Honoring our History, Moving forward in Faith.

1939-1946 1964 Advisory Group of priests to Bishop Aloysius Muench Tekakwitha Conference 25th Anniversary Fargo, ND

2014 2019 Tekakwitha Conference 75th Anniversary Tekakwitha Conference 80th Anniversary (Participants ready for Mass) (2020 Planning Committee)

Evangelization for 81 Years 1939-2020 Summer 2020 VOLUME 38 ISSUE 4

2 Summer 2020 TEKAKWITHA CONFERENCE NATIONAL CENTER From The Desk of The Executive Director

Where one alone may be overcome, two together can resist. Tekakwitha Conference A three-ply cord is not easily broken.” Board of Directors [Ecclesiastes 4:12] Vincent Kevin Jones From the publication of our last issue of the Cross & Feathers to Blackfoot Region 1 now, I do not think any of us could have anticipated the type of year we are currently experiencing. In the last issue of the Cross & Chair/President Feathers, we were all planning, registering, and making st arrangements for the 81 Annual Tekakwitha Conference originally scheduled for Lisa Franqui this July in Raleigh, NC. Navajo Region 2

Now it seems as though we are preparing for a ‘new normal’, a new way forward. Treasurer As some states (provinces) lift restrictions and our Kateri Circles begin to gather once again, we must not forget our brothers and sisters who are still unable to come Santa Clarke together. For most, the journey toward restoration has only just begun. Oglala Lakota Sioux Region 3

Taking care of one another is our way; it is how we honor our relatives. It is when Secretary we move beyond ourselves so as to preserve our communities that we pay homage to those who built them. Our faith teaches us as well that when we give of ourselves, Rosa Hernandez sacrificially, through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, that we sustain and strengthen Ysleta Del Sur Pueblo Region 4 the Church for its mission. Vice Chair/ Vice President For the first time in our 81-year history, circumstances beyond our control prevented us from coming together – our ‘family reunion’ was cancelled. And though our Charlene Patton mission constantly reminds us of our duty to evangelize, and to continually add new Blackfeet members to our growing family, this cancellation hits hardest those who helped Region 5 build this family.

Foregoing our summer conference, though a necessary decision, presents this Catherine Vasquez ministry – your ministry – with a brand new set of challenges. Looking ahead to the Tohono O'odham remainder of this year, much of the sustaining support which comes from the annual Region 6 conference is no longer within reach. This is why, now more than ever, we need your help. Pierre Solet Choctaw/Houma Despite not being able to gather in-person, it is vital that you, your Kateri Circles, Tekakwitha Conference your organizations, their members, and all those in your communities register or Financial Liaison Ex-Officio Member renew your annual membership. By recommitting yourself to our shared mission through membership, you commit yourself to the continuity of the Tekakwitha Reverend M. Henry Sands Ojibway// Conference. Potawatomi Director, Black and Indian Mission We stand in solidarity with one another, with those who have suffered illness, and Office with those who have endured economic hardships. Fully aware of the struggles we Ex-Officio Member all are facing, we too are asking for your continued support through your ongoing Reverend Carson membership, gift shop purchases, and your donations for the specific needs of this Louisiana Choctaw Asst Director, Subcommittee ministry. Let your gift be a prayer and know in faith that our Lord hears the prayers on Native American Affairs of His children. USCCB Secretariat of Cultural Diversity in the Tikahch (Thank You), Church Ex-Officio Member

Most Rev. Charles Chaput Prairie Band Potawatomi Robert Barbry II, Executive Director Episcopal Moderator Member of the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe Emeritus

2225 North Bolton Avenue Alexandria, LA 71303-4408 Phone: (318) 483-3908 Fax: (318) 483-3909 Toll Free: (844) 483-3900

VOLUME 38 NO 4 3 PRAYER INTENTIONS Prayer for Healing and Special Intentions Rest In Peace Bailey Sorrell: mental healing - WA Lila Lewis: City of Angels Kateri Circle - WA Andrew Hoos: Spouse of Helen Chavez-Hoos - NM LeRoy Shontz: brother-in-law of Gina Shontz - AL

Special Intentions May All Our Departed 2021 & 2022 Planning Committees Tekakwitha Conference Members For the homeless and unemployed Kateri Circle Members and Family Members For our members and their family Who Have Returned to the Creator, For those affected by Covid-19 Rest in Peace of Christ For our elders For healing in families

Saint Kateri Prayer Prayer for the of By: Harold Caldwell the Servants of God Prayer for the of Antonio Cuipa & Companions Nicholas O Kateri, Lily of the Mohawks, O God, Father of all nations, you have Your love for Jesus, so strong, so steadfast, Heavenly Father! Great Spirit! Behold us, summoned us to announce the freedom of who stand before you, singing our song of pray that we may become like you. your children. We thank you for calling your Your short and painful life thanksgiving for your beloved servant, Servants Antonio Cuipa and his companions Nicholas Black Elk. Faithfully he walked the showed us your strength and humility. to proclaim the Catholic faith during Sacred Red Road and generously witnessed Pray that we may become the birth of a new nation. the Good News of our Lord, Jesus Christ Forever humble like you. May their example of suffering and among Native American people. We humbly Like the bright and shining stars at night, forgiveness give us the courage to bear ask you, to hear the prayers we plead through we pray that your light witness to Christ in our own time. his . We ask Holy Mother Church may forever shine down upon us, We also pray that they be counted one to recognize his sanctity by acknowledging giving light, hope, peacefulness day among your . his presence among the company of saints and and serenity in our darkest moments. Through the intercession of your Servants, as one to imitate in his zeal for the Gospel. Fill our hearts, Saint Kateri Tekakwitha grant us the following grace which we ask Open our hearts to also recognize the Risen with your same love for Jesus from your loving kindness: Christ in other cultures and peoples, to the glory and honor through Christ Our Lord. and pray that we may have the strength (here make your request) Mitakuye Oyasin (All my relatives) and courage We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen. to become one like you in Heaven. Through Christ our Lord. Amen. With ecclesiastical approval: +Gregory L. Parkes, Bishop of Pensacola-Tallahassee (2012-2016)

Vision Statement The Tekakwitha Conference is the Voice, Presence and Identity of Indigenous Catholics of North America under the protection and inspiration of Saint Kateri Tekakwitha.

Our Mission Statement We, as members of the Tekakwitha Conference inspired by Saint Kateri Tekakwitha, a young Mohawk/Algonquin woman of the 17th century, renew our faith and reaffirm our baptismal call as followers of Jesus to proclaim the Good News. We pray with faith and hope for the continued intercession of Saint Kateri Tekakwitha in the lives of all Peoples.

We strive to: TABLE OF CONTENTS

† Reinforce Catholic identity Welcome, Letter, Board of Directors………………….... 1-2 † Affirm pride in our cultures and spiritual traditions Prayer Intentions & Vision Statement...……..………….. 3 † Promote healing through forgiveness and reconciliation Kateri Circles & Regional Groups..……....…………….. 4-5 † Advocate for peace and justice in our Donations……….……………………………………….. 6 Indigenous communities Past Conference..………………………………………... 7-14 † Build stronger catechesis that is meaningful to Our Members & 2020 Announcement…………………... 15 Indigenous Catholic People Workshop Presentations…………….…………………... 16 - 19 † Nurture the relationship between Indigenous people and the Sponsorship & Kateri Circle Renewals.………….……. 20 Individual & Group Membership Forms………………... 21 † Empower Catholic Indigenous People as leaders within our Gift Shop Items…………………………………………. 22-23 communities and Church Upcoming Conferences & Info….……………….……… 24

4 Summer 2020 OUR SIX REGIONS

DC

Saint Kateri Tekakwitha Regional Groups

Region 1 Region 2 Region 3 Region 4 Region 5 Region 6 Connecticut Iowa Kansas Alabama Alaska Arizona Delaware Illinois Minnesota California Colorado District of Columbia Indiana Montana Louisiana Hawaii New Mexico Florida Kentucky Nebraska Mississippi Idaho Utah Georgia Maine North Dakota Oklahoma Nevada Mexico Maryland Missouri South Dakota Tennessee Oregon Massachusetts Ohio Wyoming Texas Washington New Hampshire Wisconsin Alberta British Columbia New Jersey Manitoba Yukon Saskatchewan Northwest North Carolina Territories Pennsylvania Inuvik Rhode Island South Carolina Vermont Virginia West Virginia Canadian Maritime Provinces Please note the region you are located in. Ontario Regions are used for nominating and voting for Outside North America Board of directors’ elections and for Saint Kateri Tekakwitha Regional Groups.

VOLUME 38 NO 4 5 OUR 2019 GROUP MEMBERS Region 1 Region 6 Journey of Peace Arlington VA Chooshgai Kateri Circle Tohatchi NM Journey with the Bear Bear DE Isleta Kateri Circle Albuquerque NM St. ’s French Street Kateri Wilmington DE Circle Ohkay Owingeh Kateri Circle Ohkay Owingeh NM

St. Kateri Tekakwitha Committee of Rio Rancho Kateri Circle Rio Rancho NM Syracuse NY St. Lucy’s St. John Komatke Kateri Circle Laveen AZ Region 2 St. Jude Tuba City Kateri Circle Tuba City AZ Saint Kateri Catholic Community Lakewood CO St. Francis Solanus Tekakwitha Circle Stone Lake WI Kateri Circle

Windy City St. Kateri Cir- Chicago IL St. Mary Kateri Family Youth Circle Tohatchi NM cle Region 3 St. Michaels Kateri Circle St. Michaels AZ Sandia Pueblo Kateri Circle Bernalillo NM Marty Kateri Circle Marty SD Tohono O’Odham Kateri Tekakwitha Sells AZ St. Labre Kateri Circle Ashland MN Circle St. Lawrence Kateri Circle Duluth NM Tse Ho Tso Kateri Circle Fort Defiance AZ Saints Joseph & Mary Kateri Circle Deer River MN Wanah’cha Ska Win Kateri Circle Pine Ridge SD Arch/Diocese Region 4 Archdiocese of St. Paul/Minneapolis Minneapolis MN Diocese of Birmingham Birmingham AL Campti Kateri Circle Campti LA Diocese of Raleigh Raleigh NC Heart of St. Kateri Circle Alexandria LA Kateri Circle of the River Memphis TN Diocese of St. Petersburg St. Petersburg FL Saint Kateri Circle of Dulac La Houma LA Diocese of Syracuse Syracuse NY Yselta del Sur Pueblo Kateri Circle El Paso TX Organizations Region 5 Central Louisiana Archeology Pineville LA Chapter Aurora Lights Kateri Circle Anchorage AK City of Angels Kateri Circle Azusa CA Marquette University Milwaukee WI City of Roses Kateri Circle Portland OR Midwest Jesuits Chicago IL St. Joseph’s Mission Church Kateri Sisters of the Divine Savior Sisseton SD San Jacinto CA Circle University of California, Berkeley Berkeley CA St. Lawrence Martyr Kateri Circle Redondo Beach CA Notre Dame IN Tacoma Kateri Circle Tacoma WA Wisconsin Historical Society Madison WI REMINDER: RENEW YOU GROUP MEMBERSHIPS January 1 - December 31, 2020 Kateri Circles, Arch/Dioceses, Groups, and Organizations, see page 21 or For Kateri Circle information go to tekconf.org/kateri-circles

Renew online at tekconf.org/membership

6 Summer 2020

DONATIONS

Friends of Saint Kateri Tekakwitha Fund donations to date have been invested as a Special Restricted Account. This Special Fund began at the 2003 Annual Tekakwitha Conference. Our goal is to build the principal to insure the on-going operation of this National/International organization, the Tekakwitha Conference.

Last Reported Total (February 15, 2020)….…….... $ 277,841.09 Donations with 2020 Registrations………………… $ 360.00 Donations without 2020 Registrations……………. $ 135.00 Grand Total (as of June 25, 2020)…...………...…… $ 278,336.09

Through the intercession of Saint Kateri Tekakwitha we pray for all of our generous benefactors of the Friends of Kateri Tekakwitha Fund.

To all of you, we express our gratitude!

DISCLAIMER: The totals reported reflect the cumulative donations to date, and do not necessarily reflect fluctuations in market value.

Will YOU make a difference in 2020? Join us in the mission of Evangelization with the Tekakwitha Conference. Contributions can be made to: The Friends of St. Kateri Tekakwitha Restricted Fund I, the undersigned, make this donation/pledge to the Friends of St. Kateri Tekakwitha Fund. ______One Time ______Monthly ______Annually Name______Mailing Address______City______State/Providence______Zip/Postal Code______Country______Home Phone______Cell Phone______E-mail______$5 ______$10 ______$20 ______$50 ______$100 Your Choice______Please return this form and make U.S. Check or U.S. Money Order Payable to: FRIENDS OF ST. KATERI TEKAKWITHA FUND c/o TEKAKWITHA CONFERENCE 2225 North Bolton Avenue Alexandria, LA 71303-4408 The Tekakwitha Conference is a 501 (c) 3 Religious Non-Profit Organization. Our EIN number will be provided for tax purposes upon receipt of your donation. Donations can also be made on our website at http://tekconf.org/donate

Cross and Feathers Vol. 38 No. 4 This Newsletter is published 4 times annually: November-December / January-February / March-April / May-June-July Articles/photos for publication must be received the first week of the month prior to publication. Please send via e-mail or mail to: Tekakwitha Conference 2225 North Bolton Ave., Alexandria, LA 71303-4808 Next Issue: Volume 39 No. 1 November-December 2020 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.tekconf.org Facebook: facebook.com/tekconf Twitter: @tekakwithaconf

VOLUME 38 NO 4 7 PAST CONFERENCES

August 1964 1980 Richard King Tekakwitha Conference 25th Anniversary, Tekakwitha Conference St. Joseph’s Indian School, Chamberlain, SD, Tucson, AZ Native priest – Rev. Joseph Brown (Blackfeet), Basket dance (Tohono O’odham) S.J., third row from front, far left

1986 1987 1987 Italy Tekakwitha Conference Tekakwitha Conference Sister Kateri Mitchell, S.S.A. John Paul II privately Henry George kisses the ring worn by greeted and shook hands with Pope John Paul II, Sister Kateri Mitchell S.S.A Rev. Gil Hemauer, O.F.M.Cap. looks on

1987 1987 1987 Tekakwitha Conference Tekakwitha Conference Tekakwitha Conference Pope John Paul II greets two With an eagle feather, Emmett White blesses Pope John Paul II at his Oklahoma fancy dancers Pope John Paul II at his chair chair holding the eagle feather

8 Summer 2020 PAST CONFERENCES

1987 1987 1987 Tekakwitha Conference Tekakwitha Conference Tekakwitha Conference Rev. Donald E. Pelotte unveils the Native Americans in regalia perform a Native Americans in regalia statue of St. Kateri Tekakwitha while round dance around the altar while Pope signing the Lord’s Prayer Pope John Paul II watches John Paul II watches at the altar

1987 1989 1989 Tekakwitha Conference Tekakwitha Conference Tekakwitha Conference Pope John Paul II reads from Fargo, ND Fargo, North Dakota the Lectionary held by Fr. Gil Hemauer, O.F.M.Cap. Fred Buckles Rev. Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M.Cap. receiving gifts

1990 1990 1991 Tekakwitha Conference Tekakwitha Conference Tekakwitha Conference Tucson, AZ Tucson, AZ Norman, OK Youth procession with smudging Archbishop Charles J. Chaput Sacred pipe ceremony in Mass and reliquary (Kateri’s first-class relic) (Potawatomi), O.F.M. Cap. By Burton Pretty on Top (Crow),

VOLUME 38 NO 4 9 PAST CONFERENCES

2011 2011 2011 Tekakwitha Conference Tekakwitha Conference Tekakwitha Conference Tucson, AZ Tucson, AZ Tucson, AZ Wanahca Ska Win Kateri Circle St. Regis Parish Kateri Circle

October 21, 2012 October 27, 2012 Canonization of Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha by Pope Benedict XVI in Rome Sister Kateri Mitchell, S.S.A. (waving) and relatives riding in a gondola, Venice

2012 2012 2012 Tekakwitha Conference Tekakwitha Conference Tekakwitha Conference Albany, NY Albany, NY Albany, NY At the of the North American Martyrs, Mohawks in traditional regalia An outdoor statue depicting Auriesville, Jake Finkbonner gives St. Kateri singing with a hand drum while St. Kateri Tekakwitha at the Tekakwitha’s reliquary to Rosa Hernandez processing into the Coliseum at the Shrine of the Shrine of the North American North American Martyrs, Martyrs, Auriesville (Syracuse, NY)

10 Summer 2020 PAST CONFERENCES

2013 2013 2013 Tekakwitha Conference Tekakwitha Conference Tekakwitha Conference El Paso, TX El Paso, TX El Paso, TX Bishop James Wall assisted by Deacon Art Morsaw Sister Clissene Lewis, Youth from Arizona and Louisiana (right) and Bishop Robert Gruss (Rapid City, SD) L.S.C., of Arizona speaking gathered for lunch. at the Region Six meeting

2013 2013 2013 Tekakwitha Conference Tekakwitha Conference Tekakwitha Conference El Paso, TX El Paso, TX El Paso, TX Isleta del Sur Singers Workshop Presenter: Ferguson Margie Creel and daughter bring up the offertory gifts during the Eucharistic Liturgy

2014 2014 2014 Tekakwitha Conference Tekakwitha Conference Tekakwitha Conference Fargo, ND Fargo, ND Fargo, ND Workshop Presenter Mary Lou Davis Sign of Peace Vince Redhouse

VOLUME 38 NO 4 11 PAST CONFERENCES

2015 2015 2015 Tekakwitha Conference Tekakwitha Conference Tekakwitha Conference Alexandria, LA Alexandria, LA Alexandria, LA Venders: St. Regis Reservation, Sunrise Service Opening Ceremonies with Akwesasne, NY/St. Regis, QC accompaniment by Rufus J. Davis, Sr. (1918-2015), Chief of the Adai Caddo

2015 2015 2016 Tekakwitha Conference Tekakwitha Conference Tekakwitha Conference Alexandria, LA Alexandria, LA Burlingame, CA Tours of the Youth workshop by Peter Villigas, Bishop Jaime Soto Tekakwitha Conference National Center “Hand Drums.”

2016 2016 2016 Tekakwitha Conference Tekakwitha Conference Tekakwitha Conference Burlingame, CA Burlingame, CA Burlingame, CA Archbishop Edward Clark Morning prayers led by St. Jude Kateri Circle, Tuba City, AZ Swinomish Kateri Circle

12 Summer 2020 PAST CONFERENCES

2016 2016 2016 Tekakwitha Conference Tekakwitha Conference Tekakwitha Conference Burlingame, CA Burlingame, CA Burlingame, CA Smudging: Rev. Dale Jameson, O.F.M. Keynote speaker Youth displaying his beaded Dr. Mary Soha necklace made at a workshop.

2016 2016 2017 Tekakwitha Conference Tekakwitha Conference Tekakwitha Conference Burlingame, CA Burlingame, CA Rapid City, SD Pow Wow Pow Wow Arvol Looking Horse

2017 2017 2017 Tekakwitha Conference Tekakwitha Conference Tekakwitha Conference Rapid City, SD Rapid City, SD Rapid City, SD Bishop Robert Gruss Honoring Our Elders

VOLUME 38 NO 4 13 PAST CONFERENCES

2017 2017 2017 Tekakwitha Conference Tekakwitha Conference Tekakwitha Conference Rapid City, SD Rapid City, SD Rapid City, SD Our Youth on a field trip Sunrise Service Bishop Edward Clark to a museum

2017 2017 Tekakwitha Conference Tekakwitha Conference Rapid City, SD Rapid City, SD Hoop Dancer: Chief Eagle Keynote Panelist: William White, Clementine Bordeaux, Beverly Running Bear

2018 2018 Tekakwitha Conference Tekakwitha Conference Tacoma, WA Tacoma, WA Sister Kateri Farewell Address Sunrise Service

14 Summer 2020 PAST CONFERENCES

2018 Tekakwitha Conference Tacoma, WA 2018 Opening Prayer by George Family Tekakwitha Conference Tacoma, WA Mass with Archbishop Charles Chaput

2018 2019 Tekakwitha Conference Tekakwitha Conference Tacoma, WA Sharonville, OH Robert Barbry II

2019 2019 2019 Tekakwitha Conference Tekakwitha Conference Tekakwitha Conference Sharonville, OH Sharonville, OH Sharonville, OH Bishop Nelson Perez Pow-Wow Drummers Youth Field Trip

VOLUME 38 NO 4 15 OUR MEMBERS & 2020 ANNOUNCEMENT

St. Kateri Tekakwitha Catholic Tacoma Kateri Circle We know what Church you’re thinking. Diocese of Tyler No, it’s not Elvis. Rev. Luis Alfonso Roncancio & Judy Arnouts

Pierre Solet c. 1999

16 Summer 2020 2020 CONFERENCE

An excerpt from “Saint Kateri Tekakwitha: Her Striking Relevance” A presentation by Rev. Myles Gaffney, Vicar for Indigenous Affairs, Diocese of , Alberta

When St. Kateri Tekakwitha was beatified in 1980 Pope John Paul II said that she was of “universal significance,” and compared her to the great female figures in Christian history. At her canonization Mass decades later Pope Benedict entrusted to her both “the renewal of the faith in the First Nations and in all of North America.” In spite these significant events and strong statements we are still in the process of discovering much about her. It took three hundred and thirty-two years for Kateri to be canonized, a considerable length of time for someone of extraordinary virtue and association with supernatural events. A former vice-postulator for her cause of canonization, struggling to comprehend the delay, speculated that the reason could be providential. This may be true considering the ways in which the virtues of Kateri speak with force to the times we live in. She seems to be strong where we are weak. Her determined pursuit of simplicity and solitude, advanced state of contemplative prayer, courage and charity when faced with persecution, singular , intense focus on the world to come, and holy and beautiful death are some of these ways in which she moves or challenges us today. She also lived a penitential life, that, while it is was in very different context than ours, can still be a positive example. While most of us cannot (and, should not, depending on our state in life) try to copy her in everything she did, we can be inspired and helped by her example and intercession. The primary purpose of this conference is to introduce some of the ways in which the life and virtues of Kateri Tekakwitha are relevant for us. Her importance for the Indigenous peoples of North America and their privileged relationship with her is established. That she has become an important patroness for the environment is also foremost in the popular mind. However, there has been little discussion about some of her timely and exceptional virtues as well as a fascinating connection that can be made with the Divine Mercy and St. . In doing this would I like to focus on the writings of the missionaries who knew Kateri well and who interviewed those close to her. Everything that is known about Kateri’s life comes to us as a result of their “sincere” and “well-informed” observations. As a result of their biographies and other early documents “we can draw a very complete picture of her life.” The fact that these biographies and other original sources are not easily accessible has been an obstacle in getting to know her. My own interest in St. Kateri began in part over a decade ago after reading the biographies written by these Jesuit priests. Like many persons who study these accounts for the first time, it was a stunning surprise to discover her remarkable life and virtues.

______This excerpt is only an introduction, to read the full text of this presentation, please visit: tekconf.org/2020

To request a printed copy of the full text, please contact the National Office using

the information provided on page 23

VOLUME 38 NO 4 17 2020 CONFERENCE “Walking Peacefully As Kateri Walked Forward” by Fr. Jim Nisbet, Assiniboine and Metis One of the things we are told in the to live with them, but she would not allow the injustices to Scriptures is that young people see anchor her or to hold her back. visions, old men dream dreams. The difference between age and youth; It is important, as people, to be aware of our past; as what we call a dream, the Scriptures Native People, the past can be particularly difficult to deal sees as a vision. When the word with. Last year I prepared a talk for all the priests, bishops dream is used, it denotes that of the and religious in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. The past - in other words the dreams purpose of the talk was to present the history of Native denotes the person is old; the person Americans particularly in that area and what happened focuses on the past. People who envision and look to the with regards to the Missions. When I began to look at it, I future are filled with youth. heard many stories about horrible things that happened among the missions. When I began to study it very I think of my grandmother who was always planning carefully, I discovered one of the evils brought on by the things, she lived to be 106, healthy, she was young til the missions, unintentionally, was disease. Another evil was day she died; and she was young because she was a the barbaric hostility shown toward the unbaptized natives woman of vision. I think this is one of the major things we – all of which intensified in the period leading from see in Kateri - she is a woman who decided to constantly Spanish rule and incoming American rule. To move look forward in her life, she was never bound by the past. forward, and to avoid the repeat of history, we must acknowledge the pain of the past. First, she had good reason to think a lot about her past; and I am thinking in terms of injustice - particularly of I often look to my own dear grandmother who was taken smallpox and was under the epidemic. A lot of people away from her family when she was a girl and spent about died in the epidemic, but Kateri did not, but in a sense, 8 years in a government-ran school in . She was worse! She lost a sibling, she lost her mother, she lost her forbidden to practice the Catholic faith and forced into the father and then was raised by her new mother from Anglican faith at school. She was forbidden to speak another tribe where Kateri was treated as a slave; her Algonquin and French and forced to dress in western relatives were largely against her because of her religion. clothes. The Mohawk, as you know, were not immediately sympathetic to Christianity, to the Catholic Church, as it She never saw her parents during that time. When asked came in. It wasn’t her fault that the smallpox came, it about this experience she would mention how terrible it wasn’t her fault that she was brought into the faith by her was, but, almost unphased, she would say, “Fine, I’m birth mother, it wasn’t her fault that she was in the here. They are all dead!” She had this great sense that it situation in which she found herself. did not hold her back and Saint Kateri possessed this same quality. She understood the injustice of her sufferings, but The other thing she bore throughout her whole life was the she did not allow them to affect her. To the degree we terrible problem with her eyes. Basically, the difficulty allow injustice to affect us, we do not thrive. As a People, she suffered from was a kind of shadow vision. If you we can become tied down with despair, and to that degree, have ever been in a movie theatre, and you step out into we lose our reason to survive. the light, you cannot see at all because everything is so bright. Her eyes were extremely susceptible to light; and Looking back at all my ancestors, and all they went when you see drawings of her, she is always wearing a through to bring me to where I am today, I have a duty to veil that is set so that it kept her face in shadow away lead a happy, fulfilling life because that redeems what from sunlight. I have a large statue of Kateri at home, and they endured. If that does not happen and we do not create I have seen maybe thirty representations in statues, but I that life for ourselves, they might as well have died in have never seen one with a veil. I am not sure why that vain. was done, but anyway, the thing to notice about her is that she had real difficulties that came to her as injustices, not Another thing we all know very well is Kateri’s devotion because of anything she did, but they came to her. She had to the Cross; you will always see a Cross pictured with

18 Summer 2020 2020 CONFERENCE Continue: “Walking Peacefully As Kateri Walked Forward” by Fr. Jim Nisbet, Assiniboine and Metis her. As a matter of fact, there are areas in Canada where One of the great explorers who associated with Lewis and you will still see the Cross carved on the trees. One of the Clark left a historical record through portraits he drew of things about the Cross in Catholic Theology is that it has the People. When he was finishing the portraits, he said always been the anchor for us. Many saints, including St. that for Native Americans, prayer was universally , St. Paul of the Cross, even St. Teresa of practiced among all Natives and seemed for them the first Avila had a devotion to the Cross. These fervent devotions were motivated by the injustices suffered in their own necessity of life. Prayer is like the book of instructions for lives. Somehow, they were able to unite the pain of these life. So, if you do not have prayer, you do not know how injustices they suffered with Cross of Jesus Christ. to live life. In this prayer relationship to God, where He speaks to individuals, He speaks to each one of us in the All of this, of course, calls to mind the suffering of Christ. silence of our hearts or however we choose to pray, that is During his Passion, we observe as Jesus engaged Pilate’s where we find direction from God. remarks – this was due to Pilate’s sincerity. When exposed to Herod’s malicious comments, Jesus fell silent Looking, even, at our regalia it is easy to see how we are and remained unengaged. Again on the cross, the Good unique – to see the differences between Navajo regalia Thief asked Jesus to remember him when He came into and Assiniboine, Cheyenne, and Mohawk – no two are the His Kingdom. Jesus saw the Good Thief’s sincerity and same. That comes from this individual listening to God. replied, “This day you will be with Me in Paradise!” We believe that that is what makes the Church as well – a community who, individually, listens to God. Again, God We must be knowledgeable of the injustice, but we cannot does not say one thing to one person and something allow the injustice to inform the way we speak, act, or different to another, He says one thing, but He says it in feel. To the degree it shapes those things, those things are different ways to different individuals. We recognize that negative to us and we do not need that at all. in the Native community. It is part of who we are, part of how we are structured, part of the way we carry on. Another defining quality of St. Kateri is her Native American culture. It’s curious today when you look at the When I think of how the Assiniboine lived largely off the Catholic Church, most particularly under Pope Francis, buffalo, we treated the buffalo with great respect. The the idea of the care for nature and the approach to nature buffalo skulls were very much a part of our prayers, the and renewing the world and the purity of water are all hides were used both as clothing and carpets where we very important. When you look at the American culture, would worship, most particularly the hide of the white what is most necessary is the Native American voice. We buffalo was seen as very sacred where the community are the People who have the heritage, the background, and would gather. This did not preclude the fact that we killed the consensus of how to properly deal with nature. Our the buffalo, but those we killed were always considered a acquired wisdom through the years in dealing with nature gift to us from the herd. When we killed them, we used all that has become comparable a religion. I think it is parts of them, we made sure no animal was mistreated and impossible to separate our spirituality from our approach had a great respect for the buffalo. The buffalo was, in to nature. many ways, considered part of the family. Periodically, in the buffalo hunts, the tribe would end up with a baby In the Native community, it is presumed that every person buffalo - the mother would have been killed, the herd is a person of prayer and listens, individually, to the moved on and the baby left behind. So, the calf would be Divine. Saint Kateri was one who did that. You are cared for and raised. Relationally, we understand the supposed to listen, individually, to the Divine. It is buffalo to be created by God, as we are. interesting in the Roman Catholic tradition, we tend historically, to see God speaking through the Church, but I was in Japan last year with a friend. We would have our understand that the Church is a community of individuals. dinners in a little dining room where others spoke English. What the Church is supposed to do is to speak God’s The dinner portions were large, usually fish, and on the Word as His Word has been spoken to all individuals. first day, we were served Abalone on a brazier. The fish This is, collectively, the Word of God within the Church. was turned over, butter was on it, and the fish began to

VOLUME 38 NO 4 19 2020 CONFERENCE Continue: “Walking Peacefully As Kateri Walked Forward” by Fr. Jim Nisbet, Assiniboine and Metis move. It was then that I realized the fish was alive! I come from many counselors.” (Proverbs 15:22) turned to my friend and said that in our tradition, we do not torture animals and would not cook something live at In our communities, our people have a right to speak and the table. We decided to tell the cook that we no longer we hear all these different things to bring them together wanted live food cooked at our table. That is not to be and make our decision. I think of it in terms of dancing. done. This has to do with how we care for nature. We do When we gather, you will see a circle and the People are not deal with nature by saying do not eat the buffalo or the moving in time with the drums. You will see people abalone, but we do say that you must respect it and honor walking, some doing the Fancy Dance - all kinds of it. expressions as we move in the Circle. What we are doing together is moving in a circle, what we When Columbus arrived, there were more Natives in are doing individually can be all kinds of things. That is North and South America than all the people in Europe at the way we want to be as a community. We want to be the time. Not only that, the people in North America had people who are each doing what we hear God calling us to game everywhere. In California, where I live, the Natives do. Each doing it with freedom and excitement, and while lived on Elk. They were everywhere as well as Abalone we are doing that, the whole group is moving forward as a and other seafood. Much of this community. sustenance has since disappeared from the area. When the We are called today to look at Saint Kateri as an example Europeans came over, they had decimated the forests of for the future. A big part of her example for us is her their homeland. From the New World they took gold, of Native American background: her attitude to nature, to course, but the most valuable resource to them was religion, and to prayer did not come from the Christian lumber! Even the waterways of Europe had become faith, it came from her Native culture. That is why we polluted, while our water remained pure. look to her - to what she brings from her Native culture to the Church. We are called the Catholic Church for a One of the big events for the Assiniboine in Canada was reason - the word “catholic” meaning “universal.” when the wild geese came north for the summer. As soon as you would see a wild goose coming, you knew that the As a community, we move through history, and as winter was over. It was a huge celebration in the tribe! different groups come in, we learn from them. The One of the reasons is that almost everyone died of the flu biggest thing that the community can learn from us is this in winter. So, if you came to the Wild Goose Coming Up, idea of our relationship with nature; and coming to peace you knew you were one year older. We would count our with the world in which we live before we destroy the age in winters; how many winters you survived. If you world in which we live. The example for all of that is were there, you were good for another year. So Wild Kateri - Native American, Catholic, moving forward, not Goose was a sign of summer. Different animals meant encumbered by the problems of her past. May she be an different signs to us, but nature was always very much example for all of us! alive and part of our world. This was the wisdom of the Native Americans.

Another trait that Saint Kateri exemplifies is her ability to preserve one’s individuality while remaining in For the consideration of available space we community. Because of my training in Western schools, I must remember to adjust my thinking at Native American have included an abridged version of this gatherings. When we go to a Native American gathering, presentation text. we expect each person to give an opinion and to be listened to, and over and over and over, we go through The video of this presentation this, we actually have many people speak, and we exhaust will be available at things as we try to come to an understanding of ideas. tekconf.org/2020 There is a verse in the Bible that says, “Good decisions

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(illus/paperback) K-324 Silver Toned necklace with Medal - Traditional Image K-325 Link Silver tone necklace with Medal - Traditional Image $6.00 B-042 The Way of Our People: by Donald Richard Wright $14.00 K-326 S-link Necklace, Silver Tone with Medal - Traditional Image $7.00 B-043 K-327 Kateri Medal Earrings $5.00 B-050 In the Footsteps of Our Ancestors, The Dakota Commemorative $30.00 K-331 Pendant– 1” round/full color – Traditional Image $5.00 Marches of the 21st Century Edited by W Angela Wilson, 324 K-332 Kateri Pendant- 1” round/ full color - Buckskin $5.00 pages K-334 Kateri Key Ring 1” Round full color Traditional $3.00 B-054 Nicholas Black Elk-Medicine Man, Missionary, Mystic by Michael F. 25.00 K-352 Lapel Pin-Buckskin image $3.00 Steltenkamp, 252 pages K-353b Pewter Kateri Pin with Basket $4.00 B-055 Drumming From Within: Tales of Hope and Faith from Canada’s $17.00 K-355 Kateri Earrings (Traditional image) $4.00 North by Archbishop Sylvain Lavoie, OMI, 176 pages K-356 Kateri Earrings (Buckskin image) $4.00 B-056 Peacemaking Circles & Urban Youth: Bringing Justice Home by $20.00 K-357 Kateri Necklace (Traditional image) Gold-colored..Oval-shaped $6.50 Carolyn Boyes-Waston, PhD, 285 pages K-359 Kateri Locket Gold color (Traditional image) $6.50 B-059 American Indian Nations from Termination to Restoration 1953- $30.00 K-360 Kateri Locket Gold color (Buckskin image) $6.50 2006, by Roberta Ulrich, 311 pages K-362K Kateri Oval Keychain Silver Color $6.00 B-60 Keeping Hope: A Resource for Family and Friends of the $8.00 K-362B Kateri Cross Bracelet Silver Color $14.00 Incarcerated by Karen Henning Heuberger & Ron Zollinger K-362EB Kateri Cross Earrings with Bead $6.00 B-061 Quiet Truth-Paths to Healing by Linda Ann Ryan, Ph.D. $10.00 K-362E Kateri Cross Earrings Silver Color $5.00 B-063 Catholics Come Alive: Lessons from Evangelicals by Rev. Robert J. $10.00 K-362N Kateri Cross Necklace Silver color $5.00 Hater, Ph.D. K-362P Kateri Cross Lapel Pin Silver Color $6.00 K-364 Kateri Necklace with Medal, Traditional image $5.00 B-064 In the Shadow of the Steel Cross by Louise Ketchum Hunt $14.00 K-365 Traditional Kateri Stamptack $3.00 B-065 Marriage on a Lampstand-Exploring a New Paradigm for Modern $20.00 K-366 Buckskin Kateri Stamptack $3.00 Christian Marriage by Andrew and Terri Lyke K-367 Kateri Locket silver colored with 18" chain..Traditional Image $6.50 B-066 Through Snowflakes and Sunbeams by Gail Beth Rando $8.00 K-404 Kateri Rosary with Blue Crystal Beads $13.00 B-068 The Sacred Pipe Black Elk’s Account of the Seven Rites of the Oglala $15.00 K-407 Kateri Rosary Crystal Beads $13.00 Sioux, by Joseph Epes Brown K-408 Kateri Rosary with Black or Brown Beads $13.00 B-069 The Sixth Grandfather Black Elk’s Teachings Given to John $30.00 K-413 Kateri Rosary with Gold Medal $5.00 Neihardt by Raymond J. 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Text by Father. $4.00 K-500 Canonization Tapestry Prayer Card w/ Traditional Medal $3.00 Patrick Tuohy, S.J. Illustrated. by Gus Antone 39 pages K-516 Lily of the Mohawks Necklace Pendant $3.50 B-363 The Sacraments and Indigenous People-Rev. RJ Hater $10.00 K-518 Lily of the Mohawks Kateri Poster..12" x 18" $2.00 Kateri Items K-601 Kateri Poster by King Kuka..18" x 24".. $2.00 K-613 Kateri Poster by John Steele..5" x 7" $1.50 K-02 Father Claude Chauchetire’s “Journal of Kateri Tekakwitha Facts” $5.00 K-615 Kateri Poster by John Steele 16” x 20” $5.00 K-06 St. Kateri Coasters, Set of 4 - Square $28.00 K-622 Kateri Poster by Gus Antone 16” x 20” $1.00 K-6 St. Kateri Medal Gold and Green $10.00 K-631 Kateri Poster by Tisket Seslar..5" x 7".. $1.00 K-104 Saint Kateri Tekakwitha, Courageous Faith, Adapted from a book $10.00 K-632 Kateri Poster by Tisket Seslar..8" x 10".. $1.00 by Lillian M. 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VOLUME 38 NO 4 23 GIFT SHOP ITEMS

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