Native American advocacy: Faith reflection

The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it,
the world, and those who live in it. -Psalm 24:1

Native Americans have traditionally believed that the earth belongs to the Creator and that they have been placed by the Creator on the land. This differs from the Western notion of private land ownership, but it does not contrast with Biblical notions of being placed on land for the purpose of stewardship. Christians have often acknowledged that everything they have belongs to God, even if they haven’t always acted upon this sentiment.

While Mennonites were not on the front lines during battles for land between U.S. militias and Native Americans, they often were quick to benefit by buying stolen land at outrageously inexpensive prices.

Today, non-Native Mennonites, whether they reside in urban, suburban or rural areas, live on land that was unfairly taken from the indigenous peoples who once lived there. While it is too late to change a long history of oppression, it is critical that U.S. residents stop contributing to current injustices and begin to work towards reconciliation with their Native brothers and sisters. Reconciliation is impossible without justice, however, and we must find ways to actively and positively promote justice for Native Peoples.

How can Christians respond?

1. Learn about the Native Peoples who once lived on the land where you now reside.
2. Acknowledge the sins against Native Americans that were inflicted by U.S. policymakers, militias and settlers.
3. Pray for justice for our Native sisters and brothers, that their lands and rights be respected and promises made to them kept.
4. Advocate for Native Americans by learning and sharing the history of Native people with national and stat.e legislators and local officials and asking for concrete action to deal with injustice.