“Iron” Indigenous leader put relationships first

June 24, 2011 – 4:55 pm

Ali Symons, Anglican Church of Canada

Donna Bomberry at a 1996 service commemorating the landing of the Mohawks, Tyendinaga, Ont.

Donna Bomberry at a 1996 service commemorating the landing of the Mohawks, Tyendinaga, Ont.

June 24, 2011 - The June 16 retirement party for Donna Bomberry, Indigenous Ministries coordinator, was a family affair. Two large dream catchers, made by her mother Doris, hung above the crowd. Granddaughter Sophia, 3, ran, giggled, and cut the cake with a spoon. General Synod staff members—past and present—rose to pay tribute to the tall Cayuga woman who played a critical role in birthing a self-determining Indigenous church. Read the full story…

Would you like to share a memory or a word of congratulations? Post your comments below.

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  • David Jones

    Donna, best wishes in your retirement.  And thank you for your significant work for the Church and in particular in helping restore our relationships with our indigenous peoples.   The Governance Working Group has appreciated your wisdom and help.

  • Jean Koning

    Donna Bomberry is a most remarkable woman who has brought her tireless energy and gentle personality to all of us in the years she has guided the Anglican Council of Indigenous Peoples towards a new and lasting place in the life of The Anglican Church of Canada.  I am so grateful, Donna, to have known you and to have been able to count you as my friend.  Heartfelt thanks for all I have learned from you, and for your unfailing support and compassion in the times we have journeyed together.  With my love and prayers,  Jean Koning.

  • Peter Davison

    Dear Donna,
    We may have crossed paths briefly, but I have not really had the privilege of knowing you. However, your ministry has been powerfully for the good, and I wish to thank you for the many ways you have enriched the life of your local community, the national church, and the life of indigenous peoples (and therefore all of us) over your many years of faithful service. As we have been blessed by you, may you also be blessed in the years ahead.
    Peter Davison.

  • Karen Pidcock

    Dear Donna,
    I give great thanks that I got to know you first hand, while serving on CoGS, where I discovered your deep devotion to God, to the ACC, & to your indigenous brothers & sisters, as you committed so profoundly to ACIP & your work at the national church level.  I always appreciated your gentle, affirming, encouraging presence, & your strong clarity re what you saw as essential in seeking justice for Aboriginal Canadians especially in our church.  May you now enjoy many good days in your yellow Vespa & Jeep, as you live into your much-deserved retirement, closer to your mother & granddaughter… & offering your continuing support to the AIN.  You are a marvelous example of the wonderful Quaker phrase:  Let your life speak!  Thank you, thank you, for your faithful leadership in helping our church grow in to understanding of indigenous issues & in seeking justice, healing & reconciliation.  Peace to you!
    Karen Pidcock, Kaslo, BC Diocese of Kootenay, village of Kaslo.

  • John Bird

    Dear Donna. At first I was surprised to hear people use the word Iron to describe you. I always appreciated your gentleness and patience as you explained issues and nurtured people like me along in my growing understanding of Indigenous Peoples’ rights to a sovereign place and identity in this world. But now I see what Gordon Beardy meant with his phrase: that you are unswerving . . . unbending . . . in your determination to move forward, even while you remain committed to bringing us with you. To me, another good image might be that of water, patiently but inexorably seeking and wearing a way through the labrynth of misinformation, misunderstanding and outright racism that tried to stand in your way. I thank you, Donna, for your willingness to walk — and to laugh and cry — with me and others, on this circuitous path towards justice for Indigenous Peoples, and right relations between all peoples. It was an honour to be able share even a bit of this with you. Blessings as you continue the journey.
    John Bird

  • Randy Friesen

    Although I have never met you, your walk speaks volumes across time and space.  Jesus wears many faces and speaks many tongues.  Your perseverance and devotion to Jesus and his way of peace making shine brightly.  The seeds you have sown and gardened will bear good fruit.

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