The Ojibwe phrase, “Bangii kidowinan nakaazan niibina wii-ikidyin” means to say a lot with a few words. A word that accurately describes us as Indigenous peoples in the United States is “resilient.” Tribal peoples in the United States have had to endure great hardship that has left us with deep trauma, like the wounded man in the Good Samaritan story. Physical wounds often heal and sometimes heal quickly; soul wounds not so much. 

Open the door on America’s history, and you will find the roots of this trauma among us as tribal peoples. Words and phrases that describe how we, as Indigenous peoples, have been treated include “genocide,” “forced land removal,” “forced assimilation” and “broken treaties/promises.” Terrible atrocities have been committed by people claiming the name of Christ. While some followers of Jesus understand this, many more turn a blind eye to gross injustices and indignities. Even those who mean well often approach Indigenous people with superiority and cultural insensitivity. These realities are continuing struggles facing us as tribal peoples. 

Yet let us also focus on how God can open new doors that no one can shut in the present and the future (Revelation 3:7). These divinely opened doors provide opportunities for service and blessings if we step through them. One of the opportunities is for the larger evangelical church to learn about and grow from our strength as tribal people.

For example, Indigenous cultures have a high regard for wisdom. Remember that Solomon asked God for wisdom to lead, and this request pleased God so much that he not only granted Solomon wisdom but also gave Solomon much more. Other contributions that Indigenous peoples offer to the larger evangelical church include a high regard for community and caring for God’s creation — ruling over it while also being good stewards. Tribal followers of Jesus can also help the American church live into the much larger complicated reconciliation puzzle that God is arduously piecing together in our country. 

Billy Graham once told a gathering of Indigenous Christians that they have a role in winning not just Indigenous Americans but all of America to Christ. So I invite you to listen to Indigenous Christian voices and unite as evangelical Christians in building a society marked by righteousness and justice, remembering that God’s throne rests on both (Psalm 89:14).

Listen as Mariah Humphries shares about Native Christianity Arrow

 

Ryan O’Leary

Ryan O’Leary is president of the National Association of Native Evangelicals and a leader in Indigenous Christian ministry across North America. An enrolled member of the Bois Forte Band of Ojibwe in northern Minnesota, O’Leary has served Indigenous communities for more than two decades through pastoral ministry, tribal leadership, higher education and nonprofit ministry. He also leads the First Peoples Initiative for Converge and serves on the NAE board. Before entering full-time ministry leadership, O’Leary served in tribal government, economic development and higher education. He studied at the University of Denver and has completed advanced graduate and doctoral studies.