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12th Indigenous Anglican Sacred Circle
Resurgence: Beyond the Treeline

Every two to three years, Sacred Circle brings together Indigenous Anglicans from across the land in a spirit of kinship and shared purpose. The 12th gathering took place August 4–10, 2025, at the University of Calgary on Treaty 7 territory, the traditional lands of the Blackfoot peoples.

During the gathering, Indigenous Anglicans came together in prayer, worship and collective discernment to endorse a renewed vision for the self-determining Indigenous church within the Anglican Church of Canada.

Shaping the gathering

Agenda
Aug. 4 | Travel Day, Welcome Seated Dinner
Aug. 5 | Mountain Speaks to Trees: The Challenge Ahead: Lighting of the Sacred Fire
Aug. 6 | River Flows from Mountain: The Path We Walked Before: Orange Shirt Day
Aug. 7 | Trees Reach for Sun: The Path We Walk Today: Red Shirt Day, Mid-Circle Seated Dinner
Aug. 8 | Sun Meets the Mother: Embracing Differences and Walking Together: Black Shirt Day
Aug. 9 | The Mother Holds the People: We Are One – The Future Path is Easier Together: Eucharist, Closing Seated Dinner
Aug. 10 | Extinguishing the Sacred Fire, Travel Day

Resources
The Covenant and Our Way of Life (PDF)
Doctrine of Discovery: Stolen Lands, Strong Hearts
Reclaiming Our Spiritual Wholeness: Our Journey to Self-Determination

Additional video resources
Past Sacred Circle gatherings
2023 Sacred Circle
Sacred Beginnings Video
Presentation to General Synod 2025

Shaping the gathering

Look back at key moments and stories from the 12th Indigenous Anglican Sacred Circle.

VIDEO: At the lighting of the sacred fire
via YouTube

‘We are here to build a new community’
via Anglican Journal

VIDEO: Carrying the Eagle Staff
via YouTube

Sacred Circle explores meaning of Indigenous church governance
via Anglican Journal

VIDEO: Walking with Indigenous Anglicans: Primate Shane Parker
via YouTube

Confronting legacy of trauma and genocide, Sacred Circle finds healing within
via Anglican Journal

VIDEO: “The struggle is not the story—He is”: Bishop Ann Martha Keenainak
via YouTube

Ralph Rowe survivors plan to establish men’s healing council
via Anglican Journal

Ecumenical group rolls out guidelines to address spiritual violence
via Anglican Journal

New ACIP elected; Sacred Circle prepares shift to new ‘Council Fire’ representation
via Anglican Journal

VIDEO: Photos from Sacred Circle 2025: Indigenous Anglicans gathering together
via YouTube

Acknowledging the land and God’s creation

This acknowledgement is crafted in light of the Principles of Reconciliation by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, as we seek to live faithfully in Christ and in right relationship with all. 

We give thanks to the Creator for this land, its waters, forests and all living beings, and for the abiding presence of Christ among us. From coast to coast to coast, these have been cared for and nurtured by First Nations, Inuit and Métis through countless generations. 

We honour the enduring relationship Indigenous Peoples have cultivated with these lands and waters, and the treaties and agreements that reflect these sacred bonds. We acknowledge the harms caused by colonial expansion, through frameworks like the Doctrine of Discovery and structures like the residential school system. We recognize our past failures as a Church, including disruption of connections to the land and suppression of Indigenous spiritualities. 

Guided by the gospel of Jesus Christ, we confess our need for healing. We commit ourselves to seeking truth, pursuing reconciliation and nurturing harmony with all creation. We place our trust in Christ, through whom all things are reconciled to God. 

May God strengthen us to live faithfully as stewards of the Earth. Let us walk in love, justice and reconciliation, joining in God’s work to restore all creation.