MCC Medallion
Art work by Chilliwack-based Metis artist Bryan Stephenson. MCC stands for the Mennonite Central Committee. The following is from their BC office report:
Indigenous Neighbours Program highlights engaging adults and youth in learning about Indigenous peoples’ history, culture and current issues & peacebuilding events to advocate for respectful relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people.
"Among the most highly-valued fruit of MCC’s
Indigenous Neighbours Program are the
relationships with local Indigenous leaders that
continue to influence our reconciliation journey....
"At one point in that journey, MCC BC wrote an
apology to our local First Nations in response
to the findings of the Truth and Reconciliation
Commission and presented it at our 2017 AGM.
"Hearing the apology, Métis artist Bryan Stephenson
was moved to create an extraordinary gift of art
in response. His masterpiece, infused with cultural
symbolism, represents Mennonite history and the
work of MCC in BC and around the world.
"To acknowledge and receive his gift, a traditional
Stó:lō gifting ceremony was recently held in
our atrium, bringing together attendees from
Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.
"The event served as a powerful reminder of
the importance of our commitment to grow in
reconciliation together and to open our hearts to
listen to others.
"As we reflect on our progress, we humbly
acknowledge the need for further growth in both
learning from Indigenous communities and also
in amplifying their voices to create lasting change."
~ MCC BC Annual Impact Report 2022-2023, p. 7.
To learn more about Mennonites, check out my Gallery of others' Flickr photographs regarding Mennonite history:
- www.flickr.com/photos/130881643@N04/galleries/72157721471...
To view more Indigenous art, check out my Indigenuity Album: www.flickr.com/photos/130881643@N04/albums/72177720312748...
MCC Medallion
Art work by Chilliwack-based Metis artist Bryan Stephenson. MCC stands for the Mennonite Central Committee. The following is from their BC office report:
Indigenous Neighbours Program highlights engaging adults and youth in learning about Indigenous peoples’ history, culture and current issues & peacebuilding events to advocate for respectful relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people.
"Among the most highly-valued fruit of MCC’s
Indigenous Neighbours Program are the
relationships with local Indigenous leaders that
continue to influence our reconciliation journey....
"At one point in that journey, MCC BC wrote an
apology to our local First Nations in response
to the findings of the Truth and Reconciliation
Commission and presented it at our 2017 AGM.
"Hearing the apology, Métis artist Bryan Stephenson
was moved to create an extraordinary gift of art
in response. His masterpiece, infused with cultural
symbolism, represents Mennonite history and the
work of MCC in BC and around the world.
"To acknowledge and receive his gift, a traditional
Stó:lō gifting ceremony was recently held in
our atrium, bringing together attendees from
Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities.
"The event served as a powerful reminder of
the importance of our commitment to grow in
reconciliation together and to open our hearts to
listen to others.
"As we reflect on our progress, we humbly
acknowledge the need for further growth in both
learning from Indigenous communities and also
in amplifying their voices to create lasting change."
~ MCC BC Annual Impact Report 2022-2023, p. 7.
To learn more about Mennonites, check out my Gallery of others' Flickr photographs regarding Mennonite history:
- www.flickr.com/photos/130881643@N04/galleries/72157721471...
To view more Indigenous art, check out my Indigenuity Album: www.flickr.com/photos/130881643@N04/albums/72177720312748...