1979-15 Regional Concern on Native American Relations

REGIONAL CONCERN*

“Bear one another’s burden and so fulfill the law of Christ.” - Galatians 6:7

Background

Bearing one another’s burdens can sometimes be a tough commitment for Christians. Throughout our history, White Americans have tried to fulfill that commitment. Since the beginning of colonial times, there has been trading and sharing between the Native American and the White. However, as the United States grew, the Native Americans were pushed out of there homeland and robbed of there freedom. Many conflicts and hostilities arose which have been repeated throughout history. The problems we see in federal treaty legislation today are typical of the many disagreements and misunderstandings which have arisen throughout history. In trying to bear the burdens of Native Americans, we have hurt rather than helped them.

Today 50% of Native Americans have income levels below the poverty level. The average income per person is 25% of the National average. In contrast to the 70 years of other Americans, the average life expectancy of a Native American is 60.1 years. Fifty percent are unemployed. That is more than seven times the National rate.

The painful condition of Native Americans today is the result of a long history of misunderstanding and persecution. This situation calls for healing and reconciliation. The approach we take in working toward solutions to the problems which confront Native Americans must, therefore, take account of the long time needed for this. Our efforts will have to be directed toward meeting the needs of the Native American in the long term. This means more than just a one-time effort.

“The most passionate advocates of a cause are often the ones who do it the most harm, because their very intensity attracts only unstable converts and puts off people who have a more balanced judgment. (This is why most new movements soon turn into perversions or caricatures of their original aims.)” - Sydney Harris

Although there is much other races can do to assist Native Americans, Native Americans can help us as Christians and as a nation. The plight is ours; we, too, need reconciliation and healing.

Resolved

We, the students of Northeast Missouri State University at Kirksville, Missouri, are dealing with these issues. As we continue in actual communication, dialogue, and research, we will try to bridge some of the gaps which have arisen because of wrong attitudes and prejudices on both sides of the issues. We want to study ways to bring about continued involvement in bringing our Native American brothers and sisters together with us. As a result of these studies, we would like to report our findings to the 1980 LSM-USA National Assembly. We extend an open invitation for other ministries to join in this effort.