I hope your
summer has started off with much to be thankful for! Time with family and
friends is totally the best… and again I say amen! While time away from home
has not been what I prefer, it has nevertheless, has been a whirlwind of very exciting
trips and events! One was likely a “once in a lifetime” opportunity. Creator
has opened many remarkable doors of opportunity for me to speak to people
across the land about the historic shift of global missions and the emerging profound
role indigenous people are having in reshaping the face of Christendom
worldwide, and in particular Native North American people.
When Katherine
and I, in simple faith, launched Wiconi International thirteen years ago with
nothing but a big dream, we had no idea where that dream would take us! With
the support of our friends and partners, much has happened in these few years
that continues to amaze us!
For example, I am
soooo happy to report that I have submitted my final draft for my doctoral dissertation
to Asbury Theological Seminary. If all goes well, I will defend my dissertation
and receive my diploma later this year. Beginning a doctoral program as a
50-year-old has been an intense adventure and I’m so glad it’s over!
The North
American Institute of Indigenous Theological Studies signed a formal agreement
with George Fox University and Seminary to partner together to create a new
Masters of Arts in Intercultural Studies Degree. On June 12, 2010, in Newberg,
OR, we formally began a historic journey together. At the ceremony a
traditional pipe was smoked by all the board members and official signers
present as a symbol of covenant and truth-telling. It was a beautiful moment! I
serve as Vice-chair of NAIITS and am so proud and grateful to say it will be
our indigenous faculty who will write and teach the courses for the first ever
degree of it’s kind. We will begin informally this fall and formally launch the
course in January of 2011. For more details click here.
I was in Edmonton,
Alberta this month with my friend Harold Roscher and his “Hear the Call of the
Drum Conference.” I spoke about how ministry among Native people in the past
twenty years has, and continues, to change from a paternalistic model to a
contextual model. We are no longer dependant on the theologies of the
missionaries that have defined us as a mission field, dependant on their
interpretations of scripture that inform our understandings of who Creator is.
Native theologians, scholars and leaders have been developing their own
theologies, as do all peoples, and finding new understandings in scripture that
affirms identity, culture and worldview perspectives as genuine expressions of
a biblical faith. People shared very moving stories of their faith journey about
reclaiming their native ways to once again become whole people in Jesus.
From Edmonton I
flew to Grand Rapids, MI where, at Calvin College, I was a keynote speaker at a
history-making event. The World Alliance of Reformed Churches and the
Reformed Ecumenical Council rejoined
together after a many decades old split to create the new World Communion of
Reformed Churches. The new communion represents 230 denominations and 40
million people in 103 countries. I delivered a message that invited them to both
reconsider the negative impact of their mission history among indigenous people
worldwide and challenged them to repent of their presumed cultural/theological
superiority over Native people and embrace us as co-equal participants in the
life, word and mission of Jesus among the nations. I even went so far to appeal
to them to create a “truth and reconciliation commission” to redress the
colonial injustices perpetrated against native people in the name of God, the
bible and country. Honestly, I was shocked that the leadership of the new WCRC
accepted my suggestions and in some form will incorporate them into their
official documents. What was especially affirming was that dozens of
international, especially global south church leaders came up to me saying they
heard their stories in my story and were deeply grateful that I played a part
in setting the stage for a new day in global missions in their respective
worlds, and the Reformed Church world. I talked with leaders from a dozen
nations (Scotland, Indonesian, South Africa, Ghana, etc.) about coming to teach
in their seminaries, churches and universities. This is part of what I have
been saying for nearly twenty years that Native North American followers of
Jesus have much to contribute to “building up the Body of Christ” here and
internationally. In the years ahead NAIITS will begin forming partnerships and
alliances with institutions globally. All I can say was that it was a deeply
humbling experience!! Click here to read various press releases.
From there I flew
to Lawton, OK to participate in the “Sing to the Mountain Music Festival.” What
made this so wonderful is that it is part of the fulfillment of our hopes and
dreams for the past twenty years to see First Nations people worshipping
together, using traditional music, drum songs, dance, regalia, stories and
ceremony that resulted in Jesus being “lifted up,” honored among the nations. It
was really refreshing to my soul and encouraging to see many friends I had not
seen for many years, especially their children, who are all growing up. I gave
a short overview of the past twenty-years of how a new movement of the Gospel
has been birthed in the Native North American native community, the fruit of
many years of our enduring relationships.
As you read this
I will be on a plane to Pretoria, South Africa to participate in several events
where I will speak to the issue of reconciliation in light of growing violence
between black and white South Africans. While Apartied may be demolished as a
system, as a way of thinking it is still alive in hearts of many and at the
root of new violence in the land. My friend, J.R. Nomee, a Kalispel Tribal
member and Northern Traditional dancer and I will be dancing and sharing
stories of hope in black townships outside Pretoria. In addition we will
participate in “cultural outreaches” in venues surrounding the World Cup
cultural performing arts presentations, as well as teaching in a conference on justice
and urban community development. Visit www. For details.
From South
Africa I return home and two days later (July 8th) Katherine and I
fly to my reservation, the Rosebud Lakota/Sioux Reservation in South Dakota to
teach our annual “Cross-cultural Immersion Course.” We will have about 15
students and 20 people on the team. This will be our fourth year of a ten-year
partnership. For details click here.
Then on July 29
our 6th Annual Mni Wiconi Wacipi “Living Waters Powwow” and Family
Camp begins in Turner, Oregon. We’d love to have as many of you as are able to
join us, especially for the powwow on Saturday, July 31st! We are
almost sold out for rooms/lodging and only campsites left for this year. It is
a fantastic time of fun, relationship building and, uh huh, eating together!! For
details click here.
Your prayers and
support help make all these things possible. For Katherine and myself, I want
to say how much we appreciate your taking the time to read these ramblings and
supporting our humble efforts!!
Richard Twiss,
Sicangu Lakota Oyate (Rosebud Sioux Tribe)
President,
Wiconi International
360-546-1867
www.wiconi.com
Smoke Signals Email Report from June 2, 2010.
Though I am in one of the busiest travel seasons I’ve had
for a few years, with lots of grace from above and support from Kath it’s all-good.
What’s so affirming and strengthening, but especially humbling is people’s
positive response to Creator’s grace in my ramblings. Recently I was on the
Kalispel Reservation in Washington speaking to a mixed, but mostly native
audience for a community gathering. Here are a few responses from that
gathering that were emailed to me from my friend, Gordon, who is a tribal elder.
Kalispel girl, age l0
We can know Jesus as Indians. I liked how Richard talked
about Indians and Jesus.
Kalispel girl, age 13
It's good to know we can be Indians and Christians at the
same time using our Indian Culture.
Kalispel woman, age 40
Hearing Richard Twiss makes understanding being Indian and
Christian very clear.
Kalispel woman, age 70
I'm glad Jesus approves of us Indians. We can practice our
culture, sing, dance and drum in His Honor.
Kalispel woman, age 65
Being an Indian Christian is as good as it gets! Thank you
Jesus.
I have come to the conclusion there is a unique hunger and
openness to consider what faith in Jesus means outside a traditional
Euro-American package, and that Native leaders who can articulate that message
have a highly receptive audience. For twenty years I have been sharing a simple
message that it is Creators plan for Indigenous people to be fully Native and
fully committed to following the ways of Jesus. Christianity often complicates
this and at times gets in the way, especially for us Native people. It is my
experience that to follow the Jesus Way is to know what it means to be fully
human – to be FULLY alive!
From the same meeting in Usk, WA, a Coeur d'Alene man, age
38, wrote, “Richard's presentation shows that all peoples and tribes can
receive and practice the Jesus Way through their God given culture; A Spokane
woman, age 56, wrote, “I'm blessed to see the Spirit move in Native ministry
through the use of expressing faith through Native culture, as taught by Richard
Twiss.”
At the risk of sounding braggish this is what I hear
everywhere, regardless of the audience, but furthermore, it is no less true of
many of my native peeps/colleagues who are speaking a lot these days. As
“voices” we are part of the prophetic adjustment or balancing the church is
undergoing globally.
In June and July I will be in numerous places, each
important but two are especially
cool. On June 22 I will give the
keynote message to the international unification gathering for the creation of
the new World Communion of Reformed Churches, in Grand Rapids, MI. You can read
about the event and their special attention on Native people and issues. June
28-July 5, JR Nomee and I will be in Pretoria, S. Africa. He is Kalispel and
traditional powwow dancer and we will be sharing music and dance at venues for
the World Cup Soccer events, speaking at a South African conference on Urban
Community Development and doing cultural exchanges in Black Townships – VERY
cool!
The theme for the consultation is "Fair Play: celebrating and imagining
cities of justice". On day 3, the theme is "Let justice roll
down." We will lead a session titled, "Creator Spirit - un-just
earth/city - hope-filled movements". We will reflect on the Bible, the
city, and justice, out of our Native experience to help create space for
collective prayer. Secondly, we’ll speak about "God, justice and
oikos." God created oikos as our common home. Yet, all is not well in this
home – the rule of the household (economy) favors some and the structure of the
household is under threat (ecology). What are the languages/rituals/movements
we need to work with God for shalom. The stories from Kalispel reflect a small part of the
openness and hunger I am encountering for a more real or authentic expression
of the Christian faith. I trust you are journeying well with your family,
friends and neighbors.
Shalom, Richard
Wiconi International
NATIVE AMERICAN WORLD: Wiconi hosts fifth annual Family Camp and Powwow Bringing hope and healing in a broken world
By Jim Uttley
TURNER, OREGON (ANS) -- For the fifth year in a row, hundreds gathered in Turner, Oregon, July 30 to August 2, to celebrate the Jesus Way and share in the traditions and heritage of being Native people. Wiconi International's Living Waters Family Powwow and Family Camp had over 230registered for camp and over 400 attending the Mini Wiconi Traditional Powwow at the Aldersgate Conference Center.
Again over 120 children and youth were involved in special activities directed by Corey and Gina Greaves of Mending Wings. Rob & Debbie Schwartz who work with The Navigators, led a large group of volunteers from Lighthouse, a church in Seattle, WA. This group has generously served Wiconi campers for the past four years. This year as last, there was no specific roster of speakers and entertainers. "We didn't plan a speaking schedule with invited guest speakers or musicians," stated Richard Twiss, President of Wiconi International. "Each morning, our camp staff met to pray and ask the Holy Spirit to direct the gatherings. Then we asked several individuals to share a testimony or a Bible devotional from their heart."
Pastor Vincent Yellow Old Woman (Blackfeet) spoke and shared from his heart as to how God has used him to bless others by serving at powwows. Yellow Old Woman has served as Master of Ceremonies for numerous powwows throughout the Northwest. A Native of Alberta, Vincent has travelled and ministered in conferences and powwows both in Canada and the United States.
Pastor Randy Woodley, Keetoowah Cherokee Indian, also spoke and led a "Talking Circle" as well as sharing the hosting responsibilities for the Saturday powwow. Woodley teaches at George Fox Seminary in Newburgh, Oregon and together with his wife, Edith, are founders and directors of Eagle's Wings Ministry. Randy and Edith shared how throughout their journey they have sought to teach and encourage Native Christians to be all they were intended to be in God's image as Native people. Woodley is the author of LIVING IN COLOR (Inter-Varsity Press) and WHEN GOING TO CHURCH IS SIN (Healing the Land).
"We were very blessed again to have Pastor Paul Otoko and his Micronesian friends and family who shared their traditional dances and songs," stated Twiss. Again this year, Otoko and his friends blessed the Camp and Powwow attendees with a Polynesian luau complete with fire-pit roasted pork and all the trimmings. Otoko is Director of the Indigenous Stewards International (ISI) and is on staff at the Center for World Missions and the William Carey University in Pasadena, California.
Jerry Chapman and Cheryl Bear Barnetsen and her family led worship at the main sessions.
This year's Talent Night was filled with songs, dancing, hand-drum songs, little girls dancing, Polynesians doing the Hakka as well as Vincent Yellow Old Woman giving instruction on how to do the Round Dance. Almost everyone attending Friday's event participated in the dance. There were heaps of fun and laughter!
"Serving Jesus and finding His healing for our lives, families and communities in the context of our cultural ways is the hope and goal of every Living Waters Gathering," states Twiss.
At the powwow there were dozens of dancers along with nine drums. “It is always great seeing old friends and reconnecting in the circle as we dance our prayers,” says Twiss.
"We want to give a special thanks to all who provided finances in order that Wiconi could offer financial scholarships to enable several Native families to attend this year," said Twiss. "As in other years, several young people said our family camp is the one event they look forward to attending more than anything else each summer."
Wiconi is also grateful for the dedicated hard work of Jane and Gary Foster, Gary and Mary Ann Eastty, and Jodi and Jacob Trevizo.
Photo credits: David Uttley
Copyright 2006 Wiconi International
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TURNER, OREGON (ANS) -- For the fifth year in a row, hundreds gathered in Turner, Oregon, July 30 to August 2, to celebrate the Jesus Way and share in the traditions and heritage of being Native people. Wiconi International's Living Waters Family Powwow and Family Camp had over 230registered for camp and over 400 attending the Mini Wiconi Traditional Powwow at the Aldersgate Conference Center.
Jerry Chapman and Cheryl Bear Barnetsen and her family led worship at the main sessions.
"We want to give a special thanks to all who provided finances in order that Wiconi could offer financial scholarships to enable several Native families to attend this year," said Twiss. "As in other years, several young people said our family camp is the one event they look forward to attending more than anything else each summer."
