Streams School of Ministry: Standing with our Abenaki Friends

Posted by Matthew Ryan Keating

Over the past several years Scott Evelyn has formed relationships with Native Americans from all over North America. A few weeks ago the the school of ministry asked two natives from Nevada, Dan and Elmer, to minister to the students. During their stay a protocol ceremony was performed with Dan, Elmer, some other natives, and our church. New friendships were formed.

Last week were contacted by the local Native American leaders and asked to attend a hearing at the New Hampshire capital building. It was a great honor for us to be invited as non-Natives to be a part of a very historic event. The hearing was years in coming.

The day started with worship of the Creator in the tradition of the Abenaki. We gathered outside the capital building and a couple of the interns and Scott Evelyn were asked to join in on the drum.

The bitterly cold air began to wear on us and we soon headed to a local church for the second part of the day. We had hot, yummy beverages by the church, fellowship amongst the group of interns and Natives, then we finally viewed a short film about the preservation of language and culture of native people.

The climax of our day was the presentation of the House Bill 1610. A local chief named Peter Newell and several other leaders spoke as well as representatives from the government. There will be a vote soon to decide whether or not the Abenaki will be recognized as a people and represented by a council of seven people mostly comprised of natives. Although there was opposition to the bill, we are waiting with hope until the vote in a week or so.

Here are some pictures from the event: