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Together Here - Digital Resource Library

Creating Space for Transformational Change through listening, learning, and relationship building among diverse peoples and communities. 

A Brief History of Lutherans and American Indian & Alaskan Natives


On this Page:

Videos
Justice Resources
Treaties and Mapping Tools
Places to Visit
Resources-Tink Tinker
Books
Congregational Resources
Cultural Education
ELCA Resolutions

Videos

Videos


Online Videos

  • ​Animated Short Videos: Created by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, these videos address a variety of topics that many people outside Indian Country wonder about
  • Native Nations: Standing Together for Civil Rights.  Produced for and funded by the ELCA, “Native Nations: Standing Together for Civil Rights is a one-hour documentary exploring the role of the Lutheran church in the American Indian civil rights movement of the 1970s and 1980s.” 
  • The Sandy Lake Tragedy.  Written and directed by Lorraine Norrgard and published by the Great Lakes Indian Fish and Wildlife Commission, “The Sandy Lake Tragedy” recounts the effects of U.S. government attempts to forcibly relocate the Ojibwe from Wisconsin, Michigan, and eastern Minnesota to the west of the Mississippi River in the mid-nineteenth century without adequate supplies or preparation.
  • Unspoken: America's Native American Boarding Schools Unspoken: America’s Native American Boarding Schools “takes a moving and insightful look into the history, operation, and legacy of the federal Indian Boarding School system…”
  • Zaagibagaang: Anishinaabe Values in Action.  The videos in this series explore topics ranging from core teachings within the Ojibwe culture to an explanation of tribal governance and sovereignty. 

Movies/Documentaries

  • The Doctrine of Discovery.  This video along with its accompanying conversation guide are available for loan through the synod office. The Doctrine of Discovery documentary is “a story of historical truth, spirituality, and resistance, told on behalf of the original nations and peoples of (America).  This doctrine of ancient Christendom (for which the documentary was named), supported by papal edicts, continues to serve as the conceptual foundation of the political and legal system of the United States…”  
  • Ohiyesa: The Soul of an Indian (available by loan through the synod office).  “This documentary follows Kate Beane, a young Dakota woman, as she examines the extraordinary (bridge-building) life of her celebrated relative, Charles Eastman (Ohiyesa)
  • Neither Wolf nor Dog (see website for viewing locations; film is NR but contains strong language and complex topics so viewer discretion is advised). ​

Places to Visit


Bookstores

  • Birchbark Books - A great independent bookstore in Minneapolis owned by native author Louise Erdrich.  They have a great selection of books and knowledgeable staff.

Heritage Centers and Museums

  • Bois Forte Heritage Center and Cultural Museum 
  • Fond du Lac Band Cultural Center and Museum
  • Grand Portage National Monument Heritage Center: Operating hours, seasons and fees can be located under the “Plan Your Visit” tab in “General Information”​
  • Mille Lacs Indian Museum & Trading Post
  • Bois Forte Heritage Center and Cultural Museum 
  • Fond du Lac Band Cultural Center and Museum
  • Grand Portage National Monument Heritage Center: Operating hours, seasons and fees can be located under the “Plan Your Visit” tab in “General Information”​
  • Mille Lacs Indian Museum & Trading Post

Books


​Book Lists Suitable for All Ages Compiled by Other Organizations:
  • Social Justice Books: A Teaching for Change Project
  • Non-fiction Books by the Zinn Education Project: Teaching People's History
  • Sherman, Sean: The Sioux Chef’s Indigenous Kitchen
Cookbooks
  • Erdich, Heidi:  Original Local  This book is historical fiction written from the perspective of European settlers.  The author is open about his use of creative license.  However, the overall timeline of events is fairly accurate.
  • ​Nerburn, Kent:  Neither Wolf nor Dog  This book is a lyrical picture book suitable for all ages.  With older youth, teens and adults, it can be used as a great conversation starter. 
  • Mustful, Colin Resisting Removal: The Sandy Lake Tragedy of 1850
  • Lindstrom, Carole We Are Water Protectors Recommended by youth in NEMN Synod, this book is appropriate for readers aged middle school and up.  Book study questions are included in the book.  
  • Erdrich, LouiseLove Medicine 
Fiction
  • Bruchac, Joseph  Code Talker
  • Wikerson, Isabel Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents 
  • Treuer, Anton: Everything You Wanted to Know About Indians But Were Afraid to Ask
  • Ojibwe in Minnesota A remix of the National-award winning, Stamped from the Beginning, that is suited for readers aged 12 and up.
  • Smith, Paul Chaat and Warrior, Robert: Like A Hurricane  This book explores the case of Ojibwe chief, Joe White, in its historical context.  It discusses Ojibwe political and social systems and structures, including the roles of chiefs, headmen, and warriors as well as communities and bands.  It helps the reader understand the complex relationships between Native and non-native communities and the Lake Superior and Mississippi bands, as well as the effects colonialism has had on those relationships.  The author’s dissertation paper by the same name can be found online.
  • Reynolds, Jason and Kendi, Ibram X. Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You and Leader's Guide 
  • Redix, Erik The Murder of Joe White: Ojibwe Leadership and Colonialism in Wisconsin
  • Pevar, Stephen L: The Rights of Indians and Tribes This book is suitable for high school and up.
  • NMAI: Do All Indians Live in Tipis?  “Knowing just a little bit about Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), I found this book very interesting about Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD) and how it is defined in the Native American culture and how their (historical experience) plays a major part of it.” - Bridge Building Task Force member
  • Nesper, Larry The Walleye War: The Struggle for Ojibwe Spearfishing and Treaty Rights with a digital Leader's Guide  This series is suitable for youth and up.
  • Littlemoon, Walter They Called Me Uncivilized: The Memoir of an Everyday Lakota Man from Wounded Knee
  • Lewis, John March: Book One and Educator's Guide or Discussion Guide  
    • March: Book Two
    • March: Book Three 
    • Reading Guide for all three books created by the Religious Action Center 
  • Kimmerer, Robin Wall Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants Suitable for high school and up.
  • Kendi, Ibram X. Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America This book is suitable for youth and up.
  • Katongole, Emmanuel M. and Rice, Chris P. Reconciling All Things: A Christian Vision for Justice, Peace and Healing and Discussion Guide 
  • Jewell, Tiffany This Book Is Anti-Racist: 20 Lessons on How to Wake Up, Take Action, and Do the Work and Family Activity-based Discussion Guide or Teaching Guide ​For a more in depth description, please reference the book’s forward.
  • Genuisz, Mary Siisip: Plants Have So Much to Give Us, All We Have to Do is Ask: Anishinaabe Botanical Teachings This book is suitable for youth and up.
  • Eastman, Charles:  The Soul of the Indian (ebook)  Suitable for youth and up.
  • Dunbar-Ortiz, Roxanne An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States for Young People and accompanying Leader's Guide 
  • Curtice, Kaitlin B. Native: Identity, Belonging, and Rediscovering God and Conversation Guide
  • Child, Brenda: Boarding School Seasons
  • Holding Our World Together: Ojibwe Women and the Survival of Community Non-fiction
  • Charleston, Steven The Four Vision Quests of Jesus

2019 Fall Theological Conference 

With Tink Tinker

  • The Irrelevance of euro-christian Dichotomies for Indigenous Peoples - Tink Tinker
  • Why I Do Not Believe in a Creator - Tink Tinker
  • "Damn It, He's An Injun! Christian Murder, Colonial Wealth, and Tanned Human Skin - Tink Tinker
  • Decolonizing the Language of Lutheran Theology: Confessions, Mission, Indians, and the Globalization of Hybridity - Tink Tinker
  • American Indians, Conquest, the Christian Story, and Invasive Nation-Building - Tink Tinker

Treaties and Mapping Tools


Maps and Maping Tools

  • This mapping website is a useful partner to TreatiesMatter, allowing anyone to look up treaty history in relation to particular places simply by clicking on them.
  • “Invasion of America” interactive map - territorial changes from 1776 to 1887
  • Native Lands project map - highly encourage users to read the site’s teacher’s guide before using (the “Think critically…” link)
  • NE MN Synod Map This maps shows congregation locations by conference as well as reservation boundaries and off reservation communities.
  • Tribal Nations Maps

Treaties

  • TreatiesMatter.org: This website is great for providing information and generating discussion.  Educator guides are available for free download.
  • The 1854 Treaty Authority published a helpful pamphlet titled “The Right to Hunt and Fish Therein”
  • “Treaty Rights and Obligations” is a simple website with links to resources for considering how we are all treaty people.

ELCA Resolutions


Repudiation of the Doctrine of Discovery

  • ​ELCA Resolution passed at Churchwide Assembly 2016
  • NE MN Synod Resolution 17-1 passed at Synod Assembly 2017

Anti-Racism Commitments

  • ​Declaration of the ELCA to People of African Descent
  • Commemoration of the Emanuel Nine — June 17
​How Strategic and Authentic is Our Diversity, an ELCA Report

Congregational Resources ​


Faith-Based Book Studies

  • The Four Vision Quests of Jesus by Rt. Rev. Steven Charleston and Book Club Questions to Spark Discussion  Suitable for high school and up
  • Native: Identity, Belonging, and Rediscovering God by Kaitlin B. Curtice and Conversation Guide  Suitable for youth and up
  • Reconciling All Things: A Christian Vision for Justice, Peace and Healing by Emmanuel M. Katongole and Chris P. Rice and Discussion Guide  Suitable for high school and up​
  • More book suggestions, including book studies using advocacy and historically focused books, can be found in the “Books” section of this resource library.

Group Discussion and Study

  • ​Conversations: Race Relations “This resource promotes change—a reformation of heart, mind, attitude and behavior.”
  • ELCA Racial Justice Resource Page “This resource page provides you a visual way to explore and download the many types of resources we have available.”
  • One Body, Many Members “These materials will lead you through the lands of race, culture and class in the United States, to meet God every step of the way. You will practice skills you need to know to speak the language of welcome and show actions of caring. You will sense more clearly God’s purpose for you in today’s world.”
  • Talking Together as Christians About Tough Social Issues “The suggestions in this guide have been gleaned from groups and organizations with considerable experience in helping people with conversations such as these.”
  • Troubling Waters “This study is an invitation to explore who we are...This resource addresses the need to examine the sin of racism and its affect (sic) on mission and ministry within a multicultural society….(it) was developed to confront and discuss openly the truth of our past and present in order to be set free to move from privilege to partnership. It was developed to work toward the vision of ”that Rainbow Church, that beloved community” where all are treated as people created in the image of God.” 

Justice Resources ​


Decolonization

​Decolonization is an action-driven ideology that incorporates truth-telling with the process of cultural reclamation in order to reverse the negative impacts of colonialism. It's a journey that invites you to explore your own roots while simultaneously taking inventory of the systems of colonization under which we all live today with the sole intention of deconstructing those systems so that they can be rebuilt in just and inclusive ways.
  • Start the decolonization journey:
    • Decolonization - Meaning What Exactly provides a survey of decolonization and invites you to spend time reflecting on where you are in the decolonization journey.
    • PULLING TOGETHER: A GUIDE FOR FRONT-LINE STAFF, STUDENT SERVICES, AND ADVISORS - Understanding Decolonization, Indigenization, and Reconciliation
      • Originally written for educators in Canada, this resource invites you to think critically about the systems in which we operate and how we can restructure these systems in a way that promotes reconciliation.​

Justice Issues

  • ​Faith Formation Resources: Understanding and Addressing ​Racism and Racial Justice with Young People compiled by the Northeastern Minnesota Synod Minister for Discipleship and Christian Community 
  • Justice Issues: informational resources compiled by the United Church of Christ

Implicit Association

  • Implicit Association Test: founded in 1998, Project Implicit is a non-profit organization and international collaboration between researchers who are interested in implicit social cognition. The goal of the organization is to educate the public about hidden biases and to provide a “virtual laboratory” for collecting data on the Internet. On this site, you can take a variety of pictorial quizzes to explore implicit biases you may not be aware you possess.  Feel free to decline to answer any demographic questions you are asked

Cultural Education Resources


General Information

  • Animated Short Videos: Created by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, these videos address a variety of topics that many people outside Indian Country wonder about
  • Blanket Exercise Topics: Click on the topic
    • Biological Warfare/Infected Blankets 
    • Boarding School Era
    • Congress Ends Treaty Making Era 
    • Doctrine of Discovery 
    • Dawes Allotment Act
      • Read the Act here.
    • Grant’s Peace Policy 
    • Indian Child Welfare Act
      • Read the Act here. 
    • Indian Removal Act
      • Read the Act here.
    • Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act 
      • Read the Act here. 
    • Native American Languages Act
      • Read the Act here. 
    • Overview of Late 19th Century Policies 
    • Public Law 280
      • Read the law here. 
    • Sandy Lake Tragedy 
    • Termination Policy 
    • Terra Nullius 
    • United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People
    • Wheeler-Howard Act
      • Read the Act here.
    • Worcester v. Georgia 
      • Read the opinion here.
  • Culture Card: A Guide to Build Cultural Awareness: “This guide is intended to serve as a general briefing to enhance cultural competence…”
  • The Great Lakes Indian Fish & Wildlife Commission provides many useful educational and informative materials.​
  • Tools to learn about Ojibwe and Dakota in Minnesota 

Intergenerational (Historical) Trauma 

  • Intergenerational Trauma: Understanding Natives' Inherited Pain

Regional Stories and History

  • ​Ongigamiinsing Dibaajimowinan (Duluth's Stories): This website is a useful Duluth-oriented resource that grew out of a collaboration between the city and Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa.
  • The US-Dakota War of 1862 and its interactive map, which covers info on Minnesota treaty lands, a project of the Minnesota Historical Society

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