Kateri Native Ministry

Friends and guests of Kateri Native Ministry of Ottawa gathered on April 25th, 2009 at St Joseph’s Church hall in Ottawa for a Benefit Banquet to celebrate the work of the Ministry and to raise much needed funds.

The evening began with John And Virginia Corston welcoming all, followed by an honor drum song by Wanda Calvert-Renton, Donna Naughton and Brenda LeBouthillier. Deacon Ronnie Boyer, Vice- Postulate for the Cause of Sainthood for Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha assisted by Graydon Nichols gave thanks to the Creator and blessed the evening with sacred smudge. Councilor Christine Leadman of Kitchissippi Ward, City of Ottawa, a supporter of the Ministry welcomed all present to listen and learn about the work Kateri is doing. Yasir Naqvi MMP Ottawa Centre greeted the gathering, reminding them of all the work done the Kateri Ministry its work with First Nations people.

Dave Smith a well-known caterer, philanthropist, advocate of youth-at-risk and tireless fundraiser provided a delicious mango chicken dinner, which was enjoyed by all. Guest speaker Graydon Nichols, Maliseet First Nations, member of the Catholic Conference of Catholic Bishops Aboriginal Council, lawyer and judge spoke about the history of the Aboriginal peoples and the Catholic Church in North America making reference to Saint Juan Diego and Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha. He spoke of John Paul II’s visit with the Aboriginal peoples at the Shrine of Ste-Anne-de-Beaupre in September, 1984 when the Holy Father said “ Your encounter with the gospel has not only enriched you, it has enriched the Church. We are all aware that this has not taken place without its difficulties and, occasional blunders. However, as you are experiencing this today, the Gospel does not destroy what is best in you. On the contrary, it enriches as it were from within the spiritual qualities and gifts that are distinctive of your culture. In addition your North American Native and Inuit traditions permit the development of new ways of expressing the message of salvation and they help us better understand to what point Jesus is the Saviour and how universal his salvation is.”

With his passion for Our Lady of Guadalupe, Graydon spoke about the appearance of Our Blessed Mother to an indigenous peasant, Juan Diego near Mexico City on December 9-12, 1531. The appearance by Mother Mary resulted in the conversion of 9 million natives in Mexico during the years 1531-1541. At the canonization of Juan Diego on July 31, 2002, Pope John Paul II reminded the faithful “ The Guadalupe Event meant the beginning of evangelization with a vitality that surpassed all expectations. Christ’s message through his Mother, took up all the central elements of the indigenous culture, purified them and gave them the definitive sense of salvation. In accepting the Christian message without forgoing his indigenous identity, Juan Diego discovered the profound truth of the new humanity, in which all are called to be the children of God.”

Graydon’s love for the Gospel and his desire for reconciliation of First Nations people and the Catholic Church was very much evident. The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops in their role in the Reconciliation, Healing and Solidarity Committee declared December 12th as National Day of Prayer for Aboriginal People
Evelyn Korkmas, Cree Nation gave a testimonial on how Kateri Native Ministry had helped her cousin from the James Bay area stop drinking and maintain sobriety. Evelyn spoke of her gratitude that the Ministry is able to continue its valuable work with First Nations people. Wanda Calvert-Renton, Ojibway Nation related her experiences at the Annual Healing and Prayer Conference in Pembroke. Wanda urges all in attendance to support Kateri Native Ministry to continue to heal our people. Dave Smith using his talents as an auctioneer, urged the attendees to bid on donated works of art, particularly a painting by Nathalie Coutou, a local Aboriginal artist residing in Wakefield.

Pledges are still being accepted by mail at Kateri Native Ministry of Ottawa 211 Bronson Ave., Suite 310 Ottawa, ON K1R 6H5 or on the website katerinativeministry.ca click on the donate button.

Kateri native Ministry of Ottawa thanks our Board of Directors, donors, committee members, volunteers and all attendees who made this event a success.