American Indian and Alaska Native Peoples Discuss Concerns

HOUSTON (ELCA) -- "'Preparing the Way' was an event that brought together 62 American Indian and Alaska Native Lutherans from all over across the United States," said Marilyn Sorensen-Bush, director for Native American Ministries in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) Commission for Multicultural Ministries.
"Preparing the Way" was the theme that brought the group together for worship, Bible study, workshops, story telling and plenary sessions.
"This gathering of American Indian and Alaska Native people was the largest gathering of its kind since 1986. Story telling and sharing were important in building a community and visioning for the future," said Sorensen-Bush.
The group discussed revising its constitution and making changes to its bylaws. "'Preparing the Way,' will help us accomplish or begin many of these conversations in earnest, with representation from throughout Indian Country. It will ground us theologically and give us an opportunity for visiting and celebration of our survival for the past ten years" wrote Ramona Soto Rank, president of the Native American Lutheran Association, in her report to the gathering.
NALA represents both American Indian and Alaska Native peoples; a resolution is being sent to CMM's Spring steering committee to change the association's name to reflect both groups. The resolutions calls for a change of the association's name to the American Indian/Alaska Native Lutheran Association.
Plenary sessions addressed issues including synodical support for congregations on reservations, the need for increased financial support from the ELCA's Commission for Multicultural Ministries (CMM), the name change for the association, and how the association can be instrumental in meeting the needs of its young people.
A committee was named to revise the association's constitution. Kathleen Fleury, Browning, Mont., advisory council member and consultant to the Blackfeet Legal Department; Doug Miller, Gresham, Wis., council chair for Lutheran Church of the Wilderness; and Wendi Helgemo, Wahton, Minn., CMM Steering Committee member.
Workshop topics:
"Leadership and Candidacy," gave an overall view of leadership
opportunities available to American Indian and Alaska Native
people interested in serving with the ELCA as ordained or lay
persons. The Rev. Gregory Villalon, director for Multicultural
Leadership Development in the ELCA's Division for Ministry, led
the workshop.

"Keeping the Circle Strong Through Faith," led by Darla Theiel,
Spirit Lake Sioux Tribe, focused on helping young people maintain
a strong Christian faith in today's society. Theile taught youth,
drug and alcohol prevention. She is a Sunday school teacher and
member of Dacotah Oyate Lutheran Church, Tokio, N.D.

"Advocacy Made Simple" was led by Sharon Metz. The purpose of
this workshop was to make people who usually say "I can't make a
difference," change their attitudes and say "I didn't know how
simple it is to take action."

Participants donated household items, toiletries, clothing, quilts, non-prescription medications, toys and $200 to a "giveaway benefit" to the Oaks Indian Center, Oaks, Okla. Oaks Indian Center is a home for Indian children. The center provides children in need with emotional support, spiritual care and educational opportunities in a community setting.
"Preparing the Way" was funded in part by a grant from Aid Association for Lutherans, a benefits society based in Appleton, Wis.

For information contact:
Frank Imhoff, Assoc. Director 1-773-380-2955 or NEWS@ELCA.ORG