CONAM busily advocates for Native American justice concerns

Sep 17, 2021 | By John W. Coleman

The Committee on Native American Ministries (CONAM) remains one of the Eastern PA Conference’s busiest groups, participating in recent activities and planning more to come. Several members hosted a display to advocate for justice concerns at the Lenape Nation’s Pow Wow at Lake Mauch Chunk Park in Jim Thorpe, Sept. 11-12. (See photos.)

It was their second attendance at a pow wow this summer, after the COVID pandemic caused cancelations in 2020. And it allowed them to continue raising awareness about the ongoing crisis of Missing and Murdered Indian Women and Girls that is still largely unknown... Learn More

CoNAM returns to Mauch Chunk Pow Wow

Sep 17, 2021 | By Verna Colliver*

On September 11, CoNAM members Sherry Wack and Verna Colliver traveled to Lake Mauch Chunk Park, Jim Thorpe, PA, for the Mauch Chunk Pow Wow. After a hiatus brought on by CoVID, the Lenape Nation, who sponsored the event, was happy to welcome performers and visitors for a two-day event to the grassy area among the trees surrounding the lake.

CoNAM set up a table among the other vendors and food trucks and displayed T-shirts along with post cards and buttons to raise awareness and show support for the children who lost their lives during the residential schools era which lasted into the 20^th century... Read More

*Verna Colliver is secretary of the Eastern PA Conference Committee on Native American Ministries.

See the Flickr photo album: Mauch Chunk Pow Wow Sept 11, 2021.

Native American caucus calls for Day of Truth and Repentance, Oct. 6

The Native American International Caucus of the United Methodist Church (NAIC) has issued “A Call to Truth Telling and Repentance,” asking UM bishops and conferences to make Oct. 6 “A Day of Truth and Repentance for Our Children.” NAIC is one of the denomination’s five official racial-ethnic caucuses... Learn More

Urging more churches to promote Native American ministry

The Eastern PA Conference Committee on Native American Ministries (CoNAM) wants to reach, teach, encourage and resource all congregations to learn about and participate in this largely overlooked area of ministry so important to The United Methodist Church.

The CoNAM is asking every local church to elect a Native American Ministries Representative to learn, promote and advocate for greater awareness and support of Native American cultures, contributions and concerns in both church and society... Read More

Visit our page on the UMC Acts of Repentance toward Healing Relationships with Indigenous Peoples for articles, video and study guide resources, and recommended reading regarding the UMC Acts of Repentance services.

Also see our full list of Suggestions for Local Churches to get involved in Native American Ministries.

2021 CONAM Report

Presented at the 2021 Annual Conference - May 21, 2021. View the video.

View the full AC2021 playlist.

"We Are Still Here"

May 2, 2021

Sponsored by the Eastern PA Conference Committee on Native American Ministries (CONAM). View the recording.

"Indian Country’s Hidden Figures: Outstanding Native American Women"

April 19, 2021

Many Native American women lived meaningful lives and accomplished much, but their invisibility is a loss to our cultural awareness and our historical knowledge. This presentation tells their stories of tenacity, determination, and spirit. This is a worship liturgy and a Power Point presentation first presented on April 19, 2020 for the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference of the United Methodist Church.

View the presentation.

"Race-Based Mascots" Event

November 8, 2020

The Eastern Pennsylvania Conference of the Methodist Church and their Committee on Native American Ministries invited the co-founding members of the Coalition of Natives and Allies to present a program on Race Based Mascots...

View the recording.