by Leonard Doell

A conference on the history of Aboriginal-Mennonite relationships was held at the University of Winnipeg on October 12-14, 2000. The purpose of the conference was to look at the places where the paths of these two peoples had intersected and to examine the successes and failures of that meeting.

The weekend was a very full one, with a wide range of topics represented. Metis author and historian, Maria Campbell, opened the conference with her reflections on her relationships with her Mennonite neighbours in Saskatchewan. She also reflected on her midwife grandmother's relationship with a Mennonite midwife who lived nearby. A powerful story of two women who spoke different languages but shared a bond and love for each other that went beyond words.

U. of W. professors Jennifer Brown and Brian Rice helped to create the historical context of aboriginal peoples contact with the Christian Church. They shared some sobering and sad stories of strained and broken relationships, as well as stories of harmony and friendship.

In his keynote address on the evening of October 13, Rudy Wiebe presented his thoughts on Becoming a human being, Mennonites encounter Aboriginal Peoples. He noted that every human being has a story to tell and that in telling that story we learn about ourselves and our neighbours. Wiebe also spoke about the adventure of writing, a common theme being his relationship with native peoples.

So, throughout Friday and Saturday, many stories were told. While some told oral stories, others presented their stories in a more academic form. A wide cross section of papers on topics ranging from spirituality, land claim issues, mission activities, residential schools, and the historical interactions of both peoples. These papers looked at the contact in various communities of southern and northern Ontario, southern and northern Manitoba, central Saskatchewan, northern Alberta and southern British Columbia.

An average of about 200 people attended the conference. Many of these guests travelled for some distance to be part of this gathering. They were given opportunity to ask questions of the presenters and to talk informally with them as well.

Royden Loewen, the chair of Mennonite Studies at the U. of W., was the host for the conference. In his opening remarks, he referred to this conference as a unique meeting, where two distinct peoples with different theologies and world views could meet. He also saw two peoples seeking reconciliation, two neighbours, two lovers of the land. Mennonite and aboriginal peoples have met before and that this was a good time to examine the nature of that meeting. This was also a good time for people to renew friendships and partnerships and see how they have evolved over time. Royden Loewen also talked about the risk involved in having a conference like this, but that understanding and friendship could also be deepened by learning more from each other.

Following a bannock and bultje lunch with Bothwell cheese, the closing keynote address was given by Menno Wiebe. Wiebe worked for 25 years as the Director of the MCCC Native Concerns programme. Wiebe saw this conference as an opportunity to give attention to relationships. He described mission as either an intersection of people or it is nothing, it is a two way meeting of people. The quality of this intersection though, became the subject of this symposium.

Rev. Stan McKay, a Cree pastor and former moderator of the United Church, affirmed Wiebe's emphasis on relationships. McKay questioned the priorities of people, including the church people present, when he asked how much do we need to live? Much of the marginalization in society in the 20th century is that things or acquiring material possessions is more important than people or relationships.

Rev. McKay challenged those whose lives had been transformed by their interaction with native peoples to tell their story. Be a storyteller and visionary where you are . He quoted the words of Australian elder Lila Watson who said, "If you have come to help me you are wasting your time, if you have come because your liberation is tied up with mine, then come." A relationship of mutual learning and mutual understanding has lasting value.