May 14 - In Canada, aboriginal pastors mix Christianity with Native spirituality

Inside a cramped, run-down loft in one of this city's poorest neighborhoods, Cheryl Bear Barnetson sits at a communal drum, leading a group of people in song. The sharp beating of the drum grows louder and faster. She and the other aboriginal singers surrounding it begin to chant. “Jeeee-sus, Jeeee-sus, Jeeee-sus …” Although it doesn’t look like a typical house of worship, this place is a church. Bare brick walls surround small coffee tables and chairs. A large wooden cross is all that distinguishes the space from a 1920s speakeasy.
 
Barnetson is one of the pastors who minister here every Sunday night. Using traditional aboriginal practices, they share the gospel with the people who walk through the doors of Street Church. They all attend for their own reasons — some for religion, others for a free meal.
 
To the right of the stage, an aboriginal man plays a hand drum along with the congregation. After the song is finished, she says, “We’re all here for Jesus tonight.” The man abruptly stands, takes his drum and walks loudly down the creaking stairs, shouting profanities. His reaction does not surprise Barnetson — she knows that churches once played a central role in suppressing and attacking aboriginal culture in Canada — nor is she concerned.