[Anglican Journal, by Tali Folkins] Archdeacon Larry Beardy, a Cree priest, educator and former executive archdeacon of the diocese of Keewatin, was consecrated first indigenous suffragan bishop of the Northern Manitoba Area Mission – a new grouping of parishes within the indigenous Spiritual Ministry of Mishamikoweesh – at a ceremony at Sagkeeng First Nation in Manitoba on Sunday (23 September).

Beardy’s is one of two new indigenous suffragan (assistant) bishop positions created by the synod of the ecclesiastical province of Rupert’s Land this May, meant to help in providing pastoral care and spiritual leadership to indigenous people from northern Ontario to Saskatchewan. His area mission will span that part of Manitoba that lies within the Spiritual Ministry of Mishamikoweesh, but he will also assist the bishops of the dioceses of Brandon and Missinippi in the diocese of Saskatchewan, in providing ministry to indigenous people in these areas.

Beardy, the sole person to have been nominated for the role, was acclaimed bishop of the area mission on the last day of a meeting of the area mission’s Sacred Assembly, which took place between 21 and 23 September.

“It’s a very blessed situation, and I strongly believe it’s the work of God, the Creator,” Beardy said in an interview. “I’m very excited at what’s happening.”

• Click here to read Tali Folkins’ full report for the Anglican Journal.