Ottawa Kateri Native Ministry and Ottawa Catholic School Board Forge New Grounds for Healing and Partnership
On February 27, 2026, a landmark Reciprocal Land Use and Stewardship Agreement was signed between the leadership from the Kateri Native Ministry of Ottawa and the Ottawa Catholic School Board (OCSB). This agreement, three years in the making, represents a concrete step towards reconciliation and healing for Indigenous communities in Ottawa. The signing ceremony, held at the OCSB office, was more than a formal event; it was deeply rooted in Indigenous traditions, demonstration of reconciliation in action, featuring a pipe ceremony, smudging, and prayer, and was attended by Elders, ministry leaders, and representatives.
The partnership agreement will allow OCSB to fund the installation of yurts, providing dedicated spaces for Indigenous land-based education on Naategamaa —meaning “Peaceful Waters” in Algonquin— a 200-acre property entrusted to Kateri Native Ministry of Ottawa by the Archdiocese of Ottawa-Cornwall in a ceremony held September 22, 2023; Naategamaa has become a sacred space for healing, training, and ceremony. This initiative allows Indigenous Teachers to spend more time on the land with youth, fostering reconnection with the Creator and their cultural heritage in a safe, natural environment. It also strengthens support for family gatherings and community events, especially for Indigenous families living in Ottawa’s downtown core.
According to Donna Naughton, Executive Director of Kateri Native Ministry, “When our children are on the land, they remember who they are. This is about restoring hope in their way of being.” The agreement establishes a foundation of trust and sets a model pathway forward, demonstrating that reconciliation is not just a promise, but a lived reality.
The ceremony was not merely a symbolic gesture but a demonstration of reconciliation in action, emphasizing the importance of relationship-building and mutual respect. Representing the Archdiocese of Ottawa-Cornwall was Richard Pommainville, Chief Administrative Officer. The Archdiocese has been supporting Kateri Native Ministry and this partnership with OCSB to leverage Naategamaa.
This is about restoring hope in their way of being. The agreement not only honours Indigenous stewardship and knowledge but also establishes a foundation of trust and a model for future collaborations. It demonstrates that reconciliation is not just a promise, but a lived reality, showing that meaningful partnership can lead to lasting change.
As Kateri Native Ministry celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2026, the Reciprocal Land Use and Stewardship Agreement stands as a testament to the power of shared ceremony, vision, and commitment. It is a concrete step towards healing, decolonization, and a renewed relationship with the land—one where Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities walk together towards a more just and hopeful future.
See https://www.katerinativeministry.ca/news/ for pictures.
