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A message for the National Indigenous Day of Prayer, June 21

Published on 
June 17, 2025

Prayer transcends time, language and tradition. In a video greeting for June 21, the National Indigenous Day of Prayer, National Indigenous Anglican Archbishop Chris Harper reflects on this sacred truth, showing how the ancient words of the Sarum Primer continue to live today in the Smudging Ceremony practised in many Indigenous communities across this land. His message invites all to reflect on the deep spiritual threads that connect us—to one another, to creation and to the Creator.

To support this day of shared prayer and reflection, Propers for the Book of Alternative Services Calendar are available for use across the Church, lifting up this important commemoration in our shared liturgical life.

Download this video for local use:

Download an ‘as written’ transcript of this message in PDF format.

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.