Barry Coulter
A project to raise funds for the Ktunaxa Nation's Street Angel program in Cranbrook by Christ Church Anglican is likely to be a stage in a fruitful partnership between the Nation and the Cranbrook Church.
Christ Church's Advent Alternative Giving Project raised $3,464.25 from Operation Street Angel, which provides services to the homeless population of Cranbrook.
Funds were raised through members of Christ Church and also readers of Woensdregt's weekly column in the Daily Townsman, in Cranbrook and across the country.
"This project generated a lot of interest at Christ Church," said Rev. Yme Woensdregt. "People were keen to be a part of this.
"For me, this is in response to the TRC Report," Woesndregt added.
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission's 4,000 page report, released last year, gives guidance to the country on how to best cope with the fallout of more than 150 years of residential schools in Canada.
"The generosity of people and businesses in our area never ceases to amaze me," said Jackie Brown, Ktunaxa Nation Council Urban Services Manager. "Thanks to the exposure that Reverend Woensdregt's column on the project received in local media, donations for came in from as far away as Ontario. In total, $3,464 was raised through the project for Street Angel."
"I'd love this to be the beginning of a partnership between Christ Church and the Ktunaxa Nation," Woensdregt said.
The Ktunaxa Nation is of the same mind.
"This partnership between the Ktunaxa Nation and Christ Church not only strengthens the relationship between our two organizations, it benefits the entire region through our Street Angel program," said Kathryn Teneese, Ktunaxa Nation Council Chair.
"I am glad to see the Ktunaxa Nation and Christ Church working together in the spirit of reconciliation for the betterment of those who call Ktunaxa territory home."
With files from Jesse Nicholas