Ahead of Indigenous Peoples Day, we are sharing five videos showcasing the beautiful native and Catholic faith traditions of America’s indigenous peoples.
Through the generosity of our donors, we support Catholic faith communities among 40 distinct tribes, nations and reservations.
Our 2021 spring issue of Extension magazine shared stories of Native American Catholics—their faith, culture, struggles and hope. In this issue, our president, Father Jack Wall, said:
It is our sincerest belief that every culture is a gift, through which God speaks.”
Video 1 | Blackfeet Indian Reservation | Diocese of Helena, Montana
Our first stop in our Indigenous Peoples Across America series takes us to the Blackfeet Indian Reservation in the Diocese of Helena, where Father Ed Kohler served the people for a combined 35 years until his retirement earlier this year. At Little Flower Parish, Father Kohler guided parishioners as they celebrated their Catholic faith and cultural traditions and turned the church into a tremendous source of hope for the people.
Video 2 | Navajo Nation | Diocese of Gallup, New Mexico
This installment of our Indigenous Peoples Across America series takes us to Navajo Nation in the Diocese of Gallup, where Fanny Bahe brings Catholics across the country together with the beautiful Native American prayer of Four Directions. Born and raised in the Navajo Nation, Bahe is a lifelong Catholic, parishioner of St. Michael Mission and inspiring spiritual leader in her community.
Video 3 | St. Francis Mission, Rosebud Reservation | Diocese of Rapid City, South Dakota
We travel to St. Francis Mission on the Rosebud Reservation in the Diocese of Rapid City, where 2021-22 Lumen Christi Award finalist Jenny Black Bear prays the Glory Be in native Lakota language. Catholic Extension Society has worked in solidarity with the mission since 1910, supporting priests and lay leaders, church building projects, religious education, health and social outreach and health programs.
Video 4 | Pascua Yaqui Tribe | Diocese of Tucson, Arizona
Our next video in our Indigenous Peoples Across America series features a recipe for “wakavaki,” a traditional Pascua Yaqui soup used in significant events like baptisms, weddings and funerals. Thank you to Odilia Rivera, a tribe member and parishioner at St. Kateri Tekakwitha Parish in the Diocese of Tucson, for sharing this delicious recipe with us.
Video 5 | Holy Rosary Indian Mission | Diocese of Jackson, Mississippi
On Indigenous Peoples’ Day, we take you to Holy Rosary Indian Mission in the Diocese of Jackson, where 2021-22 Lumen Christ Award finalist Father Bob Goodyear, S.T., has been helping Choctaw Native Americans grow closer to God in a place where he is ever so present. His ministry has included translating Catholic Mass into the Choctaw language with a Vatican-approved text.
