Honoring Native American Heritage Month: A Call to Listen, Learn, and Build Relationships

November is Native American Heritage Month, a time to reflect on the rich gifts and stories of the Indigenous peoples who have shaped the land on which we live, work, and gather for worship. Many of us may not know that our church buildings stand on land that once was inhabited by diverse tribal nations, each with a particular language, culture, and traditional practices. This month offers the church an opportunity to listen, learn, and humbly build relationships grounded in mutual respect, allyship, and support.

The Indigenous communities in our midst possess unique gifts: rich cultural traditions, deep spiritual wisdom, and long-standing practices of stewardship and care for the community. Beyond that, Indigenous peoples further offer gifts through film, art, music, writing, fashion, education, and so much more. By recognizing these gifts and the continued ways they are shared for all of us, we honor their history and open the door to shared futures of justice and healing.

As followers of Christ, we are called to live out our baptismal vows by resisting injustice and oppression in all forms. One step toward this calling is listening to and learning from the stories of Indigenous peoples who have been systematically silenced and marginalized throughout history. We can begin the journey toward healing and partnership by building genuine relationships that start with listening.

Here are three action steps anyone can take during Native American Heritage Month—and beyond—to honor Indigenous peoples and foster deeper relationships:

1. Learn the history of the land your church occupies and acknowledge it regularly.

Take time to research which Indigenous peoples originally stewarded the land where your congregation is located. Many resources are available online, such as Native Land Digital (native-land.ca), to help you discover the Indigenous history in your area. Acknowledge this history during your worship services, church communications, and educational events. This simple practice of acknowledgment creates space for awareness and respect. This first step is just the beginning. To go further, research the land back movements occurring across the country and even through the United Methodist Church.

2. Support Native artists and storytellers; host a community event; amplify Native-owned businesses.

3. Support Indigenous-led initiatives and partner with Native organizations.

There are many Indigenous-led initiatives focused on uplifting peoples and working for justice, equity, and access to the things of life. Look for ways your congregation can support these efforts—whether through financial contributions, volunteering, or building partnerships based on mutual respect. By standing in solidarity with Native communities, we live out our call to seek justice and offer support. To go a step further, research “Missing Murdered Indigenous Women and Children” and the work that is being done to raise awareness of the disproportional rate at which this violence occurs.

This month is an invitation to learn, listen, and seek ways to honor the gifts of Indigenous peoples. When we do, we are not just celebrating history but building the foundation for just and flourishing communities in the spirit of Christ’s love. These steps are simple yet significant ways to begin walking in humility and building relationships with Indigenous peoples. As we move forward, may we embrace our role as learners, allies, and supporters, fostering relationships that bring about healing and transformation for the world.

Resources to dig deeper:

1. Book: An Indigenous Peoples' History of the United States by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz. This powerful book provides a comprehensive look at U.S. history from the perspective of Indigenous peoples, challenging traditional narratives and highlighting the resilience and contributions of Native communities. It's an essential read for anyone wanting to understand the long-standing impact of colonization and the strength of Native resistance and survival.
2. Podcast: All My Relations. This podcast, hosted by Matika Wilbur (Swinomish and Tulalip) and Adrienne Keene (Cherokee Nation), explores relationships between Native peoples, their communities, and the world. Each episode dives into conversations around identity, culture, history, and present-day issues faced by Native peoples, providing insight into how Indigenous peoples navigate life today while honoring their traditions.
   
3. Documentary: Rumble: The Indians Who Rocked the World. This documentary shines a light on the often-overlooked influence of Native Americans in popular music, from rock and blues to jazz and folk. It's an eye-opening film that showcases the contributions of Indigenous musicians and how they have shaped modern music, while also addressing cultural appropriation and historical erasure.
   
4. Discussion Guide for the movie Killers of the Flower Moon. This study guide from the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) Truth and Healing Movement helps people think more deeply and critically about the film, the real history, and how the effects carry forward to this day. It is important to remember that this history doesn’t define the totality of the Osage Nation; it is part of a larger, expansive history in which the nation continues to persevere as a sovereign nation.