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Indigenous foundations: The Pinawa Declaration (2005)

The Pinawa Declaration was presented to the Anglican Indigenous Sacred Circle in August 2005 as a call for bold structural change in the Anglican Church of Canada. It urges the election and consecration of Indigenous bishops whose leadership reflects the teachings, ceremonies and traditions of Indigenous communities. The declaration is a significant milestone in the movement toward Indigenous self-determination within the Church.

Pinawa Declaration (August 2005)
Presented by the Rev. Dr. Martin Brokenleg for his talking circle’s report

Given the crisis in our communities and to insure the survival of Anglicanism in our territories, we call for the election and consecration of 15 aboriginal bishops within one year. These missionary bishops will be based in major southern cities and in the north. Each bishop is to be elected in a region. Each bishop will be supported spiritually and monetarily by aboriginal people, sharing justly in the historic invested wealth of The Anglican Church of Canada. These bishops will be full Anglican bishops treated as equals of non-aboriginal bishops. They are to be welcoming of aboriginal traditions, teachings and ceremonies.

Note: This declaration is reproduced in its original form and the term “aboriginal” used in 2005 reflects the language of that time.

Suggested uses

  • Study the declaration alongside other foundational texts of Indigenous Anglican self-determination
  • Incorporate excerpts into parish or diocesan learning about Sacred Circle, Indigenous leadership and ministry
  • Use in clergy, lay leader or council formation to deepen understanding of Indigenous vision and governance

Key themes

  • Indigenous episcopal leadership
  • Self-determination and equality in Church structures
  • Justice in spiritual and financial support
  • Honouring Indigenous ceremony, teaching and tradition

Best suited for: Those learning about Indigenous Anglican self-determination, parish and diocesan leaders, study groups, educators and anyone exploring the history of Sacred Circle and Indigenous governance in the Anglican Church of Canada.

 

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.