The Expressed Native American Concerns

THE EXPRESSED NATIVE AMERICAN CONCERNS

While many expressed regret that so few Bishops were present, considering the fact that all those with Indian populations in their dioceses had been invited, all expressed gratitude and appreciation for those who were present: Bishop William G. Connare, Bishop Harold J. Dimmerling, Bishop Paul V. Dudley, Bishop Thomas J. Murphy.
The Indian people invite, need and will welcome their Bishops to be present and to share in their lives, celebrations and activities, and most especially they need you to be their shepherd.
Many felt that a number of the priests are not available for wakes, funerals and important Indian gatherings, both urban and reservation. They would appreciate your support and encouragement of Native American missionary personnel.

After many centuries the greatest need still exists: a native clergy. The people are concerned that priests, deacons, deaconesses, brothers, lay men and women come into fuller prominence among their own people. They feel that the Bishops must consider:

1. New ways of training Missionaries that are more appropriate for Indian people.
2. Not allowing priests to come to the Indians who do not really want to serve the Indian people--the vow of obedience seems to work against the Indian people.
3. Encouraging Sisters' Communities to send native Sisters back to their own people.
4. That strong ministers (not the weakest or those with problems) are needed among the Indians.
5. Stronger roles for Indian women.
6. The possibility of a new religious order for Indian women.
7. The possibility of married clergy if there are to be enough priests among the Indians.
8. Less pushy or ambitious ways in working with Indians; allow them to grow at their own pace.

OTHER GENERAL AREAS NEEDING ATTENTION:

The people also felt that evangelization is mutual--not only does the Church give to Indian people, but Indians have much to give to the Church. Indian views and wisdom should be solicited.

Much healing is needed among the Indian people. Indians must open their hearts and not allow prejudice and bitterness to stop them from responding to the Holy Spirit.

Urban Indians often feel lost with no Church that especially includes Indians. Coming together with other Indians is very important in the city.

Meetings like the Tekakwitha Conference reveal a great strength and unity among the people. They want to foster this.

Indians tend to dwell on the past. Together we want to go forward.

Special problems or concerns: alcohol, family, youth, the canonization of Kateri Tekakwitha, dealing with red tape within the Church.

The people want to support each other, and these meetings promote inter-tribal communication.

1979 Tekakwitha Conference, Yankton, SD (Circle of 66)