Over the next months this page will provide opportunities to learn the true history and current realities of Indigenous people. It is these truths, truths that have been ignored by most for hundreds of years, that will bring healing for both Indigenous people and non-Indigenous people.
Some of these opportunities will be calls to individual action, and some will be activities that congregations and small groups should coordinate and participate in together. All these opportunities can be easily promoted by sharing links on social media or other communication platforms.
Here are some initial activities that you can share with your circles and networks. Watch this page as well as Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for additional opportunities to engage.
May is Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women Awareness Month.
All congregations are encouraged to choose any Sunday in May to share the truths about the ongoing crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women using the resources provided here. In addition, worship resources will be available for use in services on each congregation’s #MMIW Sunday. We know it will be the first time many congregation members have heard about this crisis, and we hope these resources continue to inspire conversation and learning in ministries and communities across our church.
ELCA #MMIW Sunday is also a day to encourage members and guests of your congregation to wear red to bring greater awareness to MMIW. Remember to post a photo on your post social media channels using the hashtags #MMIW and #ELCA.
Read the Truth in June
Throughout the summer months, congregations, ministries, synods, and organizations are encouraged to choose a book to read together. A book written by a Native author should be selected, and time near the end of the month scheduled for the readers in your congregations, ministries, synods, and organizations to gather and discuss the book together.
The bookshop Native Reads, which is also listed on the resource page, lists only books by Native authors for your convenience.
Let us know what book your congregation and organization read together, posting a photo of your group on your social media pages with hashtags #ELCA and #TruthAndHealing.
The general population knows very little about the Indigenous peoples of Turtle Island. Even the most basic topics are often grand mysteries. This is by design; for centuries the colonial project has prioritized the complete erasure of Native people. “Indian 101” explains some of these basics to build a foundation for students to stand in solidarity with Indian people across the United States as we work together to dismantle longstanding systems of oppression.
No pre-registration is required to participate. Just click "join the class" to attend.
Class: “Indian 101”
10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Central time
Presented by Vance Blackfox
You are invited to join the screening of “Native Nations: Standing Together for Civil Rights,” a one-hour documentary exploring the role of the Lutheran church in the American Indian civil rights movement of the 1970s and 1980s. In the documentary you will learn how Lutherans were first convinced by the American Indian Movement to respond, how Lutherans responded by standing in solidarity with the Movement and Indigenous people in the United States, and about the creation and work of the National Indian Lutheran Board.
A panel discussion about the National Indian Lutheran Board will be hosted on June 21.
Film Screening: “Native Nations”
7 - 8 p.m. Central time
JOIN THE SCREENING - link coming soon
There was a time in relatively recent history in our church when Lutherans were committed to leading and being in solidarity with Native people in the United States. One of the ways in which this was accomplished was by the formation of the pan-Lutheran organization known as the National Indian Lutheran Board.
A panel discussion about the National Indian Lutheran Board will be hosted on June 21.
No pre-registration is required to participate. Just click "join the class" to attend.
Panel Presentation: National Indian Lutheran Board
7 - 8 p.m. Central time
JOIN THE CLASS - link coming soon
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America has commenced its Truth and Healing Movement, inspiring us to grow in better and right relationships with Indigenous people and tribal nations on Turtle Island. This workshop will explore the truths we seek to learn and the healing we hope to experience, as well as how the movement began, among Indigenous people and within the ELCA. It will also explain the work the ELCA has done recently and how you can participate in this justice movement.
No pre-registration is required to participate. Just click "join the class" to attend.
Class: “Introduction to the Truth and Healing Movement”
10 - 11 a.m. Central time
Presented by Vance Blackfox
JOIN THE CLASS - link coming soon
Read the Truth in July
Throughout the summer months, congregations, ministries, synods, and organizations are encouraged to choose a book to read together. A book written by a Native author should be selected, and time near the end of the month scheduled for the readers in your congregations, ministries, synods, and organizations to gather and discuss the book together.
The bookshop Native Reads, which is also listed on the resource page, lists only books by Native authors for your convenience.
Let us know what book your congregation and organization read together, posting a photo of your group on your social media pages with hashtags #ELCA and #TruthAndHealing.
Read the Truth in August
Throughout the summer months, congregations, ministries, synods, and organizations are encouraged to choose a book to read together. A book written by a Native author should be selected, and time near the end of the month scheduled for the readers in your congregations, ministries, synods, and organizations to gather and discuss the book together.
The bookshop Native Reads, which is also listed on the resource page, lists only books by Native authors for your convenience.
Let us know what book your congregation and organization read together, posting a photo of your group on your social media pages with hashtags #ELCA and #TruthAndHealing.
We are the church that shares a living, daring confidence in God's grace. Liberated by our faith, we embrace you as a whole person--questions, complexities and all. Join us as we do God's work in Christ's name for the life of the world.
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