Native Peoples

Nic Hamilton, a Cheyenne and Arapaho, performs an original song during a presentation for a group of United Methodist visitors at Sovereign Community School in Oklahoma City. The group of about 40 people were participating in an immersion into Native American culture and ministries sponsored by The United Methodist Church’s Oklahoma Indian Missionary Conference. Photo by Tim Tanton, UM News.

Programs support, develop Native American youth

An Oklahoma church and a public charter school are focused on teaching Native youth about their culture and equipping them to thrive.

Multicultural Ministry

Josephine Deere serves communion to participants in an immersion experience held by The United Methodist Church’s Oklahoma Indian Missionary Conference. A group of 40 people spent several days learning about Native American history and culture, as well as challenges facing indigenous communities. Photo by Tim Tanton, UM News.

Group gets immersion in Native history, concerns

Invisibility is a problem for indigenous communities today, and United Methodists from nine states resolved to help raise awareness and support Native American ministries.

Church History

Visitors browse a gallery of artifacts at the First Americans Museum in Oklahoma City. The museum held its grand opening on Sept. 18-19. It took decades to get funding and build the museum. Photo courtesy of First Americans Museum.

Native American museum makes belated debut

The First Americans Museum is open to the public after a protracted birthing process. United Methodist Native Americans involved with the new Oklahoma City museum say it is worth the wait.

Social Concerns

Tink Tinker (wazhazhe, Osage Nation) helps lead an "Act of Repentance toward Healing Relationships with Indigenous Peoples" at the 2012 United Methodist General Conference in Tampa, Fla. Tinker is professor emeritus at The Iliff School of Theology. File photo by Mike DuBose, UM News.

Facing up to a grotesque book at Iliff

A book with a cover made from the skin of a slain Native American has haunted United Methodist Iliff School of Theology for decades, but its president wants it used as a teachable moment instead of buried in a library vault.

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