Indigenous Anglicans from across Canada gathered in Calgary from 4–10 August for the 12th “Sacred Circle”. In the Anglican Church of Canada, “Sacred Circles” are national gatherings of Indigenous Anglicans for prayer, worship, discernment, and decision-making. Hundreds of participants gather for these special meetings every two to three years. First held in 1988 and now meeting every two to three years, “The Sacred Circle” has become the principal decision-making body of the Indigenous Church.
Indigenous ministry represents a central commitment for the Anglican Church of Canada as the Church works to confront its historic complicity in the residential school system and forced relocations that devastated Indigenous communities, and to build healing relationships moving forward.
The 2025 theme for Sacred Circle,“Resurgence Beyond the Tree Line”, signalled progress toward full self-determination while acknowledging the challenges that remain. The gathering explored new forms of governance, confronted the legacy of colonial trauma, and affirmed the resilience of indigenous peoples in Christ.
Worship was central throughout the week. The Anglican Journal reported that Archbishop Shane Parker, Primate of the Anglican Church of Canada, preached on the theme of light and clarity amid fog on August 6. Referring to the 1994 Covenant that called Indigenous Anglicans into unity, he said: “The covenant was revealed with clarity and the way forward was made clear to you … This was from God for you, a covenant to be followed in your own way, in your own time.” He pledged to work with National Indigenous Anglican Archbishop Chris Harper in developing right relationship between the Indigenous Church and the wider Anglican Church of Canada.
Cultural expression was interwoven with liturgy, including powwow dances, round dances, drumming, and Gospel-based discipleship. 'When I was younger, I would never have expected to see a powwow dance as part of a church service,’ Archbishop Harper reflected during the gathering.
A major focus of Sacred Circle was governance. Archdeacon Travis Enright, Chair of Governance for the Anglican Council of Indigenous Peoples (ACIP), led sessions on reshaping representation. Moving away from electoral structures defined by colonial-era provinces, members considered models based on waterways, languages, and kinship. Enright contrasted European-Canadian traditions of hierarchy and homogeneity with Indigenous-Cree values of ceremony, consensus, and family: ‘It’s not about being homogenous … It’s about finding profound relationship within our diversity.’
On 7 August, members took part in a mapping exercise based on language areas to test new forms of representation. The process was difficult for some, evoking painful memories of forced relocation. Bishop Isaiah Larry Beardy of Tataskweyak Cree Nation reminded participants: ‘The question of belonging is very important … sometimes we are forced to be at a place we’re not supposed to be because of the circumstances and historical experiences.’
Later that day, Sarah Augustine, Executive Director of the Coalition to Dismantle the Doctrine of Discovery, addressed Sacred Circle on the continuing impact of the doctrine, describing it as a framework that “defines reality for Indigenous peoples today.” Her words prompted deep emotions among participants. Extended prayer and reflection followed, with Archbishop Harper affirming: “We are strong and resilient people … our voice is now being heard.”
International guests also attended, including representatives from The Episcopal Church, the Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia, and The Anglican Church of Brazil.
Reflecting on the gathering, Martha Jarvis of the Anglican Communion Office described it as ‘a remarkable event that combined forthright dialogue with deep spirituality, a testament to the Spirit’s work in sustaining Indigenous Anglicans on their journey of self-determination.’
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Anglican Church of Canada
To read reports about the event from the Anglican Journal: