Elders find the future in the past

Page 4

Editorial

A special celebration took place in Edmonton this week when people gathered together at the Native Pastoral Centre to honor about 15 Elders.

People packed into the tiny centre to take part in a unique and deeply spiritual celebration of eucharist in honor of God. The ceremonies opened with the burning of sweetgrass and Elders took the roles of Eucharistic ministers and servers as the wine and bread were prepared and blessed.

The ceremony finished with the Elders leading the congregation, hands linked, into a round dance.

Pastoral assistant Lucienne Meek, organizer of the celebration says Indian traditions blend well with the Roman Catholic tradition. Here, the dove ? symbol of peace and the church, flies next to the eagle and the sacred circle is displayed near the stations of the cross. A likeness of Christ leans against a backrest.

But more importantly, the love and compassion that was always part of the Native community is joined with the teachings of Christ and has yielded a strong and united community.

A feast was held and the priest blessed the bannock and the rabbit. After everyone was fed, youngsters danced traditional powwow dances while smiling Elders watched and nodded approval.

Years ago the church oppressed Native traditions, but now both Natives and church officials are learning the two mix well. On his recent visit to the Northwest Territories, the Pope actively encouraged incorporating Native traditions in the church. He himself performed the eucharist beneath the canopy of a large tipi, wearing a caribou robe.

Now that the church has accepted Native traditions, it has grown stronger and more vital because of it. In turn, Native people feel stronger about their spiritual heritage and are working together to return the traditions back to the people.

As one Elder said, we have to forget the past because we cannot change it ? we must look to the future and not let the bitterness of the past destroy our grandchildren.