An Evensong
for the Victims and Survivors
of the Indian Boarding Schools
“If I were a pony,
A spotted pinto pony,
A good racing pony,
I would run away from school.
I’d gallop on the mesa,
And I’d eat on the mesa,
And I’d sleep on the mesa,
And I’d never think of school.”
~Poem by Abigail Echo-Hawk 2021
Last Saturday, September 28th, St. Gabriel offered a beautifully moving
service full of readings, poetry, and reflections. The services of Lament used materials developed by the Rev. Kurt J. Huber and the Rev. Ellen B. Huber of the Cheyenne River Episcopal Mission, with the sermon and the service officiated by The Rev. Everett Charters. Sacred music inspired by the service was performed by David Saffert on piano, and Jessica Israels and Margot Hanson-Israels as vocalists.
The service based on the Slaughter of the Innocents was created to lament the boarding school and to remember the victims. Although the Episcopal Church historically was only involved with a few of the schools, we still want to acknowledge the sin of genocide that occurred in many of the schools in the U.S. and Canada and play our part in the healing of the nation.
The Episcopal Church is also working to support legislation that will establish a Truth and Healing Commission on Indian boarding school policy, which would complement the Department of Interior’s new initiative for developing culturally appropriate liturgical materials and plans for education Episcopalians across the church about this history.
“As followers of Jesus, we must pursue truth and reconciliation in every corner of our lives, embracing God’s call to recognition of wrongdoing, genuine lamentation, authentic apology, true repentance, amendment of life, and the nurture of right relationships. This is the Gospel path to becoming beloved Community.”
