Cree Initiative

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The Cree Initiative project trains and supports local First Nations people in Canada to do Bible translation and promote the use of God’s Word in their heart languages. Currently, the project is focused on three Cree-related language groups in Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec.

Despite a long history of missionary work among First Nations groups, speakers of these Cree languages are hindered by a lack of Scriptures they can clearly understand. Leaders of the indigenous church are eager for their people to know that God loves them. His Word in their mother tongue is crucial for their spiritual well-being and a truly indigenous faith in Christ.

God’s Word will also equip Christians in these Cree communities to deal with the problems around them, including addictions, suicide, abuse and depression. As well, mother-tongue Scriptures will help boost the use of their languages, key to their sense of identity that was lost through the impact of residential schools.

YOUR PARTNERSHIP IS KEY

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You can help make an impact for eternity in Cree language groups. Your financial gifts will enable the Cree Initiative to facilitate Bible translation in the Oji-Cree language of northern Ontario and help start projects in several other Cree languages across Canada. Furthermore, you can help equip mother-tongue Bible translators through scheduled training workshops.

RECENT HIGHLIGHTS

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• A First Nations Translator Workshop was held in Guelph, Ont. in November 2023. It was the seventh such workshop held since 2015. It was also the first time Blackfoot-speakers from the Siksika and Kainai communities of Alberta were able to participate. They will be joined by members of the Piikani Nation in translation work.  
• Audio recordings of all 150 Psalms have been completed in Naskapi, and will be aired in 15 separate 30-minute radio programs.
• A Bible-based trauma healing program was held in December of 2023 at the Tataskweyak Cree Nation (Split Lake, Swampy Cree). Eight women were trained to become apprentice facilitators! Each participant had opportunities to do practice facilitation in their groups. 

PRAYER POINTS

Pray for God’s blessing on the steady pace of Bible translation in Naskapi and Oji-Cree.

OUR COMMITMENT

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• Visit the project periodically to monitor its progress, address challenges and help ensure good stewardship of resources
• Send you regular updates to keep you informed about the Cree Initiative’s progress, financial need and prayer requests
• Send you an annual tax receipt for your donations