Honouring the Truth Reconciling for the Future

284 • Truth & Reconciliation Commissiononly the new teachings they were given. Why could they not take what theyneeded from these new understandings and still live from their own? That wasthe understanding and teaching of holding respect for others’ beliefs. It was theway of the first people. 84Presbyterian Rev. Margaret Mullin (Thundering Eagle Woman) put it this way:Can the Rev. Margaret Mullin/Thundering Eagle [W]oman from the Bear Clanbe a strong Anishinaabe woman and a Christian simultaneously? Yes I can,because I do not have my feet in two different worlds, two different religions, ortwo different understandings of God. The two halves of me are one in the sameSpirit. I can learn from my grandparents, European and Indigenous Canadian,who have all walked on the same path ahead of me. I can learn from Jesus and Ican learn from my Elders. 85Each of the Settlement Agreement churches has wrestled with the theological challengesand necessary institutional reforms that arise with regard to Indigenous spiritualbeliefs and practices. At the same time, Aboriginal church members have taken aleadership role to advocate for Indigenous perspectives and ensure that they are fullyrepresented in the institutional structures, programs, and services of their respectivechurches.The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Canada in 2013 endorseda report on the development of a theological framework for Aboriginal spiritualitywithin the church. The report noted “the need for Aboriginal Christians to be true toboth their Indigenous identity and to their [Christian] faith,” and concluded, amongother things, that “this conversation has the potential not simply to help us addressour relationship as Presbyterians with Aboriginal people; it has the potential to contributeto the renewal of our church.” 86The Anglican Church has developed a vision for a self-governing Indigenouschurch to coexist within the broader institutional structure of the church. In 2001, astrategic plan called “A New Agape” was formally adopted by the church’s GeneralSynod meeting. The plan set out the church’s vision for anew relationship ... based on a partnership which focuses on the cultural,spiritual, social and economic independence of Indigenous communities. Togive expression to this new relationship The Anglican Church of Canada willwork primarily with ... Indigenous peoples for a truly Anglican IndigenousChurch in Canada. It is an important step in the overall quest for selfgovernance.87In 2007, the church appointed Rev. Mark MacDonald as its first IndigenousNational Bishop.The United Church has also examined its theological foundations. In a 2006 report,“Living Faithfully in the Midst of Empire: Report to the Thirty-ninth General Council