Women’s Missionary Society

Nepal

The impacts of climate change and natural disasters, as well as inequalities across gender, caste and geographic regions, contribute to Nepal being one of the lowest ranked countries in South Asia in terms of human development. Leprosy continues to be an ongoing threat. PWS&D is responding in partnership with International Nepal Fellowship (INF) to address these issues.

PWS&D’s work to address leprosy in Nepal continues in a new three-year phase of the project we have supported for more than 15 years. With our partner INF, the project is working toward a leprosy free Nepal by focusing on leprosy eradication through early detection, effective diagnosis and treatment services, and increased protection and rights of women and girls affected by the disease.

Working through self-help groups primarily made up of women, the project aims to reduce gender inequalities by helping women improve their livelihoods and food security, increase their knowledge of disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation, as well as improving awareness on health and hygiene for women and girls.

Hummingbird Ministries

Indigenous-Led Ministry of The Presbytery of Westminster

• Reclaims the sacredness of Indigenous People/Children & the beauty of our cultures, spirituality, worldview & sacred identity as God’s people thru Faith Circles, Arts & Projects.
• Promotes awareness & Indigenous relationships with churches, schools & others through dance, drama & music performances, events, presentation & preaching.

Mary Fontaine is Nehiyaw (Cree) from Mistawasis Nehiywak, Saskatchewan, where she grew up attending the Mistawasis Presbyterian Church with her family. The Founding Director of Hummingbird Ministries (2005), an Indigenous-led healing and reconciliation ministry, Mary discerns the Spirit at work in Indigenous wisdom and spirituality and sees how this can enhance the church she loves and grew up in. Through healing circles and the performing arts, Hummingbird educates the public and raises the profile of Indigenous people, especially Indigenous children.

Mary has a B.A. in Native Studies from the University of Alberta (1995) and an M.Div. from the Vancouver School of Theology (2003). She was on the Executive Committee of the World Communion of Reformed Churches (2010-2017). She convenes the National Indigenous Ministries Council of The Presbyterian Church in Canada and serves on the Special Committee re Listening, Confession and Associations.