Worshiping towards reconciliation
Concert-goers observe National Day of Truth and Reconciliation at a Broken Walls event in Belleville, Ontario.
This year, close to 300 people commemorated The National Day of Truth and Reconciliation by attending a Broken Walls music concert in Belleville, Ontario. Broken Walls is an Indigenous Christian band dedicated to spreading a message of hope and healing throughout Indigenous communities across Canada and the U.S. The concert was organized by a multicultural group from churches in Ontario’s Quinte region as a step towards reconciliation with Indigenous neighbours. The idea was spawned at the Christian Reformed Church’s National gathering in Ottawa this past May. Proceeds from the concert will further Broken Walls’ much-needed efforts to lift up Indigenous communities across North America.
Broken treaty
The evening began with a land acknowledgment followed by introductions of Jim Harrison (the Mayor of Belleville) and Donald Maracle (the Chief of the Tyendinaga Mohawk Community). The National Day of Truth and Reconciliation wouldn’t be necessary if early European settlers would have adhered to the two-row wampum belt treaty. This treaty, which was established over 400 years ago between the Dutch and Haudenosaunee People, envisioned a future of cooperation and non-interference. The lack of adherence to this treaty was clearly spelled out by Chief Maracle. He gave a detailed rendition of the historical, and often tumultuous, relationship between Indigenous Peoples and European settlers from first contact to current times.
‘Heaven’s Breath’
The evening transitioned from opening speakers to the highly anticipated concert. Jonathan Maracle opened on the flute. Jonathan is the band’s lead performer and founder, a member of the Tyendinaga Mohawk community. It was an inspirational hour and a half performance, filled with powerful praise to the Creator. The sounds of guitars and drums along with the artistry of traditional Indigenous dancers pulled the crowd into the performance. The audience couldn’t resist the beat of the music, moving some to join the dancers as they circled the perimeter of the Maranatha Church sanctuary. King David would have been pleased to see people enthusiastically following in his dance steps. The music was briefly paused to highlight drummer Bill Pagaran’s successful quest to rename the Alaskan ‘Suicide Peaks’ to the Dena’ina Athabascan name, Yuyang’ Ch’ex. The peak’s name, which was originally a stark reminder of the tragically high suicide rates in many Indigenous communities, is now known in English as ‘Heaven’s Breath’. The concert wrapped up with a rendition of a song aptly titled ‘Jesus is good medicine.’
If the enthusiasm of the concert goers was any indication, we can safely say that the concert was a resounding success. It unified settler Canadians and Indigenous Peoples through incredible music that glorified the Creator. The concert also showcased the incredible power and beauty of Indigenous-inspired worship. It was wonderful to see so many people from different cultural backgrounds come together to support Broken Walls.
