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Logo design for "Sacred Circle 2023," featuring a traditional symbol and the text "The Covenant and Our Way of Life" beneath. The design emphasizes cultural significance and community values.

Sacred Circle elects new members of the Anglican Council of Indigenous Peoples

Published on 
June 1, 2023

New members of the Anglican Council of Indigenous Peoples (ACIP) have been elected at the 2023 meeting of Sacred Circle. Normally, one member is elected each Sacred Circle for a 6-year term, but due to COVID, some provinces elected two members. Each Ecclesiastical Province elects two members, and the National Indigenous Anglican Archbishop appoints three positions (a youth, a member-at-large, and an Elder). Archbishop Chris Harper asked the Ecclesiastical Province of Rupert’s Land to elect one member from the Arctic in lieu of one of his appointments.

The Ecclesiastical Province of Canada elected two members:

  • Ruby Sandy-Robinson
  • Gerald Giles

The Ecclesiastical Province of Ontario elected one member:

  • Rod Brant Francis
  • Sandra Fox (continuing member)

The Ecclesiastical Province of Rupert’s Land elected three members:

  • Martha Kunuk
  • Murray Still
  • Rosie Jane Tailfeathers

The Ecclesiastical Province of BC and Yukon elected two members:

  • Yvonne Gesinghaus
  • Catherine Martin

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.