Processes for Truth and Reconciliation with Native Peoples

“… injustices? Native American organizations are asking the churches to join in truth, reconciliation, and healing processes now; how will we respond? ”

Team Members/Contributors

Paula R Palmer Boulder CO Friends Meeting Contact Me

About this pastoral study project

Native American individuals and communities continue to suffer historic and ongoing trauma, which is manifested in high rates of suicide, depression, violence, addiction, and disease. Christian churches bear some responsibility for this suffering and injustice, arising from the 15th-century Christian Doctrine of Discovery and continuing through the forced assimilation of Indian children in mission-run boarding schools. Now Native Americans are asking U.S. churches to engage in truth and reconciliation processes that can lead toward healing. Through bibliographic research and interviews with Native American peace-makers, I will bring together examples and models that can guide Christian churches as they attempt to “walk the walk,” building right relationship with Native peoples. Many denominations have now officially repudiated the Doctrine of Discovery, but repudiation is just the first step. What steps follow? How can churches, at local, regional, and national levels approach Native communities in appropriate ways, stepping out of our long-held habits of superiority and domination? How would Native peace-makers advise us? What can we learn from Native people about peace-making, and how can we enter into peace-making processes with them? I will create a website with examples, models, interviews, and resources (books, articles, websites, protocols, films) that will encourage, inform, and prepare churches to take steps toward healing the 500-year-old wounds of colonization.