Oct. 12, 1792, was the first observance in the United States of America of what we now know as “Columbus Day.” The Columbian Order of New York, better known as Tammany Hall, held a commemoration of the 300th anniversary of his historic arrival in the “New World.”
The Thanksgiving narrative many Americans learned in school and celebrate each year is a destructive myth, said the Rev. Irv Porter in a webinar offered on Monday. Porter is the Associate for Native American Intercultural Congregational Support in the Presbyterian Mission Agency. The webinar was offered as a part of Native American Heritage Month, which occurs each November.
Racial Equity & Women’s Intercultural Ministries of the Presbyterian Mission Agency is now accepting grant applications for the Native American Leadership Development Fund Award.
It has been said that “justice delayed is justice denied.” However, after a great injustice against the Nez Perce Tribe, the Nimiipuu people recently celebrated the correction of a grave injustice.
The Rev. Irvin Porter, associate for Native American Intercultural Congregational Support in the office of Racial Equity & Women’s Intercultural Ministries, has offered up many presentations on the Doctrine of Discovery and the more than 500 years of history between Native American and white people in this country. Porter told Between Two Pulpits hosts Bryce Wiebe and Lauren Rogers Monday that only once has someone responded, “I didn’t do any of that, so why should I feel guilty?”
On Wednesday, employees of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) gathered for a special online worship service to celebrate Native Americans. Welcomed by the Rev. Irvin Porter, Associate for Native American Intercultural Congregational Support in the office of Racial Equity & Women’s Intercultural Ministries, worshipers participated in a service featuring a mix of English and Native languages.
COVID-19 has ravaged the Navajo Nation, killing Native Americans at a faster rate than any other community in the country. According to a report published earlier this year, Native Americans have been disproportionately affected by the coronavirus pandemic — especially on reservations, where access to basic resources, including food and water, can be limited.
Four out of five indigenous women experience violence in their lifetimes. Indigenous women face the highest rates of going missing or being murdered. In some areas, the rate is 10 times the national average.
On Thursday, Aug. 26, the Presbyterian Week of Action will focus on an ongoing crisis in Indigenous communities in the United States, Canada, and around the world with a day themed “No More Stolen Relatives: Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit People.”
Some committees of the Presbyterian Mission Agency Board (PMAB) made more news than others during their Wednesday meetings.
Here’s a roundup of some of the actions taken and input received from among the Board’s half-dozen committees.
