Working toward right relationship with Indigenous Peoples is one part of the broader picture of decolonization which challenges racism, white supremacy, dominion in the name of Christ (as opposed to the spiritual path Jesus taught and exemplified), and degradation of the Earth. It involves learning to recognize and unlearn the spiritually distorted mentalities of entitlement, domination, exploitation, superiority, and individualism that foster disconnection from one another and from the Earth.
The work of Decolonization is multi-layered, but perhaps the starting place is historical—knowledge of this continent’s history through lenses other than those of European settlers. Within that context churches have their own particular learning to do looking at how each of our faith bodies has participated in, and benefitted from, settler colonialism; the effects our actions or inaction have had and continue to have on Native peoples; to examine the theology and structures of our communities of faith to see how they uphold systems of domination and oppression. On Tuesday [August 4, at Yearly Meeting Annual Sessions] you heard several things referred to which Friends particularly need to examine.
And then it involves receiving all this learning not just with our heads but in our hearts and spirits; holding all these pieces up to the Light of Truth, willing to be convicted by the Spirit, open to know what this Truth requires of us, and willing to act, both as individuals and together as a religious body.
Along the way we will probably need to give up some cherished notions of ourselves and of our heritage.
And at the same time, this isn’t only about uncovering and acknowledging those things we have done wrong. It’s also recognizing and taking inspiration from where we’ve done things well, the relationships built, and drawing on the spiritual wisdom and tools Quakers can bring to this concern.
I remember some years ago we had a speaker on racism at Yearly Meeting who did her research on Friends’ track record and was able to simply say, "Here are your strengths—the things you do and have done well—and here are your weaknesses and blind spots where you need work.
I found that so helpful, partly because it took me to a place where I felt empowered to change and to act, rather than feeling paralyzed by shame and grief. Decolonizing work is deeply distressing at times, and it is also inspiring, hopeful, healing work with which to engage, not least because of the examples of wisdom, resilience and grace one encounters among Native people.
Non-indigenous Friends across the world are engaged in working toward right relationship with Indigenous peoples. Often we don’t know what is happening in our own country or even region of the country and in some areas Friends feel very isolated in their efforts.
During a conference at Pendle Hill in the spring of 2018 on this subject I experienced a powerful leading to help birth a new Quaker organization which would connect Friends in whom this concern is alive, as well as reaching out to Friends for whom it might be new to their awareness.
It’s called Decolonizing Quakers and can be found online at decolonizingquakers.org.
On that website—a work in progress—you’ll find information and resources for non-indigenous Quakers and for Meetings to learn and explore various aspects of our history, advocacy, and ways we might take steps toward change, as well as spiritual reflections and inspiration.
The steering committee is currently composed of Friends from Canada, Alaska, California, the Northwest, Northeast, Iowa, and Florida and has been reaching out for more diverse involvement culturally and theologically.
The steering committee is not setting itself up as experts but rather trying to create a structure in which Friends can learn together.
You can take part by checking out the website. Take a look at the resources offered, pick a place to begin with education or advocacy for yourself or your Meeting, give constructive feedback, make suggestions for things to be included. And network with other Friends—help shape how this organization will serve and connect Friends in North America.
The conference planned for spring of this year has been converted to six 90-minute webinars which Pendle Hill will offer on the second and fourth Mondays of August, September, and October .
They are co-sponsored by Decolonizing Quakers, Canadian Friends Service Committee, and Friends Peace Teams. Register through the Pendle Hill website.
Watch the Decolonizing Quakers website for future webinars and request ones that you would find helpful.
Working toward Right Relationship with Indigenous Peoples Pendle Hill webinars:
1. Sovereignty and Tribal Government Relations in the United States and Canada
With Jerilyn DeCoteau and Will David
August 10, 2020, 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. Eastern Time
2. Implementing the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
With Sheryl Lightfoot and Jennifer Preston
August 24, 2020, 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. Eastern Time
3. Cultural Appreciation vs. Appropriation/Misappropriation
With Dan and Mary Lou Smoke, Freida Jacques, and the Rev. Dr. J.R. Norwood
September 14, 2020, 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. Eastern Time
4. Solidarity, Guidance for Engagement
With Kenneth Deer and Chief Dennis Coker
September 28, 2020, 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. Eastern Time
5. Healing from Intergenerational Trauma
With Elicia Goodsoldier and Cante’ Waste Win (Good Hearted Woman)
October 12, 2020, 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. Eastern Time
6. Truth and Healing
With Marie Wilson, Denise Altvater, Esther Anne, and Penthea Burns
October 26, 2020, 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. Eastern Time
Resources will be posted to enable registrants to prepare for the webinars and to reflect upon them afterwards. In the week(s) in between the webinars, participants may choose to form discussion or study groups around the topics presented in the webinars or to use the materials to enhance attention to the issues in their local meetings or congregations.