- A Prayer for Peace and Friendship

As we pause to reflect on the Peace and Friendship Treaties of 1761, we wistfully think about what could have been –– and what could be. In response to the Crown’s promises of protection, fair trade, and respect for the Mi’kmaq, Chief Jeannot Peguidalouet exclaimed, “As long as the Sun and Moon shall endure, … so long will I be your friend and ally.” If this sentiment is familiar, I wonder if it’s because it resonates with what is said of the Creator throughout the Christian Scriptures: the prophet Jeremiah compares God’s fidelity to the people of Judah with the longevity of the sun, moon, and stars (Jer 31:35–37). The psalmist likewise proclaims, “Your steadfast love, O Yhwh, extends to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds” (Ps 36:5). Indeed, ancient Israel’s sages recognized the privilege it is for God’s people to reflect the character of their Creator when they instructed, “Do not let loyalty and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart” (Prov 3:3). We lament, however, that this has infrequently been the case. More often than not, humanity has been quick to break its promises and slow to keep its word, not least when it comes to our relationships with Indigenous peoples. Instead of taking hands offered in the good faith of friendship, we have merely taken. Rather than being a trusted ally, we have, at times, acted more like adversaries. But may it no longer be so. With God’s help – and with ears quick to listen and slow to speak (Jas 1:19) – may our first impulses be to truly pursue protection, fairness, and respect for our Indigenous neighbours. May camaraderie, integrity, understanding, and compassion be the hallmarks of our posture. In short, may we follow the lead of Chief Peguidalouet in emulating the loyalty and faithfulness of the Creator, “as long as the Sun and Moon shall endure.”

Amen.

Rev. Dr. Matthew Walsh, Professor in the Payzant Chair of Biblical Studies