United Church of Canada Establishes New National Indigenous Council

The National Indigenous Spiritual Gathering (NISG) 2026 concluded on traditional Algonquin Territory with the affirmation of a newly elected National Indigenous Council (NIC). The council, now the governing body for the Indigenous Church within the United Church of Canada, was introduced by Rev. Shane Goldie, who described it as a “big step” toward Indigenous self‑determination. The NIC will guide the autonomous Indigenous Church, with members including Julia Walker, Morgan Ryder, Nathan Beardy, Craig Barlett, Jordan Spence and others, while the Right Rev. Dr. Kimberly Heath, Moderator of the United Church, highlighted the hope represented by younger participants.

The gathering also featured workshops on Indigenous approaches to palliative care, climate justice and leadership ahead of COP30. The formation of the NIC follows earlier challenges: a 2024 church‑wide vote for an autonomous Indigenous organization, the dissolution of a previous NIC in August 2024, and subsequent protests. The National Indigenous Elders Council (NIEC) has taken a larger leadership role in the interim, helping to heal the community and oversee the new council’s nomination process.