An upcoming conference on Saturday called “Walking the Red Road” organized by the Diocesan Native American Ministry welcomes all to attend an open dialog with the church and to listen to the words of apology from bishops, who will also discuss how to experience reconciliation and healing moving forward after decades of enduring trauma.
Sister Susan Gardner, director of Native American Apostolate and parish life at St. Kateri Tekakwitha church, has been working in Peshawbestown for the last nine years. She said when she first came to the diocese, Native Americans voiced that they wanted a conference or event where people could come to learn about their history and the struggles they’ve faced, and this is one way the church has been able to extend their support and efforts. Before the COVID pandemic, Gardner said the Diocese of Gaylord held three conferences.
While it’s taken a few years to organize again after the pandemic, this is the fourth conference to help continue building a bridge between Native Americans and the church. Gardner said bishops in the church signed an apology letter addressed to Native Americans in August, with the 50-page document highlighting the wrongdoings of past boarding schools and suggestions on how they can move forward together.
