Six Nations Learning Experience

On Oct. 24, 2024, a group of learners gathered at Six Nations of the Grand River (near Hamilton, Ont.) for an On-the-Land Learning opportunity hosted by Adrian Jacobs, the CRCNA’s senior leader for Indigenous Justice and Reconciliation. Hosted by the CRC’s Indigenous Ministry, the gathering offered participants an immersive experience in Indigenous history, ecological restoration, and reconciliation efforts.

The event brought together participants from Act Five, Sandy Saulteaux Spiritual Centre, and Hearts Exchanged, fostering meaningful dialogue and learning on-the-land. 

The day began with a session titled “Knowing Place and Land Rights,” in which Jacobs shared stories from Six Nations, his home territory. Participants sat together in a circle in Ohsweken, the town at the centre of Six Nations of the Grand River, learning about its history and significance. 

“Talking to Adrian face to face made Indigenous land and society issues more real. Being in Caledonia made land issues more realistic,” shared Ed, one of the participants from Waterloo, Ont.

In the afternoon some of the group visited the Kayanase Greenhouse to learn about ecological restoration and Indigenous stewardship of the land. Participants also engaged in removing invasive plant species along the Grand River.

“The On-the-Land Learning experience gave me a real sense of the greater movement of reconciliation that my own journey is a part of,” said Serena, a Hearts Exchanged participant from Meadowlands Fellowship CRC in Ancaster, Ont. “The opportunity to connect with people who were willing to share their lived experiences created a unique sense of fellowship and community. I left with renewed hope and energy, having seen God’s kingdom at work in a tangible way.”

The final stop of the day was Kanonhstaton, the site of the 2006 land reclamation. There participants learned about the Land Back movement, the occupation’s history, and its ongoing implications. Jacobs shared stories of the relationships between local churches and the Six Nations community during times of conflict and hope.

For many participants, the experience offered new perspectives on reconciliation. “[I left with] a greater understanding of the Land Back concept,” noted Sue, a member of Clinton (Ont.) CRC.

Deborah, a member of St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church in Hamilton, Ont., reflected on the day’s unique dynamic, saying, “I particularly appreciated the care with which the talking circles were organized. It was good to connect with such a mixed group of white settlers and Indigenous people, including the group from Manitoba.”

The On-the-Land Learning opportunity was designed to exemplify the power of shared stories, relationships, and action. It offered participants not only education but also an invitation to deeper engagement in the ongoing journey of reconciliation.

This brief video clip offers a taste of the daylong gathering.