What's Happening at Immanuel

National Boarding School Remembrance Day was September 30, Indigenous People’s Day is October 13, and Native American Awareness Month comes in November!  Autumn is many things: among them, it extends an opportunity to learn more about the history and experience of our indigenous neighbors here in Upper Michigan and beyond. 

One of the darkest chapters in that history involves Indian Boarding Schools, funded by the federal government, and often operated by Christian Churches.  Between the early 1880’s until about 1930  and in some cases, much longer than that, these schools operated on the premise that Native Americans should be assimilated into the dominant culture, as a kind of servant class.   Children were removed from their homes and brought to these facilities, often far away from home.  Their hair was cut, they were forbidden to use their language or follow the ceremonial and religious customs practiced by their families.  They were force-fed Christianity, with the expectation that they convert to the faith practiced by white America.  Instances of abuse were widespread.  Many children died of tuberculosis and other diseases—and were buried in secret locations without their parents even being informed. 

Several of these boarding schools were located in Upper Michigan, northern Wisconsin, and northern lower Michigan. One of the predecessor churches of the ELCA operated the Bethany Indian Mission school near Wittenberg, Wisconsin. 

The impact on the native community has been tragic and has persisted over several generations.  Native people struggle to recover their identity and culture.  Even though some Christian missionaries may have meant well, the good news of Jesus Christ was not experienced as such by the indigenous community.  What responsibility for all this do we bear as non-native Lutherans living in the here and now?  What can we do to support our indigenous neighbors in their quest for healing?  What does it mean to be a witness to Jesus Christ in our relationships with Indian people?

On Sunday evening, October 27, there will be a special presentation at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Negaunee, beginning at 4 PM EDT.   Pastor Dave Van Kley, Pastor Bucky Beach, and Rich Reitz, of the ELCA’s Truth and Healing Initiative will be the presenters.  Come to learn, discuss, and begin to chart a new path of relationship with our indigenous neighbors.

The presentation will be followed by a potluck dinner at 5 PM, with worship at 6 PM, using the liturgy prepared for Native American Awareness during that worship service. 

February 14-16,2025 at the Wilderness

Resort in Wisconsin Dells