Exploring the History of Colonization and Genocide of Indigenous People

Part of Mosaic Lifespan Curriculum

Open

Warrior’s Prayer - Nakoa Heavy Runner (YouTube)

Check-In: What is one burden that you are carrying with you today?

Read

2020 Resolution: "Unitarian Universalist Association Calls for Supporting Indigenous Communities and Reckoning with 400 Years of Colonialism"

Information on the Bond School

There is an air of pride around being able to trace our faith’s ancestral roots to early “settlers” of the United States, or some that often feel like UUs have always on the “right side of history” as a faith.

It takes truth, pain, growth, understanding, and ownership to be able to admit that there is a great deal of harm that has had long-term impact in our history as well. These two pieces reflect just some of that harm.

Questions:

  • Looking over each of these articles and the information included, what feelings does this bring up for you?

  • Did you know about these pieces of our UU history?

  • How do you think this history of Unitarian Universalism impacts our faith today?

  • How do you think it still impacts indigenous peoples and communities today?

Watch

Rev. William Sinkford speaks to some of the UU history with the Ute people (Vimeo) (Joined Later by Forrest Church & Clifford Duncn)

Start at 41:30

If less time End at 51:35

If more time end at 57:36

For full experience, end at 1:03:23

Questions:

  • What are your thoughts on Rev. Sinkford’s words about reconciliation?

  • Thoughts on asking for forgiveness on behalf of the faith?

  • What are some of the steps still needed toward reconciliation and forgiveness in our faith and the relationship with indigenous peoples?

Do

We All Have a Stone To Carry, original activity by Adena Dannouf

Close

We Are Still Here - The Indigenous People of North America are still here. (YouTube. 3:52) R.J. Phillips Band

Listen to the song and contemplate the long-term impact of colonization and genocide on indigenous communities and what being “still here” may mean or look like.

Question: We have talked a lot about burden today. But as a faith, we are “still here.” What is one think you are thankful for about the faith or one hope you have for the future of the faith?

Take Home

If the whole clip wasn’t shared in the session, watch more of the 2019 General Assembly (Vimeo, begins at 41:30)