Every year the Anglican Church of Canada observes two days that celebrate the contributions of our indigenous peoples and acknowledge the complex history between us. Not surprisingly, both days fall within Ordinary Time, the time of growth and learning. National Indigenous Day of Prayer (June 21) coincides with the summer solstice, giving us an opportunity to connect with Indigenous spirituality and that which links all people to the Creator and to each other. National Day of Truth and Reconciliation (September 30, aka Orange Shirt Day) coincides with the Season of Creation and reminds us of the Church’s commitment to reconciliation, recognizing the painful legacy of residential schools and the ongoing need for healing.
One way congregations can mark these special days is to create impactful worship services. Fortunately, the Anglican Church of Canada website has made this easy for parishes by providing links to a multitude of indigenous resources. As an example, this past June the service at my church included indigenous versions of the collects and the Eucharistic prayer, readings of indigenous interpretations of scripture, and prayers to the four directions (north, east, south, west). We also used the Australian aboriginal wording of the Creed and the Maori and Polynesian wording of the Lord’s Prayer from the New Zealand Prayer Book.
In addition to an impactful liturgy I have come to realize the importance of supporting it with intentional, well thought-out music choices. I am somewhat embarrassed to admit that it wasn’t that many years ago when Many and Great was my only go-to hymn with regard to anything indigenous. Since then, my understanding of what is needed has expanded beyond that one hymn thanks to Sing a New Creation (2022), supplement hymnbook to Common Praise. I share some suggestions here, for those of you who may be looking for fresh ideas.
In my opinion, a good place to start is to look for hymns with themes of reconciliation, healing, and those that connect closely to native spirituality and creation.
Sing a New Creation provides both liturgical music options and hymns:
- David Buley’s Moosonee Service (written for the consecration of the late Bishop Tom Corston): Kyrie #182 – Lord, Have Mercy (Wey a hey a heyaheyo), Sanctus #216 – “Holy, Holy, Holy Lord” – Memorial Acclamation #220 – “We Remember his Death.” Also check out Buley’s Sanctus #129 based on the Huron Carol tune.
- Monte Mason’s Red Lake Mass: “Sanctus” #217, “The Lord’s Prayer” #223, the fraction anthem, “Alleluia, Christ Our Passover” #225, and the canticle, “Alleluia, Lord, I Love the Place” #186.
Hymns: “Hey ney yana” #166 (Brooke Medicine Eagle), “Heleluyan” #191 (Gospel acclamation), and Sisters, “Let Us Walk Together” #132
More hymns can be found in the following Anglican and United Church resources:
- Common Praise: “Many and Great” #407, “God of the Sparrow” #414, “For the Healing of the Nations” #576, “Come Now, O Prince of Peace” # 588.
- Voices United / Songs for a Gospel People: “Make Me a Channel of Your Peace” – VU#684 or SGP#2, “Though Ancient Walls” (aka Walls that Divide) – VU#691 or SGP#32, and “What Does the Lord Require of You” – VU#701
- More Voices: “Let Us Build a House” #1, “Come Touch Our Hearts” #12, “Each Blade of Grass” #37, “O Beautiful Gaia” #41, “Called by Earth and Sky” # 135, “We are All One People” #141 (Saskatchewan Cree), and “Draw the Circle Wide” #145.
For more details regarding these titles I have created a document that outlines everything by category, including descriptions of how they may be used. If you are interested in having a copy please contact me at [email protected].
