Terry LeBlanc - Director |
ABOUT MY PEOPLE
Who are we?
My People International is a non-denominational / cross-cultural Christian ministry to Native North Americans. Though predominantly comprised of Native people, the staff and board of My People International reflect a strong commitment to Native leadership development in an intercultural setting.
What is our Vision?
“Every Native North American person will embrace a life-giving relationship with the person of Jesus – and experience that relationship in a Native North American Way.”
What is our mission?
Our mission is: “To communicate the teachings of Jesus to Native North American people in a culturally relevant way; to encourage Native North American life to be centred in a spiritual relationship with Jesus; and, to facilitate culturally appropriate participation of Native people within the wider community of those who follow Jesus.”
This is expressed in our commitment to:
- Tell the story of our Creator’s grace in renewing the life of all of creation;
- Equip people to serve the Creator effectively throughout all of creation
- Serve the Native and wider Indigenous world in community transformation.
What is our History?
My People International was federally incorporated as a non-profit charitable corporation in the fall of 2000. It was initiated in response to the need for a more effective paradigm of ministry in the Native North American community (Many decades of work in traditional mission had left a large, untouched Native community; many who had set out on the Jesus Way struggling to grow and become healthy in their faith walk). The organization grew quickly to its present staff of seven, six full-time and seven part-time associate staff - Native and non-Native workers who focus their efforts on leadership development at all ages. The head office is at Evansburg, Alberta with staff working from home offices across Canada. We work cooperatively with partner organizations in the USA and Canada.
What do we do?
My People International communicates the teachings of Jesus to Native North American people in a culturally relevant way; encourages Native North American life to be centered in a spiritual relationship with Jesus; and facilitates culturally appropriate participation of Native people within the wider community of those who follow Jesus. To accomplish this our programming includes:
Community-based Programs
- Community Outreach (VBS Programs, Culture Camps etc;)
- Equipping people in the local community (seminars, resources, counselling)
Development of Strategic Relationships
- Orchestrating partnerships for training, teaching and community development events.
- Strategic alliances and partnerships with Native churches, Native agencies, and financial sponsors who share a like-minded commitment to Native North American people which create opportunities for the above.
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Teaching and Training
- Nĕstooāāk (Regional Training events and conferences).
- Providing personal growth programs (E nen neh moon, Grief Workshops, Appreciative Inquiry, etc;)
- Special Projects (eg. Community project assistance)
Volunteer development
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Resourcing of adults committed to helping Native People (ie; churches, youth agencies, schools, parents, youth workers, the media) through training and equipping, consultation, mentoring, counselling and advocacy.
Leadership development of Native men and women who are serving in full-time or volunteer ministry.
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Our approach makes possible a ministry which has previously not existed in such an intentional way:
- Native and non-Native leaders committed to a culturally-rooted strategy for the training and discipleship of Native people.
- A staff committed to removing barriers between Native peoples and non-Native people
- An integrated cross-cultural staff and Board under Native leadership
- A staff dedicated to the affirmation of cultural identity and the value of culturally appropriate faith as the principle means of evangelism and discipleship
- A staff committed to on-going training and development in culturally-appropriate ways.
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