First Nation diocese in 2014

In the fulfilment of an aspiration long held by indigenous Anglicans in the north, the ecclesiastical province of Rupert’s Land is poised to have a new diocese by 2014.

The 47th session of the provincial synod, held in Brandon, Man., June 7 to 10, unanimously approved a resolution from the diocese of Keewatin to divide the diocese and create a fully independent indigenous diocese from the portion known as the northern Ontario region.

“We have been walking together and now we are dancing together,” said the Rev. Wayne McIntosh, rector of St. John the Baptist Anglican Church in Fort Frances, Ont., after seconding the motion at the synod. The region’s current bishop, the Rt. Rev. Lydia Mamakwa, will head the diocese.

Two-thirds of the diocese lies in First Nation parishes, and five languages are spoken there: Cree, Oji-Cree, English, Ojibway and Dene.

Many diocesan clergy and lay people speak at least two languages on a daily basis.