First Nations People

Today there are millions of Natives (some prefer to be called Indians, from the Latin in dios meaning “in God”) residing in the United States and Canada. While the great majority of them are assimilated in varying degrees, there is still a vast cultural difference between most of them and the rest of the dominant North American society. Right within our own borders are nations of people that have so much to offer, because they are so different than us, and yet instead of benefiting one another, we have a long history of tension, greed, and distrust with each other.

The history of modern reservation life is characterized by oppression and poverty. The lives of reservation Indians is bitter and unfulfilled and invisible iron curtains surround reservations isolating Native believers and churches. The government has failed in its attempts to solve the Indian problem. Tribal governments are ineffective and waver under greed and corruption. Churches and preachers experience isolation, division, prejudice and poverty, and backsliding plagues believers. Christianity is stifled because of past failures, betrayals, and the misrepresentation of the Gospel. BUT GOD, who is rich in mercy, says, "Where sin abounds, grace does much more abound." This is our day to make a difference.

There is hope

I see the youth, the next generation, removed far enough away from past lies, pain and suffering, to grow and lead. I see an open door for Native people to have influence around the world, for example, in Europe and in other aboriginal nations. For example, a few people from our fellowship just returned from Ireland, where people want to hear their stories of faith. There are stories of Native Christian leaders reaching aboriginal nations in Brazil, even ones that are protected by the government from outside or “white” contact. Formally oppressed people are reaching out to oppressed peoples. 2 Cor 1:4 “He helps us in all our troubles, so that we are able to help others who have all kinds of troubles, using the same help that we ourselves have received from God.” (Today’s English Version)