The September 2022 edition of Broadview magazine represents a special collaboration. Broadview’s “Indigenous Vision” issue has been guest edited by Rev. Murray Pruden, the national executive minister for Indigenous Ministries and Justice for The United Church of Canada.

Founded in 1829, Broadview is the oldest continuously published magazine in North America and the second oldest in the English-speaking world. In its nearly 200-year history, the publication has amplified the words and images of many Indigenous contributors but has yet to have an Indigenous editor — until now.

Rev. Pruden is Nehiyaw, Cree First Nations from the Goodfish Lake and Saddle Lake First Nations, and he grew up in Smoky Lake, Alta. In his leadership role with the United Church, he works closely with the denomination’s National Indigenous Council and Elders Council to promote Indigenous autonomy within the church, as well as right relations with the non-Indigenous church.

“I chose to be the guest editor for this issue because I like to share the exploration of who I am with others and not hide the fact I am a Cree person. I want to celebrate my identity and the identity of others. My hope is that together we can help those who do not have the same con- fidence to be proud of who they choose to be,” Pruden explains in his guest-editor’s message, entitled “Shared Journeys.”

Indigenous creators contributed the vast majority of the writing, illustration and photography in this issue. The cover art is an original commission by Chichimeca and Apache artist Mer Young. Articles include:

• “How We Got Here,” an essay comparing Indigenous and Western Creation narratives
• “Touchstones,” a collection of stories in which four Indigenous writers share what nourishes their spirit
• “A Journey of Unforgetting,” one woman’s venture to decolonize and reclaim her Sámi identity
• “Born Leader,” an interview with Inuit leader Natan Obed
• “Disruptor: Bobbie Racette,” an interview with the Cree-Métis founder and CEO of Virtual Gurus

Of particular note is a piece called “A Betrayal of Trust,” in which the magazine addresses The United Church of Canada’s role in the devastating legacy of residential schools. A companion column details what needs to change so Indigenous survivors of United Church-run day-schools can gain access to justice.

Building on this issue, Broadview has produced a video about Cree language preservation. Pruden and Broadview editor Jocelyn Bell will also co-host an online symposium on September 26 at 7pm EST to discuss many of the stories from this special collaboration. Registration for the symposium is available online.

Copies of Broadview’s “Indigenous Vision” issue are on selected newsstands until September 5, and digital versions of stories have been posted daily at Broadview.org throughout the month of August. Rev. Murray Pruden is available for interview and digital Advanced Review Copies of the issue can be emailed upon request.

Broadview is affiliated with The United Church of Canada but is separately incorporated and editorially independent. It sets its own policies, procedures and editorial programs. This project was funded, in part, by Ontario Creates.

Media Contact

Alison Tedford, Communications Adviser to Broadview Magazine – alison@alisontedford.com