New Model of Indigenous Learning at St. Jude’s: Shared Values Celebrated at Storytime Event  

 On June 22^nd, the weekend of Indigenous Peoples’ Day, Oakville marked the day with a celebration of story and allyship at a special Indigenous Storytime event, co-sponsored by St. Jude’s and the Oakville Museum.  Fine artist and book illustrator Jennifer Faria—a member of Chippewas of Rama First Nation and creator of picture books—gave readings from her acclaimed works, Raven, Rabbit, Deer and sequel Finding Moose, to a full room of children and caregivers from Oakville and the greater region.

A thrilling moment came with a surprise announcement, previously unknown to the event organizers.  The artist’s new Canada Post stamp had just been released. Faria gave the audience a “sneak peek” of her portrait of Métis Elder Sophie McDougall (1928-2023), a knowledge and Michif language keeper from Saskatchewan. This portrait is a part of the 2025 Indigenous Leaders Series’ stamps. Portraits of Julia Haogak Ogina (Inuit) and Bruce Starlight (First Nation) are also featured in this year’s series, which highlights those pivotal “in preserving culture and improving the quality of life of Indigenous Peoples in Canada”.

Participants then enjoyed making a craft, based on the Sacred Grandfather Teachings. These were familiar to those from the St. Jude’s community in attendance, as the guiding principles have been taught monthly in Children’s Church throughout 2024 and 2025.  Carmen Almeida (St. Jude’s Children’s, Youth, and Family Ministries Coordinator), in sharing her perspectives on the event’s significance, said, “It was wonderful to see our Indigenous Storytime event… bring the 7 Grandfather Teachings to life, reinforcing the values we’ve explored throughout the year in a meaningful and engaging way. The stories, activities, food and drinks shared helped deepen our collective understanding and appreciation of these teachings through cultural connection and community.”

Also key to the event’s success was Sarah Bird, The Diocese of Niagara’s missional formation coordinator, who shared the invitation broadly to the Diocese’s Anglican Family Hub network. She has been an integral supporter of St. Jude’s new model of learning completed throughout the school year. In reacting to the Storytime event, she expressed generous words for “the thoughtful and intentional work…especially in building on the Sacred Grandfather Teachings through the Children’s Church program. It’s inspiring to see this kind of commitment and collaboration.” Trying new approaches can be daunting, but her validation, along with the Rev. Canon Dr. David Anderson’s empowering leadership at St. Jude’s, has been pivotal in allowing this enhanced learning to be brought to fruition. Exploring traditional wisdom has offered new perspectives, such as on sacred land, interconnectedness, humanity and communal identity, proving compatible with foundational elements of Jesus Christ’s teachings.

St. Jude’s partnered with Good Minds, an Indigenous book supplier, in sourcing material for the new curriculum.  Used was The Seven Teachings Stories Series. “The heartfelt stories serve as cultural bridges to non-Indigenous people wishing to familiarize themselves and their children with contemporary Indigenous culture,” written by Métis author Katherena Vermette and illustrated by Irene Kuziw. The Seven Sacred Grandfather Teachings include:

1. Humility – Dbaadendiziwin – the wolf,
2. Bravery – Aakwa’ode’ewin – the bear,
3. Honesty – Gwekwaadziwin – the raven,
4. Wisdom – Nbwaakaawin – the beaver,
5. Truth – Debwewin – the turtle,
6. Respect – Mnaadendimowin – the buffalo, and
7. Love – Zaagidwin – the eagle.

The event’s snacks were provided by Tiffany Henry of Time to Earth Catering, an Indigenous women-led land-based collective. It is sometimes stated, in understanding covenant and allyship, that “we eat from the same bowl.” Sharing food and drink on that occasion further enhanced the sense of community. Families and guests also visited the Museum’s Debwewin: The Truth Project Exhibition, to explore Indigenous history and contemporary experiences. Oakville Museum, two steps from St. Jude’s, by the lake in Old Oakville, was the host. Its beautiful space was a perfect backdrop for thinking about our shared histories on the land and water.

The Storytime event was one of many Indigenous-themed initiatives and ceremonies St. Jude’s has launched or taken part in over the last few years. St. Jude’s runs these events as an ally with Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation (MCFN) treaty and local community partners, including being represented on the Debwewin Oakville Ally Leadership Council convened by the Oakville Community Foundation. St. Jude’s Indigenous Students Scholarship Program, founded in 2008, has also awarded dozens of scholarships with funds raised by the congregation and is currently in partnership with Oakville-based Sheridan College.

Gathering in fellowship on Indigenous Peoples Day weekend was a poignant time to honour our shared covenant rooted in the love of Christ, Creator and Creation, as well as keeping these commitments in our everyday lives. As we like to say, in recognizing the traditional Treaty 22 MFCN lands where we worship, “We are all grateful Treaty People.” Perhaps this relatively simple, attainable, but transformative enhancement to St. Jude’s Children’s Church curriculum might inspire others to try new ways of learning and fellowship with our Indigenous partners.

As we prepare for The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation later this month, may we continue to find small, meaningful ways to walk together on the long and sometimes challenging but always promising road ahead.