On June 21, 2000, the St. Paul Area Council of Churches and the Division of Indian Work organized a Peace Pole Ceremony dedicated to reconciliation with Minnesota's American Indians.
As field organizer for the Minnesota Indian Ecumenical Ministry, a statewide project of the Minnesota Council of Churches, I was invited to participate in the event.
Two years have passed since that gathering, yet I am continually compelled to share the message and vision that emerged from the expressions of grace and humility on that day.
That gathering was just the start. Generations of injustice cannot be undone in a day.
The ceremony gave me hope. Still, much pain and suffering continues among American Indians, so my remarks then are still relevant today:
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"These past months I have enjoyed and have been privileged to meet and work with many Native Americans and non-native leaders in ministry. I continue to learn from each individual that I have the opportunity to meet. Through 'Prayer Talking Circles,' I am just beginning to uncover the many concerns and issues, that continue hamper the health and balance of the many Native Americans in this state.
"Whether talking with our youth, listening to my elders, or in conversation with clergy and community leaders, I am often overwhelmed with the familiar feeling of hopelessness and helplessness, as I'm told about another family that has been literally -- torn apart. Torn apart because the power of poverty, the power of drugs, alcohol, and/or physical abuse has finally whittled away any last hope. Leaving the often single parent bewildered and alone. A person who is often seen by the outside world as being cold and uncaring. The children are left to pay the price.
"I have seen many Native American men and women defeated. Wandering hopelessly and aimlessly down the street. Men and women who should be in the prime of their lives, wandering and waiting. They carry nothing -- except shame, guilt and the heavy burden of a life filled with put downs and let downs. They wander their lives away, until they quietly lay down and die -- broken and under a bridge. They think no one is watching. ...
"Often Native Americans struggle fit in to society, we often walk in two worlds. As Native Americans with a rich spiritual culture, with oral traditions; as Native Americans who struggle to survive and coexist in the mainstream society, only to become a part of an invisible population -- where everything must be documented. ...
"I cannot claim to speak for all Native Americans, but as one individual, who has struggled, and by the grace of God, is learning to walk, in two worlds, respectfully. There are many success stories as well, that are often overlooked. Those who have overcome the obstacles and found a balance in there lives. Much like majestic buffalo, which was nearly extinct, we too are a strong and majestic people -- we too, are survivors. I continue to pray for a memorial, dedicated to our grandmothers and grandfathers, and all those who have passed on, struggling to find peace of mind..."
As a community, we can choose to persevere against racism and begin a new journey towards healing, opening the door to American Indians into the larger community with full acceptance and recognition for the strengths and blessings we have to offer.
Sandi Berlin writes about multi-cultural issues for The Forum. Direct e-mail to her at sandra.berlin@mnchurches.org
