works in partnership with other academic institutions to offer masters and doctoral programs, and the organization hosts this annual symposium to bring together Indigenous theological voices around a particular theme.

“The range of Indigenous voices on biblical and theological questions that NAIITS gathers from around the world is unparalleled,” says Jonathan. “Beyond Turtle Island we heard voices from regions such as Australia, New Zealand, Bolivia, Taiwan, and the Philippines.”

“The Indigenous experience of faith—so profound, rooted and grounded in tradition—is inspiring to me,” says Melanie. “I am in awe with all the work they are doing and the connections they are making to their heritage.”

The personal connections made by Melanie and Jonathan at the symposium will have a significant impact on their work in their respective roles, as well as the work of the Mennonite Coalition for Indigenous Solidarity here in Manitoba and that of other working groups across MC Canada.

“It is something to go all the way to Nova Scotia in order to meet people from Manitoba,” Jonathan says. “NAIITS Symposiums are that kind of gathering—that alternative space that brings together folks living and working in a variety of spaces, but have a shared interest in Indigenous theological voices. This is growing our regional networks in a good way.”

Melanie notes the importance of MCM and MC Canada participation in these kinds of events. “We are committed to reconciliation as a church,” she says. “These events provide an opportunity for our transformation as we learn from Indigenous people of faith.”

“Where else can we bear witness to a global Indigenous ecumenical gathering, which lifts up new and emerging Indigenous biblical and theological work?” Jonathan adds. “NAIITS celebrates the perspective of Indigenous voices that do not have to leave Indigeneity at the door in order to be valid, but stands on the truth that Creator was revealed in Indigenous traditions before Christianity arrived on their shores.”

Let’s continue to pray and work for reconciliation with Indigenous people and communities. If you want some practical ideas for how you can do that in your church, contact Melanie at the MCM office. If you’d like to support this important work financially, see www.mennochurch.mb.ca/giving.