Farsi Fellowship Explores On-the-Land Learning
On Saturday, Aug. 8, a group of about 20 members of the Farsi Fellowship at Willowdale Christian Reformed Church in North York, Ont., traveled to Ohsweken on the Six Nations of the Grand River territory for a day of On-the-Land Learning.
Hosted by Adrian Jacobs, the CRC’s senior leader for justice and reconciliation, the gathering invited participants into a journey of story, land-based education, and mutual understanding.
Throughout the event, participants explored the history of the land, local covenants, and the ongoing work of healing and reconciliation within the community. The day’s itinerary included learning about the Land Back movement, Indigenous land rights, the history of gypsum mining, and local land-claim conflicts in neighboring Caledonia, Ont.
Because many members of the Farsi Fellowship are primary Farsi speakers, Sylvie Charliekaram, commissioned pastor for the fellowship, served a dual role during the event—as a participant and as the translator of Jacobs’ presentations into Farsi so that everyone present could engage with the history and reflections shared.
Jacobs said, “It is always encouraging to have people come to our land at Six Nations and hear the story of our land from our people. To have Farsi folk visiting adds to our list of international allies who want to hear more – and I have a million stories!”
Shared Experiences and Resonating Stories
For members of the Farsi Fellowship, the narratives shared throughout the day touched on personal themes of history, displacement, and resilience.
“It was a beautiful day,” reflected Charliekaram after the morning sessions. “We learned about the land, history, and covenants – and everything that Pastor Adrian shared with us was really meaningful for our group. As a matter of fact, coming from a country where we have also experienced discrimination and persecution, we could resonate and empathize with a lot of the stories we heard today.”
Following the morning of storytelling and walking on the land, the group gathered for a shared potluck lunch featuring a spread of Persian dishes brought by the visiting participants. The day concluded with a visit to a local Indigenous arts and crafts shop in Ohsweken, giving participants an opportunity to support local artisans and take home keepsakes from their time on the Six Nations territory.
The group then visited Nations Uniting to learn about the history and impact of residential schools in Canada. The Farsi Fellowship members showed a deep eagerness to learn, asking thoughtful questions as they listened to stories of resilience and reconciliation.
“We’re really blessed to be on the land, to learn from nature, and to be among other brothers and sisters, enjoying and celebrating the creation of God in this beautiful land,” Charliekaram said.
The Aug. 8 gathering was part of an ongoing series of regional On-the-Land Learning experiences organized through the CRC in Canada’s Indigenous Ministry. Each event is shaped by local Indigenous relationships and context, offering church members a hands-on opportunity to practice listening, curiosity, and neighborly relationship building.
