Mapping the ground we stand on

In anticipation of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the Church of the Holy Saviour in Waterloo hosted Mapping the Ground We Stand On – a powerful, interactive workshop designed to deepen our understanding of the shared history between Indigenous Nations and settlers.

Organized through Alongside Hope, the event invited participants to step onto a giant floor map of Canada and engage physically, emotionally, and spiritually with their own ancestral stories and the land’s layered histories.

Led by facilitators Cheryl Marek and Nancy Hurn, with firekeeper Bruce Weaver, the gathering took place on Saturday, September 20, 2025. Through guided reflection, storytelling, and movement, participants explored the complex relationships that continue to shape our communities and our commitments to reconciliation.

Many were struck by the sheer diversity of Indigenous Nations across this land.

“I had no idea there were so many distinct Indigenous peoples in Canada,” one participant shared. “It’s humbling to realise how many lives and Nations were already here. This land was never empty when settlers arrived – and that Indigenous peoples are still here, still present, still inviting us into conversation.”

Another participant reflected on the embodied nature of the experience: “Walking across the map made it real in a way that went beyond reading; I felt the weight of the land and the connections.” Together, we explored different ways of knowing – through conversation and presence. 

We are grateful to all who participated and contributed to this meaningful journey. As part of a diocesan community, we are seeking to build a foundation of mutual respect, listening, and learning – grounded in truth and the hope of reconciliation.

Rev. Canon Greg Jenkins