Indigenous Ministries and Tribal Relations Association

Association of American Indians and Alaska Natives of the ELCA

As an association of American Indians and Alaska Natives of the ELCA, created in the image of God and empowered by the Holy Spirit, we are called to serve and love our neighbor, and promote healing and wholeness within ourselves, the church, society and the Earth. We are proud to be Lutheran because we are a church that is deeply rooted in Scripture, tradition and the Lutheran Confessions, as well as in the vibrant communities and rich histories of our congregations. These roots are a source of nourishment that enable us to be a church that is both resilient and always being reformed.

The mission of the American Indian and Alaska Native Lutheran Association of the ELCA is to:

• Advocate for the rights of all indigenous people
• Provide cultural learning experiences for ourselves and others in appreciation and understanding of our heritage as Native people
• Serve in the church’s mission and ministry to and with Native people in faithfulness to the gospel
• Provide opportunities for fellowship
• Provide leadership training
• Work together with the whole body of the ELCA
• Work toward unity in the community of faith by pledging ourselves to promote the understanding that many traditional Native spiritual practices are inherently Christian and are accepted forms of worship

For further questions or information, please contact Pastor Joann Conroy by email.

Association Officers

President/Incorporator: Pastor Joann Conroy
Vice President: Pastor Manuel Retamoza
Secretary: Dr. Kelly Sherman-Conroy
Incorporator: Pastor Larry Thiele