Building Relationships with Indigenous Communities

Session: Building Relationships with Indigenous Communities

Reconciliation with the Indigenous peoples of Canada begins with listening to and learning from our Indigenous neighbours.  Cochrane Alliance Church is blessed to be surrounded by several Indigenous communities, including the Tsuut'ina First Nation.  This session will provide participants with the opportunity to meet and interact with some Elders from Tsuut'ina.  Alvin and Liz Big Crow are faithful Elders to their Tsuut'ina community, including their church family at St. Barnabas Church which is located on the Nation.  Elders Alvin and Liz will share about their life, their faith journey, and what reconciliation has looked like and meant to them practically alongside of Jen Singh who pastors St. Barnabas Church.

Bio: Alvin & Liz Big Crow

Alvin and Liz Big Crow are Elders of the Tsuut'ina First Nation.  They have been married for 54 years and have raised children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and even a great-great grandchild.  Elder Alvin has given leadership to the Tsuut'ina Nation over several decades, including as a Band Councillor and has served in a number of roles on the Tsuut'ina First Nation.  He is currently the manager of the Bullhead Community Hall, a place where numerous community events take place.  Elder Liz has served the Tsuut'ina Nation through her amazing gifts of hospitality and is regarded as a mother-figure to many on the Nation.  Together, Elders Alvin and Liz are seeking to live a life of faith that will impact the next generation.

Bio: Jen Singh

Jen Singh has pastored St. Barnabas Church on the Tsuut'ina First Nation for the past 5 years.  Jen is also the Associate Professor of Intercultural Studies at Ambrose University.  Prior to moving to Southern Alberta, Jen spent 15 years working alongside vulnerable women around the world, including Cambodia, Uganda, and Ethiopia.  When Jen is not pastoring or teaching, she is enjoying her lovely home in Cochrane.