Reconciliation

The building in which the Kamloops Free Methodist Church meets is located on the traditional and unceded lands of Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc. The people of the Kamloops Free Methodist Church live and work on these lands.

As followers of Jesus, we recognize that reconciliation is close to God’s heart. The Free Methodist Church in Canada has been leading our churches and people along the path of reconciliation with First Nations peoples of Canada over the last several years.

In 2021, along with most Canadians, we were greatly grieved at the confirmation of 200+ children’s graves here in Kamloops, on the grounds of the former Kamloops Indian Residential School. This finding has spurred our efforts to educate ourselves and to take steps in reconciliation.

In May of 2021, we hosted a Many Voices, One Heart event and had Jonathan Maracle, founder of Broken Walls come to Kamloops. He shared his music, his stories and his heart over a couple of days. We were grateful to be able to welcome some Indigenous folk from near and not so near, and even hear one elder’s story. On Sunday, we worshipped as Jonathan led us, shared lunch and then went through the Blanket Exercise together. It was a very moving experience for all who attended.

We continue to look for ways to be neighbours and walk in peace with Indigenous people and to learn more about our own colonial history and ways.