By Marie-Émilie Lacroix, Director of the Reconciliation Ministry
To me, being a missionary means embracing a calling and carrying out a meaningful mission.
As the person in charge of the First Nations ministry in Quebec for several years, I was sad because I didn’t see any real opportunities. God saw much further than I did, and while I was praying, He was preparing the ground. The first project was to provide water to 80 homes in a community located five hours from Montreal. This essential need will cost $3.5 million. The feasibility studies have been completed, and now all that remains is to install the pipes and systems. Faith and prayer are my response; God will act in His own time. The second opportunity came in 2024, when I received a grant from an American foundation (the Winnifred Stevens Foundation).
I had 13 programs produced by Indigenous health professionals in the United States and Western Canada translated into French. These programs had to be put on USB keys and a document (300 each) had to be produced giving access to resources in Quebec. The topics range from obesity to diabetes, heart disease, and addiction, among others. Distribution began in June at an event bringing together the 11 nations in Quebec City, where 70 were given out in two days. Then my partner and I hit the road, and by the time this article is published, we will have visited seven communities.
I must say that I have encountered nothing but enthusiasm from individuals and health professionals. More and more, communities are talking about gathering plants and receiving teachings from medicine women and men. In Ekuanitshit, the most remote community we visited (850 km from home), services are very limited. I will keep in touch with a cousin who works in health care at the clinic in this community for a future project, if possible. I saw an unmissable offer for backpacks for back-to-school, including supplies. Forty found happy recipients in Ekuanitshit and 30 were received in Kitcisakik. I cannot forget to mention that God was ahead of us every day. It was as if we were expected.
God provides, so I received another donation from the same foundation for the project that will take place on October 24, 2025. It will be a day of awareness about violence and its consequences. Workshops, conferences, and kiosks are planned. In addition, the women’s center that planned the day will broadcast a program on a related theme once a month for a year. I will continue to distribute the USB drives there.
I am convinced that all 300 drives will have been given out by that date; there are less than 100 left. We will reproduce more if necessary. There is no shortage of needs to be met because our communities are still neglected, even more so if they are remote. Quebecers are unaware of this reality. So as long as God, our Creator, blesses me, I will do everything I can to improve the living conditions of my brothers and sisters.
I believe in evangelization through friendship, the method of Jesus. He has a plan for my Indigenous brothers and sisters, and I let Him guide me in that plan.
We must not rush anything; our nations are wounded and in the process of healing.
My spouse and I traveled 6,000 km this summer to meet with these nations.
I visited three churches to present our cultures, and I want to do it again. It is important for the people in our church to know our history in their country. These encounters help to break down prejudices that are still very much alive and also false. Knowing both sides of the story is the only way to build a more just future. I went to Greaves Academy, because education and encounters begin with young people.
Tshinishkumitin for your prayers and donations to the Ministry for this mission in Quebec.
Map to locate ()https://www.quebecautochtone.net/fr/
Here are a few pictures of
Distribution at Quebec City, Kwe event held every year at the end of June
Mashteuiatsh, my community, Maliotenam, Ekuanitshit, Essipit, Odanak, Kitcisakik, Pessamit, Kanawake.
There is also Wendake, near Quebec City, a community that I will be visiting soon. I continue to distribute the keys at work meetings where I meet Indigenous people who hold provincial leadership roles.
Missinak Kameltoutasset (Marie Émilie Lacroix)
