Images from Right Relations 2026
From April 23rd to 29th, twelve CCS Diaconal Ministry students gathered in Winnipeg to explore Indigenous justice issues, learn some history, unpack mission and settler identity, reflect on reconciliation, and celebrate Indigenous culture, values, spirituality, and leadership.
Some highlights from the week-long social justice learning circle included joining the Just Waters event called “Rivers, Relatives, and Reciprocity” including traditional teachings and a water offering ceremony at the Forks where the Red and the Assiniboine rivers meet, the Kairos blanket exercises facilitated and led by Crystel MacLean-Grisdale and her family, a day with keeper of the learning circle at the Sandy-Saulteaux Spiritual Centre Maggie Dieter (joining us online from Saskatchewan), and a day with Shanley Spence exploring ceremony (and learning to dance!). We also did our own work, wrestling with the impact of Residential Schools on our theology of mission, and brainstorming approaches to decolonizing ourselves, the church, and our practical efforts to build respectful and healing relationships between Indigenous and settle peoples in Canada.
On our last day, after we had reviewed our learnings with one another and wished each other well for the ongoing journey, some of us attended the opening of Rubaboo: a Metis Cabaret at the Manitoba Theatre Centre. It was a good way to end the week, with storytelling, singing, drumming, and hope.
