Journey of Hope to host Oct. 6 service of remembrance for Native American boarding school youth

Journey of Hope in Elgin is hosting a special service of remembrance for Native American children who were taken to boarding schools, never to return.

Journey of Hope, through its relationship with Spirit Lake, North Dakota and the connection with CONAM (Commission on Native American Ministries), will be holding a special service of remembrance for those Native American children who were taken from their homes and families to boarding schools all across the United States and Canada.

They are remembering that on Oct. 6, 1879, General Richard Pratt took children from so many First Nations and opened the boarding school in Carlisle, Penn. They seek to reclaim that day as a day of prayer, remembering the atrocities committed by General Pratt and so many others in stealing the lives of so many innocent children.

The service will be held at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 6, at the church, 37W040 Highland Ave. in Elgin. The service also will be livestreamed at www.facebook.com/johumcelgin/.

During this time, they will share prayers, music, and testimonies from some who have been affected by this injustice. They will pray for healing and peace as we long to bring the bodies of Native American children back home to their tribes. Join us for this service and also in wearing orange in honor of the lives lost.

For information, visit johumc.org.