Diocesan Workshop : Dismantling Our Past to Live Our Future Differently: Respecting Our Indigenous Neighbors

Joe Hubbard, Rector of St. Matthew’s and St. Andrew’s Episcopal Churches, Rapid City, SD; Sarah Hartzel, parishioner at St. Ambrose Episcopal Church, Boulder and co- founder of Indigenous Allies, a coalition of Christian churches; Martha Dever, Chair, Social Action Ministries at St. John’s Episcopal Church, Boulder; Tim H., co-author of Adult Children of Manifest Destiny, a 12-step program for reflecting on Christian Supremacy; Marrton Dormish, advocate and writer; and Sarah Augustine, Author.

This workshop will begin by engaging participants in an examination of the structural limitations and social norms in our systems, that have been shaped over centuries by the Doctrine of Discovery. We grew up and live in an environment where Christian supremacy is the norm, and Indigenous history and cultures have been demonized and dismissed. Those limitations and norms have denied upward mobility and equal opportunity to many of our Indigenous neighbors and others today. After confronting our past, presenters will share ways to support upward mobility and equal opportunity for our Indigenous neighbors by briefly sharing stories about how they are supporting Indigenous communities via education and action.

The format will include brief presentations followed by discussions in small groups. Moderator Rev. Joe Hubbard will introduce the topic and format followed by presentations of approximately six minutes each. Then, participants will be divided into discussion groups to reflect and envision commitments they might make for the future. Author Sarah Agustine will lead the a final reflection and debriefing gathering of the whole group.