Howard Jolly on Reconciliation in the Canadian Church, the Courage to Face Our Shared Story, and How His Father’s Transformation Led Him to Jesus
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Howard Jolly has served as a pastor, musician, and leader among Indigenous churches across Canada for decades. Recently retired as Executive Director of the Indigenous Alliance Churches of Canada, Howard carries a deep passion for reconciliation within the Church and the renewal of Indigenous communities in Christ.
In this conversation, Howard shares his journey from growing up in Moose Factory, Ontario, to pastoring First Nations Community Church in Winnipeg for 15 years, and leading a national network of Indigenous Alliance churches. His life and ministry have been shaped by a conviction that First Peoples reaching First Peoples is central to the gospel’s witness in Canada, and that reconciliation is not just for the healing of Indigenous communities, but for the health and fruitfulness of the whole Church.
Together, Howard and Jason explore:
How ministry to Indigenous peoples must engage colonial history, identity loss, and generational trauma,
Why reconciliation is essential for the whole body of Christ, not just Indigenous peoples,
The role of relationship, dignity, and presence in pastoral ministry,
Howard’s personal story of coming to faith through the transformation of his father’s life,
and Howard’s hopes and prayers for the future of the Church in Canada and the righteous reign of Jesus in our land.
Howard speaks with warmth, humility, and deep wisdom born of a long obedience to Christ. His story invites pastors to move toward reconciliation with courage, to honour the dignity of all people, and to believe afresh in the hope and healing found in Jesus Christ.
Howard Jolly
Howard Jolly is a Cree pastor, residential school survivor, and the Executive Director of Indigenous Alliance Churches of Canada. Formerly pastor of Winnipeg First Nations Community Church for 15 years, Howard has devoted over two decades to Indigenous-led ministry, reconciliation, and justice. A gifted preacher, musician, and storyteller, he uses song and narrative to foster healing, affirm dignity, and share the hope of Jesus. He studied at Providence Theological Seminary and has championed Indigenous leadership within the Church in Canada. Howard lives in Niverville, Manitoba, with his wife, Karen, a Métis professor of Indigenous studies. Together they have two adult children.
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