The Journey: Stories and Prayers for the Christian Year from People of the First Nations

David M. Kelly is a teaching assistant at Brock University in St.
Catharines.

Set to accommodate the Anglican Church Calendar, The Journey presents us
with a series of Bible readings, prayers, and personal testimonies from
people of the First Nations. From Advent to the last Sunday after
Pentecost, Native Christians offer true-life anecdotes as inspired by
the particular liturgy of the season. The testimonies reveal much of the
Natives’ faith and personal spirituality. They also reveal many of the
hardships and heartaches of growing up on a reserve. Sometimes amusing,
other times heartrending, their stories are never boring.

Of special note are the marvelous black-and-white illustrations by
Ojibwa artist Teresa Altiman. Hers is a style unto itself, a wondrous
mixture of Native culture and powerful symbolic gesture. Each piece
leaves a lasting impression on those who behold it.

The Journey should prove useful to pastors and church leaders,
particularly those whose ministry includes Native people. Quite
plausibly, Anglicans may find it useful as an alternative service, since
it is strongly attached to their Calendar and lectionary readings.