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By Fannie Dionne
On Friday, May 30, 2025, the Jesuits of Canada formally transferred governance of the Anishinabe Spiritual Centre (ASC) to a newly formed Indigenous-led board of directors, with continued participation from the Diocese of Sault Ste. Marie for sacramental guidance and spiritual oversight.
This governance shift affirms Indigenous leadership in matters of faith, culture, and community, and aligns with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action 60, which emphasizes the right of Indigenous Peoples to spiritual autonomy and leadership.
At the heart of this new chapter is Edwina MacDonald, executive director of the centre for the past two years. Early in her mandate, she had a sense that something transformative was on the horizon. One day, while in her cabin by the lake, she heard a strange sound — like a helicopter. “I looked out the window, and there were seven eagles. They landed. One turned and looked at me.” When she asked her Elder what it meant, he replied: “Really big change is coming. Prepare yourself.” And so she did — embracing what was to come with resolve and trust.
“Change is hard, but it is good. We are moving in a new direction, still walking with our Jesuit fathers, and all is good.”
From Jesuit to Indigenous-led
The Anishinabe Spiritual Centre was founded in the early 1980s by the Jesuits of Canada, in collaboration with the Diocese of Sault Ste. Marie and local First Nations, in response to a deep desire for a spiritual formation centre rooted in both Catholic faith and Indigenous cultural traditions.
Last year, faced with financial and organizational challenges, the Jesuits of Canada announced their intention to withdraw from responsibilities at the centre. However, before proceeding further, they chose to engage in a process of discernment with a select group of local Catholic Indigenous partners who had been actively involved with the centre throughout its history. From the shared discernment that followed emerged the conviction that the ASC should continue under Indigenous leadership.
This shift is present in the way the Jesuit Province relates to the centre with respect to the Universal Apostolic Preferences. “Five years ago, when talking about the ASC and the UAPs, I might have pointed to our second Universal Apostolic Preference — walking with the excluded — as the rationale for our work with the centre,” says Fr. Peter Bisson, SJ. “But today, I am convinced that this belongs to the first: showing the way to God. Working together with Indigenous Peoples for the Kingdom of God is not about simply accompanying them in their needs, but about calling forth both their spirituality and ours, to collaborate more fully for the spiritual and common good of the world.”
“Working together with Indigenous Peoples for the Kingdom of God is not about simply accompanying them in their needs, but about calling forth both their spirituality and ours, to collaborate more fully for the spiritual and common good of the world.” – Fr. Peter Bisson
As the transition occurred, questions naturally arose about the future. But Mrs. MacDonald, known for her relational leadership style, found consolation in the process. “One of the good things that came out of it — and I’m so proud — is that we did not lose one staff member through the whole process. People had heard that they could lose their jobs in five months. But they all believe in this place — as do I, as do the friends who are here helping, as do the Jesuits who have put so much of their love into this space and place.”
Walking the Road of Reconciliation
The transition is part of a broader journey of reconciliation — one to which the Jesuits of Canada have long been committed. While tensions surfaced early in the process due to miscommunication, relationships have endured. “The years of work with the Jesuits — those 40 years prior — have stayed with the people,” Mrs. MacDonald explains. “All the good work that had happened over the years helped people move beyond their initial reactions. The history of the place, the goodness that was there, the intention — it all allowed us to move forward.”
Though the Jesuits no longer manage the centre, relationships remain strong. The ASC welcomes Jesuit groups for retreats or meetings, and is open to deeper collaboration. “We would be happy to have a priest here for six weeks who can do our adoration and celebrate masses,” adds Mrs. MacDonald.
The ASC also partners with Regis St. Michael’s Faculty of Theology through the Damigong Bimiikaadwining program. Every month, someone from Regis College visits the ASC to lead formation sessions in the Diocesan Order of Service and the Ministries program. “There are lots of opportunities to continue our relationship with the Jesuits, which helps in their growth and in ours. We benefit when we are together, when we are walking together,” explains Mrs. MacDonald.
Fr. Gordon Rixon, SJ, is part of this partnership as president of Regis College. He noted: “This transition is seamless because the programming that we supported and were participating in was already Indigenous-led. We provide some resources, they are holding the mission. The people holding this program are extraordinary, mostly women, who have experienced a profound, profound encounter with Christ. And I think that they carry the seed of the renewal of the Canadian Church, and beyond Canada.”
He adds that this relationship is mutually enriching: “I find that there is such encouragement. The witness of faith, the witness of their leadership. I am seeing Christ present in the world. ”
“There are lots of opportunities to continue our relationship with the Jesuits, which helps in their growth and in ours. We benefit when we are together, when we are walking together.” – Edwina MacDonald.
The Jesuits’ role today is thus one of accompaniment, offering presence, solidarity, and support as invited. “There is certainly a role for accompaniment,” Fr. Bisson adds, “because it is often easier for Indigenous Peoples to navigate church structures with colleagues — like Jesuits — who know those structures well. But on the spiritual level, I believe this is becoming more and more a true partnership.”
A Vision for the Future
Under its new governance, the Anishinabe Spiritual Centre is entering a revitalization phase to better serve a growing number of communities and institutions. While the ASC’s roots are in Northern Ontario, the centre aspires to become a national centre for formation in lay ministry, Truth and Reconciliation awareness, welcoming groups from across Canada for spiritual formation, education, and cultural exchange.
One of its most impactful ministries is the Diocesan Order of Service (DOS), which for over 40 years has trained both women and men for lay ministry — a rare model in the Catholic Church. The DOS began as a deacon training initiative involving both husband and wife, but something unexpected happened. “It was the women who stepped up to serve,” says Mrs. MacDonald.
Today, women in the DOS complete a four-year formation program, attending monthly sessions at the centre. They are mandated by the bishop to take an active, responsible role as laypersons in the Indigenous Catholic Church. Their ministry is extensive and deeply rooted in community needs — especially in the context of wakes, which often last three days and involve reflection, accompaniment, and liturgical leadership. These women also provide communion services in communities where priests are rarely available. In such cases, a priest consecrates a sufficient number of hosts in advance and places them in the tabernacle at the centre or in a local mission. “Our hope is to refine the model with help from Regis College and expand it — especially in the north, where some communities go months without a priest, explains the executive director of the centre.
The path ahead remains challenging. Like many ministries, the ASC faces financial constraints. But Mrs. MacDonald remains grounded in hope: “I truly, truly believe that if God wants us to do something, if he wants it here, support will come.”
Jubilee 2025 Pilgrimage Site
In recognition of its spiritual and cultural significance, the ASC has been named an official Jubilee 2025 Pilgrimage Site — a sacred destination for reflection, healing, and renewal in this global Year of Hope.
And the vision continues to unfold, explains Mrs. MacDonald: “I have volunteers — dear friends of mine — who are outside right now cutting down trees, creating the St. Kateri Moccasin Trail. When pilgrims arrive, they will walk through the woods to a five-foot statue of St. Kateri. We have also received a beautiful Marian statue and plan to include a Stations of the Cross.”
If you are inspired by this vision, do not hesitate to contact the ASC .
Learn more and support the Anishinabe Spiritual Centre.
