Native American Ministries Newsletter

From our Elders

By the Rev. Lewis Powell

And I have other sheep, that are not of this fold; I must bring them also, and they will heed my voice. So there shall be one flock, one shepherd. (John 10:16)
It never ceases to amaze me how this passage from the Gospel of John has been used to foster an idea that there is only one path to having a relationship with the Creator. The concept that all people must think, worship, and honor the Creator in the same way has given rise to concepts that have been detrimental to the continual practices of traditions in indigenous communities, forced assimilation of cultures and the elimination of cultures. Two of those concepts are the Discovery Doctrine and Manifest Destiny. Winter Talk 2011 had, in part, as its theme: “Its’ Our Time…To teach and learn our own history.” Most of our history in this country does not reflect how these concepts have influences on our lives and cultures.

From our Young People

By Denyse Unique

My freedom is given to me under conditions of morality, virtue and law. My freedom was fought for by past warriors. My freedom has not always been free, and ancestors before me have fought their battle for our generation’s freedom, through prayer and war. The reservations land, traditions and culture are in memory of our nation’s foundation. Within United States soil and the so-called developed countries; freedom is staying out of prison walls and the prison of one’s mind where there’s a battle between self and a mirror. In other parts of the country there is a male dominancy, war over territory, abuse to the women, and a battle for girl rights.

Resolution A155 Update

Increasing clarity in Poverty Alleviation work has come through focusing on love with action.

Three Little Girls

This morning as I was hurriedly getting ready for church, out the window at the Rectory in Naytahwaush, I noticed three little girls, all in dresses, marching up the driveway of the church.

South Dakota “Great Faces, Great Places"

The slogan “Great Faces, Great Places” for South Dakota license plates is a true statement when you consider the many ethnic groups and the beautiful scenery found here.

25th Annual Honor Dance

Plan now to attend the 25th Annual Honor Dance celebrating the Feast Day of David Pendleton Oakerhater to be held beginning at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 10, 2011 in Watonga, Okla.

First Women, First Tuesday, Gather Around the Fire

Women, First Tuesday, Gather Around the Fire has been meeting for six years and is thriving.

John T. Williams (1960-2010)

On a sunny August 30, 2010, First Nation Ditidaht band member John T. Williams can be seen head down in a police dashboard video crossing a downtown Seattle street clutching something close.

Paiute Elder, Reynelda James, Ordained Deacon in Nevada

Reynelda James of Wadsworth, Nevada, is an institution in Native Ministries. At Winter Talk, Paths Crossing, Mountains and Deserts, or the Oklahoma Consultations, health and circumstances permitting, she has been there.

Art's Kids/Teens

The Arts Rec program is in its third year.

Fire, Flowers and Water - A Dimension of Liturgy and Worship From a Purepecha Community

It was quite a sight on the cold February, 2009, morning ...

News from the Anglican Church of Canada: Read more>>

From the Missioner

Greetings everyone and welcome to the Spring 2011 edition of Living Waters.

News from ITTI

Growing up, I would go with my father, the late Rev. Philip Allen, Margaret Hardy, and others from Good Shepherd Mission in Fort Defiance, Arizona, to remote places on the Navajo reservation. I remember playing outside with other children until it was time for the service to be held in a family’s home. I still can feel the warmth of the wood stoves and hearing people singing and talking in Navajo. I would watch my father celebrate Eucharist and pray for the families we came to visit.

Province VIII WinterTalk Report

The Gathering of Province VIII opened with speakers emphasizing the importance of holding a provincial Winter Talk.

Resolutions adopted at the Province VIII 2011 Winter Talk, Reno, Nevada

We, Thirty Eight (38) indigenous Native American and Hawaiians, who are members of the diocese of Province VIII of the Episcopal Church, met near the Paiute Reservation of Pyramid Lake, Nevada for the second annual regional Wintertalk, and have adopted the following resolutions ...

Adkins Speaks at Pamunkey School

Chickahominy elder Nellie Adkins speaks at the 100 plus year old Indian School House on the Pamunkey Reservation in King William, Virginia. Adkins, retired newscaster, has three master's degrees and conducts presentations on ethnobotany and other topics.