A Plains Cree couple visits King’s this week, March 21-24, 2017.
About the visit
After the tragedy of six teen suicides in small First Nations communities in Saskatchewan in October 2016, the Chaplain invited a Plains Cree First Nations couple from one of these communities to come to King’s to sit with students in quiet conversation about life and death in First Nations communities in Canada today.
About our guests
The Rev. Wilfred Sanderson and his wife Theresa are Cree Anglicans from Treaty 6 Territory in Saskatchewan. Wilfred is an indigenous Anglican priest in Fort a la Corne. Before his ordination he operated a water delivery service on his reserve but now works full time as a non-stipendiary priest. Mrs. Theresa Sanderson worked for many years in addictions recovery. She is a licensed Lay Reader and has served as President of the Diocesan Lay Readers Association. Their reserve is comprised of James Smith, Peter Chapman and Chakastaypasin First Nations. Wilfred and Theresa have a heart to see their people and community healed and united.
The Rt. Rev’d Michael Hawkins is the Bishop of Saskatchewan and Chair of the Council of the North. Originally from Halifax, he graduated from King’s in 1985 and received an honorary Doctor of Divinity from King’s in 2009. Bp. Hawkins lives daily the shame of the Church’s colonial role in the cultural genocide of the First Nations people of our land.
About the schedule
During their time here, Bp. Hawkins, Rev. Wilfred, and Theresa will be spending time in classrooms, attending campus events, and meeting with particular students and faculty. The schedule below outlines opportunities for the broader community to engage and to welcome our guests.
Schedule of the Visit
Wednesday, March 22
Tea with Students & Dons
2:00-2:30 pm, Manning Room, Alexandra Hall.
An informal drop-in. A chance to welcome our guests.
Choral Evensong with “Evenspeak”
5:00 pm, All Saints Cathedral, 1330 Cathedral Lane
Following the Choral Evensong at 5pm, at 5:45pm Bp. Michael Hawkins gives a 17-minute talk entitled, “I wish there was a treaty we could sign.”
6:15-7:15 pm, in the Great Hall at the Cathedral.
A conversation with Rev Wilfred and Theresa about Church, Healing and Reconciliation. Students, parishioners and community members are welcome. A light dinner will be served.
Thursday, March 23
Mamuwe: Towards Healing and Reconciliation
2:00-3:30 pm, Senior Common Room.
Students, faculty, and staff are invited to gather in the SCR for informal conversation with Rev. Wilfred and Theresa. All welcome. Choral Eucharist with sermon by Bp. Hawkins.
5:00 pm, King’s Chapel
All are invited to the weekly university service of Choral Eucharist, at which Bp.Michael Hawkins will preach. The service is followed by fellowship in the Senior Common Room.
Friday, March 23
A conversation with FYP students: “Diversity and Belonging”
11:30 am, G. Peter Wilson Room
The Rev Wilfred and Theresa will respond to Dr Appiah’s talk on Thursday evening. They will help us think how such a global vision is relevant for our First Nations peoples who still live rooted in the land and who are intimately connected to the natural world of moose and ice and fish and sex and stars and freezing to death and in the wild untamed spirit world.
