We will be looking together at the most helpful ways to move forward in partnership with Indigenous people within the United Church of Canada, by going over principles of Indigenous governance and leadership, as well as how to be a church without full-time paid clergy.

with Rev Dr Ray Aldred, Director of Indigenous Studies Program | Associate Professor of Indigenous Theology, Vancouver School of Theology

Generation Alpha—born from 2010 onward—is growing up fully immersed in digital culture, shaping how they learn, relate, and understand the world. Come explore the key influences on their development and why attending to these realities matters for our ministries. As Gen Alpha and their families navigate rapid change and seek grounding, connection, and meaning, participants will reflect on their lived experiences, strengths, and spiritual expressions. We will begin to identify the values and purpose particular to our own context, equipping us to respond faithfully to God’s call to serve young people and their families—especially those within Generation Alpha.

with Rev Pamela Evans, First Third Ministry Team Lead, PMRC 

Come and experience a new vision for community based ministry. During our time together we will be exploring how to forge community relationships/partnerships that benefit both the community of faith, as well as the community partners. We will explore how our faith, stated values, current assets (both tangible as well as intangible), and ministries of hospitality and radical welcome provide the basis for strong and vital communities that seek to work together with others for the common good of all. As part of our discussion we will be exploring how to make simple changes that can lead to growth. 

with Rev Jenny Carter, First Community in Salmon Arm 

Church governance is not one-size-fits-all. This session will open the discovery of various types of boards and alternative structures that can help your congregation thrive. Learn about the key responsibilities of governing bodies, including legal obligations, accountability to the wider church, and regional oversight. This workshop will also delve into the legal responsibilities that come with leadership, providing clear guidance on how to ensure your church operates within its legal and ethical frameworks. Ideal for church leaders looking to deepen their understanding of governance structures, this session will help you shape a board that works best for your community’s unique needs.

with Treena Duncan, Executive Minister, PMRC

We are called as a church and as the people of God to set our hands and hearts to the task of co-creating a just and peaceful world. With descriptions and awareness of so many injustices constantly circulating in the media, in our own social groups, and in our minds, where to start can feel very overwhelming. Justice-making and cultivating peace can start simply and can be nourished with whatever you have at hand. This workshop will help to spark, rekindle, or sustain local community justice action by reframing justice as a relational endeavour, and one that connects with what strengths already shine through in your life or in the life of your community. A short discussion-seminar will be followed by the design and crafting of squares for a Northern Faith Fest justice quilt (no sewing or experience necessary!) while imagining together how to mobilize our hopes into reality.

with Rev Kendra Mitchell-Foster, Regional Minister for Justice, PMRC   

What would a decolonized church look like? How would its values and lived practice  be different from church as we've known it for 100 years? What is Transformative Justice (TJ) and what does it have to do with church?  And, how is (TJ) different from 'Restorative Justice'? 

RJ models are deeply rooted in Indigenous practice. In the village, everyone, no matter one's age, gender, skills, or orientation, has an integral role in community. When one harms another, there is an imperative to 'restore right relationship'; to repair the harm done, to learn from mistakes, and grow together as community.

Transformational Justice recognizes that 'restoration' may not be the most helpful goal, especially if relationships were unhealthy, unjust, unbalanced to begin with - and that lack of balance and mutual appreciation may have contributed to the breakdown of relationship. (TJ) has the potential to bring community to a new, healthier relationship; walking in a new, good way together. 

And, living into TJ/RJ values of mutuality, accountability, relationship, authenticity, and respect, can be both a proactive and responsive way to be together in a community of faith; and can have a profoundly decolonizing influence on community.

with Rev Teri Meyer, Regional Minister for Indigenous Ministries, PMRC

God calls communities of faith to welcome young people and ensure they have a real place at the table. What this ministry looks like today will be different from what we have known before. Come explore a framework that helps imagine the possibilities of ministry with young people through a new lens, that encourages participation, creativity, and leadership from all who seek to bring God’s dream to life in their particular context. We are limited only by our imagination and our trust in the Spirit. A future where young people feel connected, valued, and able to grow in Christian faith, sharing love and compassion with the world, is not only possible, but already beginning to emerge among us.

with Rev Pamela Evans, First Third Ministry Team Lead, PMRC

This workshop is especially designed for lay people who find themselves having to lead the Sunday service. It is designed for both experienced worship leaders, as well as novices. We will explore how to put a liturgy (the service) together; how to engage scripture through study, preaching, and music; as well as looking at various resources that will inform and encourage this vital aspect of a person’s ministry. This will be an interactive time of discussion, resource sharing, and fun! 

with Rev Jenny Carter, First Community, Salmon Arm, BC

Story Shifters is based on the belief that we are the stories we keep – the stories we inherited, those we hold right now, those we are passing on. Our goal is to create space and tools for non-Indigenous people to begin the work of decolonizing by interrupting their narratives. 

In this workshop, participants will have the opportunity to learn from the experience of the Smithers United Reconciliation group in unearthing the inherited colonial stories we (often unconsciously) hold on to that continue to benefit us as settlers and harm Indigenous people.  This workshop includes using different tools to orient ourselves in current acts of colonizing in order to unlearn, reframe and shift how we "show up" in relationships.  It will be a time to explore and agitate assumptions and practices in our church history and cultural practices to better understand our place and role in building relationships with Indigenous community members. 

with Anne Donaldson: Anne is an immigrant from Scotland who settled on the unceded territories of the Gitxsan nation in the 1980’s. Anne has over 40 years experience in grassroots learning and organizing for change. Although Anne holds academic credentials she draws as much on her lived experience and personal stories to ensure that the internal work of disrupting colonial narratives is constant in her Story Shifters process. 

Anne works with a diversity of settler people attempting to decolonize their personal stories as well as public policy and theologies. Anne also supports Indigenous Nations as they reclaim title and jurisdiction from the colonial governments of British Columbia and Canada.  

Conflict is a natural part of life together—and churches are no exception. When change comes, tensions often rise, and what begins as difference of opinion can quickly feel overwhelming.
In this workshop, we’ll explore how conflict works in church communities: the dynamics at play, the common causes, and why it often feels different in a faith setting. Together, we’ll name patterns, share experiences, and discover practical tools for navigating conflict in healthy, constructive ways.
Whether your community is currently facing challenges or simply wants to be better prepared for the future, this workshop will offer insight, encouragement, and strategies for moving through conflict with grace and hope.

with Treena Duncan, Executive Minister, PMRC