Gospel celebrated in Fort Chip

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On Jan. 29 to 31, a distant northeastern Alberta community of about 1,500 people hosted the Fort Chipewyan Gospel Revival. The inter-denominational gathering was a first for the area. The event attracted visitors from Alberta's Aboriginal communities as far south as the Siksika and Tsuu T'ina reserves and as far north as Atikameg, Gift Lake, Fort Smith and even a few visitors from Saskatchewan, including Shell Lake and Saskatoon.

Although it only drew a crowd of about 100 participants, visitors hailed it as a good start and expressed a keen desire to have another revival in the near future.

Helen Gibot, one of the revival organizers, was excited and impressed with people's responses to the revival. All too often, she stated, people only come together when there is a death.

"The event was a means of celebrating life ,and the people attending experienced a healing and a renewal of faith and understanding," explained Gibot.

Planning began last October by Gibot, Marina Simpson and Norma Wandering Spirit in Edmonton and Tony Mercredi, Iris Jane Moore and Vena Gibot in Fort Chipewyan to promote unity, faith and prayer. The revival also became a memorial to those who have passed away.

The dynamic preaching by Sonny Littlelight from Tsuu T'ina drew a crowd when it came to his final presentation at the closing of the revival. A lengthy line-up of people stepped forward in response to his call to the altar and the laying on of hands.

Others who contributed to the preachings included Ernest Hunter from Saddle Lake, and Henry, Lorna and Darren Auger from Atikameg. Their prayers sought the blessing of the Lord while thanking Him for the good things in life. Simultaneously, prayers were raised to ward off all that is wicked and evil.

While several people raised their voices in song, one particular voice that stood out was Priscilla Auger's from Atikameg. Both of Augers' parents serve as ministers and she has great vocals for gospel.

Although many of the people came from different communities and faiths, they all seemed to have one thing in common. They all appreciated the power of prayer.

The individual testimonies offered told of drinking, doing drugs, committing crimes and more. For many, they eventually managed to turn their lives around for the better. They explained they found a second chance and a new life by looking to God.

Participants shared their stories of miracles. A Calling Lake man was said to be cured of AIDS, a blind woman was made to see, a late-stage cancer victim was healed, and a case of arthritis cured.

"One must return to the source in order to heal," said Gibot, as she talked about the abuse Aboriginal people suffered at residential schools. The abuse was accepted by victims because they didn't know better, she said.

"The children believed they had to obey the clergy because they were supposed to be the servants of God," said Gibot. The bible says one cannot question the word of God, she said.

"That's why the abuse was never challenged," said Gibot. "They must turn to the bible. The answers are there."

Organizers of the revival had to deal with several different circumstances because of the northern location. Many participants came to the revival by bus which meant driving through some harsh winter conditions.

The travellers received a warm welcome from the friendship centre in Fort McMurray where lunch and refreshments were served. Northern Store in Fort Chipewyan donated the coffee, sugar and cups. Local families billeted and transported visitors and one family billeted 12 people.

Tony Mercredi said that follow-through is very important for those people who want to continue the religous connection from the revival. Communities are often left high and dry once outside people have introduced something new to communities. One advantage here is that the organizers are originally from Fort Chipewyan, he said.