Prayer, meditation honors Wabanaki

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PRAYER — A group of eight gather at the Commons Art Collective in Norway with the snow falling outside on February 11, designated as a Day of Reflection, Meditation and Prayer to support the purpose and work of the Maine Wabanaki-state Child Welfare Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Emily Ecker, of Bryant Pond, lit a candle to commence the February 11 Prayer & Meditation circle and The Reverend Sarah Shepley read a prayer to begin a 10-minute posture of silence, followed by sharing. A talking stick was passed around and most everyone offered a reflection from the heart.

NORWAY — February 11 was designated as a day of Reflection, Mediation and Prayer to support the purpose and work of the Maine Wabanaki-state Child Welfare Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

This Truth and Reconciliation process is a historic agreement to uncover and acknowledge what happened to Wabanaki children and families involved with the Maine child welfare system; to create opportunities to heal and learn from the truth; and to collaborate to operate the best child welfare system possible for Wabanaki children and families.

Throughout the state people assembled to honor this day.

A small group of eight gathered in Norway with the snow falling outside. It was a chilly space, but sitting together in a circle, most felt warmed by the shared purpose of joining together.

Reverend Sarah Shepley read a prayer to begin a 10-minute posture of silence, followed by sharing. A talking stick was passed around and most everyone offered a reflection from the heart.

As quoted from the joint resolution to acknowledge February 11, 2013 as a day of reflection: “The hope is for the TRC to deepen human respect and compassion in hearing the truth of our shared history; to pray for the healing of deep and ancient wounds; and to call for courage, clarity of purpose and openness." 

As communities, we can support this 27-month-long process by praying for the healing of deep and ancient wounds. Visualize the possibilities of service-systems built on mutual respect.

For more information visit www.mainetribaltrc.org.