Faith & Truth and Reconciliation

Tenth Church in Vancouver is hosting an evening panel discussion with:

Cheryl Bear – Cheryl is from the Nadleh Whut’en First Nation and has served as a band councillor from 2014-2018. Having traveled as a speaker and teacher to over 600 Indigenous communities in Canada and the United States, Cheryl is well known as an important voice among Canada’s Indigenous peoples.  She is a multi-award winning singer/songwriter, a founding board member of NAIITS (North American Institute for Indigenous Theological Studies), and an Associate Professor at Regent College in Vancouver, BC.

Jodi Spargur – Jodi is a settler of Nordic/German heritage and she has been a pastor and church planter for 27 years. Currently Jodi is the director of Healing at the Wounding Place which engages people of faith communities in the work of healing and justice with Indigenous communities. Jodi was involved with the TRC and has spent many years working alongside and under the leadership of First Nations Peoples.

Rainbow Choi – Rainbow works with the Musqueam First Nation and is a consultant with Indigenous Education and Services at Langara College.  She has 10+ years of experience in designing participatory programs and curriculum for adult learners with both Indigenous communities and educational institutions.  She has a Masters of Arts in Peace Education with a focus on reconciliation and intercultural competency.

Michael McDonald – Michael is a member of the Peguis First Nation in Manitoba and in his 30 year career as a lawyer, he has specialized in the interplay between Indigenous Peoples, Business/Industry, and the Environment. He is a trusted advisor to many Indigenous and Business Leaders where he has helped work towards reconciliation in the business and governance context.  Michael has led many of Canada’s most complex precedent-setting Aboriginal development projects and has a wide range of practical knowledge and expertise, serving industry and Indigenous Nations.