[Ken Gray]
Our extended visit to Victoria continues to serve up delightful surprises, none more exciting than a reunion with Aboriginal Neighbours friends. While never a member of the organization myself, our ministries intersected especially during my time as rector (priest) of the Church of the Advent in Colwood from 2005-2016. A summary of their activity and history is provided below as well as a request for support of their next project. Aboriginal Neighbours is clearly alive and well.
As diocesan churches and our national Anglican church still struggle to find new paths forward in fragile times for mainline Christian faith communities, I do fear that our history, especially concerning the healing and reconciliation journey, is losing focus and priority. You know the old saying: “History disrespected is doomed to repeat itself.” (My paraphrase.)
I remember when the Truth and Reconciliation Commission calls to action were first shared in 2015 well informed critics noted that many initiatives had been previously articulated in 1991 Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples Many had forgotten what needed to be done; others had paid scant if any attention; many just hoped “the problem would go away.”
Well the work identified in both these projects is not complete and will not likely complete during my lifetime. You do not reverse the effects of colonial expansion and rule in just a few decades. Neither should you relax critical attention or advocacy if you want the objectives to succeed. Reconciliation takes time, long-term commitment, relationship building, energy, and time.
To date, the government of Canada claims that 85% of the TRC Calls to Action are either complete or well under way. Other sources claim that progress has, unfortunately, been relatively slow. As of June 2021, only 12 have been completed, according to interactive website Beyond 94, a project launched in 2018 to, among many other purposes, track and monitor implementation of TRC’s 94 Calls to Action.
So no, the work is not over. Many generations younger that me remain unaware of our national history and of the presence of systemic racism in our churches, schools, service groups, military and police forces, and governments at all levels.
An area of particular interest and significant potential is the arts — visual, textual, performative, musical, and theatrical. Working in concert with Indigenous leadership groups Aboriginal Neighbours is once again poised to bring the arts the same inspiring and strategic hope to Indigenous creators. Call 83 asks the Canada Council for the Arts to establish, as a funding priority, a strategy for Indigenous and non-Indigenous artists to undertake collaborative projects and produce works that contribute to the reconciliation process. The project named below is in direct sympathy with Call 83.
It was great to reconnect with these good friends. A laugh or two, some deep reflection, passion, and compassion found voice round the table. Thanks to all of you for your warm welcome. Thank you for what you do and are.
[Sarah Kell — Faith Tides, Anglican Diocese of Islands and Inlets — June 3, 2025]
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action #61 calls on churches to provide funding for Indigenous community-controlled culture and language revitalization projects. From 2015 to 2024, Aboriginal Neighbours took up this call by raising funds for the mentor-apprentice Indigenous language learning program run by the First Peoples’ Cultural Council.
Initiated by our diocese in 1996, Aboriginal Neighbours worked to build respect and understanding between Indigenous and non-Indigenous cultures. Aboriginal Neighbours is now nearing the end of its life cycle, releasing this work back into the local church contexts from which it grew. However, a new project in the spirit of Aboriginal Neighbours is beginning, to raise funds for Indigenous arts and music grants. We invite parishes and individuals to join us on this ongoing journey, continuing our relationship with the First Peoples’ Cultural Council through its sister organization, the First Peoples’ Cultural Foundation.
The First Peoples’ Cultural Foundation is an Indigenous-led charitable organization created to uplift arts, language and cultural heritage for Indigenous communities, including all 202 First Nations in BC. The foundation recognizes that strengthening Indigenous art forms bolsters wellness, as individuals and communities reconnect with their artistic and musical heritage. First Peoples’ Cultural Foundation grants contribute to arts and music programs throughout the province, ranging from beading, weaving and carving to musical performance and film production.
In 2023-24, the foundation provided direct funding in the arts to over 4,200 First Nations individuals, working in both ancestral and contemporary arts and music. Emily Cabrera, First Peoples’ Cultural Foundation’s director of partnerships and communications, shared this quote from a 2023-24 arts grant recipient:
“My mentor was so helpful in all aspects of cedar harvesting and creating, as well as stripping and storing. I have already started sharing these teachings with the communities I visit to assist with basket weaving. I have also received many inquiries from different Nations to request that I share my teachings in future classes. I look forward to sharing what I have learned with any individuals or groups who would like to learn.”
Looking to the future, the foundation plans to continue empowering communities to rebuild cultural infrastructure, and promoting musical and artistic mentorship and knowledge transfer, so that Indigenous arts and music will be regenerated and revitalized for years to come.
As Anglicans, we are deeply blessed with musical and cultural heritage in our church communities. Supporting Indigenous arts and music grants is a way for parishes and individuals to contribute to the revitalization of Indigenous cultural heritage in BC, and to the healing of connections that were broken by past injustices.
If you or your parish would like to get involved with this project, or would like more information, please contact Sarah (sarahkell@shaw.ca) for Aboriginal Neighbours, or Emily (emily@fpcf.ca) at First Peoples’ Cultural Foundation. You can also donate directly to the First Peoples’ Cultural Foundation:
Donate online through Canada Helps (Note “Aboriginal Neighbours Arts & Music” in the message box.) Or by cheque payable to First Peoples’ Cultural Foundation, with “Aboriginal Neighbours Arts & Music” on the memo line. Send to: 1A Boat Ramp Rd., W̱JOȽEȽP, Unceded territory of W̱SÁNEĆ Nation, Brentwood Bay, BC., V8M 1N9.
Thank you for your support for reconciliation, and for cultural heritage for everyone!
Look for future articles in this series, honouring Aboriginal Neighbours’ work since 1996, and providing ideas for parishes and individuals to continue to support reconciliation.
You may also wish to visit my HOME page for a colourful display of hundreds of other blogs which may interest or inspire you.
Take Note - Reflections on life, music, politics, retirement and more by Ken Gray 
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