Donald Teuma-Castelletti
SHAWVILLE June 17, 2018
It was a scene that Broken Arrow Drummer Sébastien Beaudoin would have never imagined possible just 30 years ago, as a live performance of Indigenous songs filled the air in front of the Shawville United Church, fully supported by the gathering of locals.
But that’s exactly why the reconciliation event took place on Sunday, as the church’s congregation sought to acknowledge a marred history of nationwide discrimination towards Indigenous culture, while renewing a commitment to right the wrongs of past generations, as best they can.
In accordance with Indigenous Sunday on the United Church’s calendar year, it was arranged to have the Broken Arrow Drummers join the Shawville location in an effort to educate their group.
Service that morning started with an outdoor gathering, as the congregation started their day with a different kind of ritual – a smudging. Wafting the cleansing smoke of sage over the body, much of the group took part as they sought to understand and expose themselves to the culture.
From there, everyone gathered round as Rev. Dr. Richard Hollingsworth was invited to join the drum circle of the Broken Arrow Drummers and share the pipe with them. Together, they sang and performed two traditional Indigenous songs before the group moved inside of the church.

Once inside, the service continued with a few adjustments. For one, the song “On Eagle’s Wings” was performed by the choir, and two, some members of the Broken Arrow Drummers shared their stories of embracing their Indigenous culture, even after years of shying away from it.
“It’s a hard path to walk because so much has been forgotten,” said Beaudoin, at this point in the service. “My family story is one amongst thousands.”
Trevor Pearce soon followed Beaudoin, sharing how he didn’t come to embrace his Indigenous culture until later in life and encouraged the congregation to continue their journey with further acceptance and exposure to their learning.
“This isn’t about being negative, this is about change,” he continued.
But the morning was not without it’s challenges for Pearce and the group. Following the smudging, he said he overheard a negative comment regarding the traditional ceremony the group had participated in and had almost packed up everything to go home. Frustrated, Pearce was upset with the ignorance that had emerged.
However, he changed his mind when one guest shared her story of spirituality with him and decided to stay for those that wished to be there.
Speaking with Beaudoin, a Campbell’s Bay resident, a few hours after the service, he was proud to have been a part of the morning’s event.
“For me, due to my family history, it was a significant gesture and act,” he said. “My great-grandfather, he was Algonquin and French … to come into Shawville, due to his Native look and being French, he had to make sure that he had someone that was not Native, and English, and that way he could be served.”
Beaudoin continued to say that following the service, he enjoyed the afternoon with his father, sharing what he had been up to that morning.
“He said, ‘You know, 30 years ago, you wouldn’t have been able to do that,’” said Beaudoin. “I said, ‘Yes dad.’ For me, [the event] meant a lot and I really appreciate the United Church for doing that. I hope the other churches follow through.”
He also followed his reflection with some words as to why he chose to be a part of such a ceremony.
“It’s not to condemn Shawville, it’s a part of history, it’s part of the mentality, and it’s changed,” said Beaudoin. “Today, a lot of people said, ‘Wow, Shawville has changed, this is huge.’”