Led by a collaboration between the Conference Committees on Native American Ministries and Religion and Race, close to 30 United Methodists attended Schingoethe Center Museum at Aurora University on March 13 for a private viewing of the “Away from Home” exhibit. This exhibit, on loan from the Heard Museum in Phoenix, AZ, looks at off-reservation and reservation Indian boarding schools--some led by churches--that attempted to eradicate Native American culture from indigenous children, and how this affected Native Americans. Visitors viewed photographs, and artwork, read interviews, and engaged in immersive opportunities.

Joseph Standing Bear Schranz, an enrolled member of the White Earth Band of the Minnesota Ojibwe Nation, presented additional information. He is a member of NIC's Riverside UMC and the founder of Midwest SOARRING (Save Our Ancestor's Remains and Resources Indigenous Network Group) Foundation. It works toward repatriation, protecting sacred sites, educating the public, and promoting community-building among all people regarding indigenous lifeways.

Joseph Standing Bear Schranz (right), founder of Midwest SOARRING Foundation, addresses the group.

Standing Bear shared moving stories about his own journey and about the great harm done to Native Americans at boarding schools. He also shared stories of seeing and being subject to grave injustices to Native people. Standing Bear joined a UM congregation to ensure that the Native American experience was shared. “Everybody has the right to be who we are,” he said.

Rev. John Alan Boryk, a retired UM pastor, gave Standing Bear a 2020 U.S. one-dollar coin that features the indigenous American woman Sacagawea carrying her infant son, Jean Baptiste. Inscribed on the coin are the words “Liberty” and “In God We Trust.” The year, mint mark, and "E Pluribus Unum" are incused on the edge of the coin. The other side of the coin depicts Elizabeth Peratrovich and Alaska's Anti-Discrimination Law of 1945. 

“This coin will be a lasting tribute to Elizabeth Peratrovich and her relentless efforts to tear down the wall of discrimination against Alaskan Natives," Patrick. Hernandez, who had previously served as the U.S. Mint chief administrative officer, has said. "We will proudly produce this coin that honors her bravery and determination.”

On May 4, the UMC will observe Native American Ministries Sunday, which recognizes and honors the gifts and contributions made by Native Americans to society and church. The offering taken on this Special Sunday supports the development and strengthening of Native American ministries in every annual conference (50 percent); the remainder helps fund scholarships for Native Americans pursuing ordained or licensed ministry.

A knowledge gap exists in the UMC, its congregations, and other denominational entities about Native American life, cultures, languages, spirit, values, contemporary issues, and such.

If you would like a speaker to come to your church or obtain informational materials, contact Rev. Dr. Michelle Oberwise Lacock, chair of NIC’s Committee on Native American Ministries. Contribute through your church and note that the gift is for the Native American Ministries Sunday offering.