The Affirming Program

The Affirming program is a process and recognition for ministries who strive to celebrate Two Spirit and LGBTQIA+ people publicly, intentionally, and explicitly. Any ministry of any kind can become Affirming, and within our Regional Council there are many such ministries- with lots of room for growth. Learn more about the Affirming Program on Affirm United/S’affirmer Ensemble. Scroll down for the latest Affirming news in Northern Spirit.

Northern Spirit is now Affirming

In June 2019, Northern Spirit Regional Council voted to begin the Affirming process. In June 2024, after being guided by a task group through the process and after a positive vote of the full Regional Council in May 2023, the Regional Council completed the Affirming process with a public celebration. In this journey, we are guided by our Vision Statement, our Action Plan, and by our community partnerships, United Church global partners, and responses to emerging needs and opportunities in NWT, Northeast BC, and northern Alberta.

A committee will guide the continuing work of living into our commitments. Members: Mary Annan; AJ Janewski, Wilson MacLennan; Louise Rogers; Gary Simpson; Mickey Wilson; Rachel Young. Julie Graham (Regional staff). Please contact the task group through northernspirit@united-church.ca to protect members’ privacy.

More Resources and Information

To find Affirming ministries in Northern Spirit Regional Council:
On the AUSE site; and on the United Church of Canada ministry locator
(check under AB/ BC/ NWT communities for both.)

Affirm United/ S’affirmer Ensemble

Affirming PIE Day (14 March annually)

Transgender Day of Remembrance (November 20th annually)

The United Church of Canada: resources

Celebrating Gender Identity Toolkit, second edition, United Church of Canada

Moving Toward Full Inclusion-Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity in the United Church of Canada (second edition)

Affirming Ministries Resource List

Affirming Ministries Printable Resources

YouTube Affirming Playlist