Mary Fontaine founded Hummingbird Ministries in 2004 as a Presbyterian ministry of healing for the Aboriginal people of British Columbia's West Coast. And she was ordained this past spring – see the July/August Record – in Mistawasis, Sask., where she is from. Her ordination gives her new opportunities in her ministry. Many have asked her to baptize them, their children or their grandchildren. Now she can – the first person she baptised was her own grandson. For those already baptized as children, Fontaine will plan rededication services. (The Presbyterian Church in Canada doesn't advocate re-baptism.) Fontaine is excited about introducing the sacrament of communion to her Aboriginal circles. Feasting is an important part of First Nations communities, so communion is likely to become an important part of worship.
Hummingbird's worship uses the sacred circle, where the Creator God is placed at the centre. A lot of sharing and listening happens at these circles, some of which is very painful. It can be overwhelming for leaders to take all that pain upon themselves. Emotional healing is possible only by lifting the burdens and pains to God in prayer. And the sharing is reciprocal. Fontaine says, "As a teacher, I teach, but I also learn; I listen but am also heard; I pray for others but they also pray for me."
Listening is key to Fontaine's work. One of the needs identified by Aboriginal people is a desire to reach out to youth, since they often don't feel comfortable attending either a church or a traditional longhouse. This is also complicated by the reluctance of today's youth to be identified as Aboriginal. Fontaine's approach has been to meet them where they're at, whether that's playing ball outside on the church yard, attending the Coast Salish Annual Paddle to Lummi Canoe Journey, or encouraging youth to participate in the annual Native American Indigenous Games.
Fontaine has taken seriously the Presbyterian Church's agenda to "walk with" the Aboriginal peoples of Canada. This commitment stems from the church's 1994 confession regarding its involvement in residential schools. Fontaine, through Hummingbird Ministries, is gently joining hands with the First Nations people of British Columbia. It is significant for those to whom she ministers that she is both a Christian and a First Nations person. She is a personification of harmony and unity.
Hummingbird Ministries began as a ministry of Central, Vancouver. Initially an advisory team was formed, but this has since become a council, consistent with principles of non-hierarchical equality and team leadership. As the ministry grew, it was placed under the jurisdiction of the Presbytery of Westminster.
Hummingbird Ministries is supported financially by many sources, including the Presbyterian Innovative Ministries and the Jack Smith Fund of the Synod of B.C., the Presbytery of Westminster, Women's Missionary Society groups, the Cooke's Fund of Toronto, and Presbyterian congregations and individuals. Hummingbird's biggest supporter, Canada Ministries, recently committed to ongoing financial assistance, which provides a significant level of support and encouragement.
Hummingbird Ministries will soon be registered as a charitable organization. For more information, please go to hummingbirdministries.ca.
