The ELCA is encouraging congregations and individuals to learn more about the issue of Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women (MMIW). Visit ELCA.org/MMIW for a full list of resources to educate yourself and your community and plan a recognition of May 5, MMIW day.
Read MoreDiscover how to create and live out a meaningful land acknowledgement in your congregation with Wartburg College's Land Acknowledgement Workshop on April 22. Gain insights, resources, and inspiration to honor the history and people of the land. View this PDF for more info and use this link to connect via Zoom.
Read MoreThe Native American Urban Ministry (NAUM) has been awarded a $10,000 grant from the Cook Native American Ministries Foundation for 2024. This grant will support the expansion of NAUM's "Living Our Values Everyday" (LOVE) Project, aimed at fostering personal development, leadership skills, and community service among Native American youth, adults, and elders in Phoenix.
Read MoreThis Lenten season, the ELCA is encouraging congregations and individuals to learn more about the issue of Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women (MMIW). Visit ELCA.org/MMIW for a full list of resources to educate yourself and your community and plan a recognition of May 5, MMIW day.
Read MoreCenturies after colonial models of education were first forced on Indigenous people in North America, their effects are still keenly felt. Western theological education has remained the default methodology within the church, including the ELCA. This fall, Native leaders from across the ELCA, in partnership with leaders from Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary (PLTS) of California Lutheran University in Berkeley, are seeking to change that with the launch of the Theological Education for Indigenous Leaders (TEIL) program. Read more at Living Lutheran.
Read MoreThe ELCA is dedicated to honoring Mother Earth and Indigenous peoples through land acknowledgments and supporting the land back movement. A new class led by Vance Blackfox delves into the history, purpose, and implementation of land acknowledgments, as well as exploring the land back movement and reparations as part of its commitment to restorative justice practices.
Read MoreOn November 13-15, 2023, the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago (LSTC) hosts its annual Vine Deloria Jr. Theological Symposium, a virtual event dedicated to the vital discourse on tribal sovereignty. Named in honor of Vine Deloria Jr., a pivotal figure in the American Indian Movement, the symposium is a testament to his enduring legacy in the fight for Indigenous rights. Read more at ELCA.org.
Read MoreIn the United States, November is Native American Heritage Month. Racial Justice Ministries would like to elevate the voices and work of our Indigenous siblings by bringing attention to the multitude of events by the ELCA’s Indigenous Ministries and Tribal Relations. A full list of offerings for this month can be found here, but there are two events that ELCA Racial Justice Ministries would especially like to highlight: the Vine Deloria Jr. Theological Symposium on 11/13/2023 and the 11/23/2023 Day of Mourning. Read more here.
Read MoreWe share a panel discussion on the ELCA's Truth Seeking and Truth Telling Initiative, led by Vance Blackfox, with Jessica Crist, Susan Green, and Caleb Rollins.
Read MoreIn this video, Bishop Eaton addresses Indigenous Peoples' Day, October 9, 2023.
Read MoreSaturday, September 30, 2023, is the National Day of Remembrance for Indian Boarding Schools. In her video, Bishop Eaton reminds us that this church is committed to understanding our role in the tragic and sinful history of Indian boarding schools so that we can begin to heal together. Visit ELCA.org/IndianBoardingSchools to learn more.
You can participate by wearing an orange shirt and posting a photo of yourself, members of your congregation or community on social media. #ELCA #TruthAndHealing #DayOfRemembrance.
Read MoreReflecting on the devastating impact of U.S. Indian Boarding Schools, the ELCA invites you to join a journey toward collective truth and healing. On September 30, 2023, participate in the National Day of Remembrance by wearing an orange shirt and sharing your support on social media.
Read MoreExplore the profound history and ongoing implications of U.S. Indian Boarding Schools with ELCA’s Truth and Healing Movement. Attend two crucial online classes: “Introduction to the Truth and Healing Movement” (9/26/2023) and “Indian 101” (9/28/2023); wear or purchase an orange shirt for the 9/30/2023 National Day of Remembrance for Indian Boarding Schools, and watch a conversation between Vance Blackfox and survivor George McCauley to understand the lived experiences of boarding school survivors, as well as this conversation with descendants of Indian Boarding School survivors. Join us in paving the way for understanding, reconciliation, and collective healing.
Read MoreThe Navajo Evangelical Lutheran Mission's House of Prayer celebrates 70 years with the historic installation of its first Navajo-speaking leaders, Patricia Charley and Patterson Yazzie, marking a significant milestone in their ministry.
Read MoreDelve deep into the Church's essence with Vance Blackfox on Founders' Day at PLTS. Attend in-person or online for enlightening lectures and heartfelt worship on September 20th.
Read MoreThe Truth and Healing Movement is a time for all of us to begin our work to better understand the colonizing impacts on Indigenous people since the European arrival on Turtle Island. In this video, Bishop Eaton invites us to seek to be in better, right and healthy relationships with our Indigenous siblings. Begin by visiting elca.org/indigenous.
Read MoreThe general population knows very little about the Indigenous peoples of Turtle Island. Even the most basic topics are often grand mysteries. “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 in this workshop, presented by Vance Blackfox on Wednesday, 7/26/2023, 5-7pm PDT/MST, 6-8pm MDT. Just click "join the class" to attend.
Read MoreThis workshop, presented by Vance Blackfox on Monday, 7/24/2023, 5-6pm PDT/MST, 6-7pm MDT, 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. No pre-registration is required to participate. Just click "join the class" to attend.
Read MoreWatch the National Indian Lutheran Board’s Panel Discussion, from June 21, 2023
“Read the Truth in July” – consider reading a book written by a Native author and hosting a book discussion. Get some suggestions at Native Reads.
July 16 2023: "Indian 101" class. Led by Vance Blackfox .
July 24 2023: “Introduction to the Truth & Healing Movement". Led by Vance Blackfox.
Descriptions and links for the Truth & Healing Movement are posted on the ELCA's website.
Read MoreWatch this documentary, produced in 2008 and remastered in HD in May 2023, from the National Council of Churches and the IBC.
“It was a turbulent time. Amid social unrest, American Indian activists and organizers struggled for sovereignty, justice, and civil rights. Standing together, Native nations and the National Indian Lutheran Board emerged to speak out with a unified voice.”
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