As we expand our intercultural and interfaith horizons, one area to look for opportunities to connect is through our local Indigenous organizations who often offer opportunities to join them in activities in their spaces. 

Here in Edmonton, on Friday, January 13, fifteen Mennonites from two different churches joined the bi-monthly "Community Soup and Bannock" hosted by the Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society in their gym.  As we stood in line to get a choice of soups (including vegetarian), oranges, and bannock, we visited with our line neighbours to learn about Indigenous ways. We intermingled at the tables, and continued our visiting with new neighbours.  

 

My friend Robbie Kaboni, whose Bent Arrow “New in Town” team organized this Soup and Bannock event, commented, “Thanks for stopping in and sharing with your friends.  It was great to have you all there seeing the smiling faces.” Group participants shared how this was for some, their first time to join an Indigenous event.  They appreciated the warm community feel. They noticed the presence of police officers, who were invited, not to offer protection of any kind, but as part of the community fabric.  Bent Arrow has a philosophy of “Calling people in” rather than “Calling people out.” They have chosen to intentionally build relationships with individuals from the police service to work at changing the narrative about Indigenous people within the police force.  

 

It was a wonderful coming together in community. Many participants would like to go to the next “Community Soup and Bannock” event to continue building relationships.

Pictured in line are:
Ann Berg, Helena Ball, Charlotte Lumbala, Doreen Fairbrother, Pearl Lauber from Holyrood, and John and Eleanore Woollard from First Mennonite. Also present were Joyce and Don Baergen, Joon and Shim Park, and myself from Holyrood, and Robert, Alicia, and Annora Proudfoot from First Mennonite.    

As we challenge ourselves and move into community spaces that are new for us, may the Holy Spirit guide us in our role as gracious and open guest, so that good and right relations can grow. 

 

Organized by Suzanne Gross, Bridge Building Facilitator, Mennonite Church Alberta