Re-telling our stories: Mennonite and Indigenous perspectives in conversation

Erb Street Mennonite Church invites you to join local author Leah Reesor-Keller and Crow Shield Lodge founder Clarence Cachagee in conversation about how Mennonites can be part of the journey towards reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples, addressing opportunities and challenges, with discussion and Q&A hosted by Bob Nally.

Free event with donations welcomed to support Crow Shield Lodge. Copies of Leah's book will be available for purchase and signing. Refreshments to follow.

Clarence Cachagee is from Waterloo Region and has an undeniable spirit for change. With a primary focus on working with the Spirit within, he is a helper, visionary and author who is known for investing his whole self into his community. Clarence originates from Chapleau Cree First Nation and calls Cambridge his home. He has faced his fair share of struggles and chooses to serve and support those living on the margins of society.
Clarence continues to engage with his community through land-based teaching and healing as an Indigenous Community Educator, public speaking and facilitating groups to encourage healing. Clarence says, “It is said that Mother Earth has all the medicines for every disease there is. Indigenous peoples of Turtle Island are land-based people. They have received teachings from the animals. Their creation stories are about Mother Earth, and it’s said that you can go anywhere on Turtle Island and find the medicine you need. Understanding land-based philosophies help us become better connected and feed our spirits”.
Clarence is the first full-time staff person and the visionary behind Crow Shield Lodge which is a place for reconciliation, land-based teaching and healing.

Leah Reesor-Keller is the author of the nonfiction book about faith, leadership and culture shifts in the context of climate change. She grew up in a farming farmily in Markham and only recently learned that her ancestors were part of the German Company group of Mennonites from Pennsylvania that purchased land on Block 2 of the Haldimand Tract as early settlers in what is now Waterloo Region.

Leah serves as the Transitional Executive Director of KAIROS: Canadian Ecumenical Justice Initiatives. She previously served as Executive Minister of Mennonite Church Eastern Canada. She has nearly 20 years’ experience working with faith-based and social justice organizations in Canada, Haiti, Jamaica, and Nepal. She lives with her spouse and children in Kitchener, Ontario, where she is rewilding her urban yard one dandelion at a time. Leah is a member of Erb Street Mennonite Church and serves on the Elders team. Learn more about Leah at www.LeahReesorKeller.com or follow her on Instagram.

Bob Nally (B.A .Sc , M.A.Sc ,P.Eng) is a Cleantech, Greentech and IT/Hi Tech Entrepreneur, Investor, Social Justice Advocate and Peacemaker. For more than 30 years, Bob Nally has dedicated his time and talents to working on Environmental (Earth Justice) and Social Justice issues and solutions including: cleaning up toxic waste (water and soil based); air pollution cleanup and reduction; energy use reduction; natural (nontoxic) herbicides & fertilizers; electric vehicles (industrial); Human Rights; peacemaking; affordable housing; First Nations support, learning and friendship; refugee support; and poverty reduction. Bob is a member of Erb Street Mennonite Church.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Erb Street Mennonite Church, 131 Erb Street West, Waterloo, Canada