Archdiocese of Ottawa-Cornwall Marks National Indigenous Peoples Day with Prayer, Reflection, and Commitment to Reconciliation
June 21, 2026 – Ottawa, Ontario
On National Indigenous Peoples Day, the Archdiocese of Ottawa-Cornwall joins Indigenous communities across Canada in celebrating the rich cultures, histories, languages, and contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples.
Archbishop Marcel Damphousse invites Catholics throughout the Archdiocese to recognize June 21 as an opportunity for gratitude, learning, and renewed commitment to the ongoing journey of truth, justice, healing, and reconciliation.
“National Indigenous Peoples Day is a time to honour the enduring strength, wisdom, and spirituality of Indigenous Peoples,” said Archbishop Marcel Damphousse. “As followers of Christ, we are called to walk together in a spirit of respect, humility, and friendship. We acknowledge the painful history experienced by Indigenous communities, including the legacy of residential schools, and we recommit ourselves to the work of reconciliation through listening, learning, and meaningful action.”
Click here to read the Bishop’s full message.
God called. They answered. Now the call comes to us.
The Archdiocese of Ottawa-Cornwall is pleased to announce that tickets are now available for the Answer the Call Benefit Gala, an evening dedicated to supporting our seminarians.
For many years, our Archdiocese prayed for vocations to the priesthood. Today, we can say with gratitude that God is answering those prayers. Our Archdiocese is currently blessed with 11 seminarians preparing for ordained ministry.
As their number continues to grow, so too does the need to provide the spiritual, human, intellectual, and pastoral formation they require. Accompanying these men on their journey to the priesthood is a shared responsibility and an important investment in the future of our local Church.
The event forms part of the Archdiocese’s ongoing Vocations Appeal. With a goal of raising $500,000 in 2026, we seek to ensure that every man called to serve as a priest receives the formation he needs to serve God’s people well.
The Answer the Call Benefit Gala will bring together members of our diocesan community for an evening of faith, fellowship, and joyful support for the men preparing to serve as priests in our Archdiocese.
Event Details
- Date: Thursday, October 29, 2026
- Time: 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
- Location: Ottawa Conference and Event Centre
Tickets
Presale tickets are available for $150 per person through August 31, or until the first 300 tickets are sold. Regular pricing is $165. A partial charitable tax receipt will be provided with each ticket purchase.
Tickets may be purchased online at: www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/ADOC/events/gala-26
We hope you will join us for this inspiring evening in support of our seminarians. We look forward to welcoming you on October 29.