Indigenous Peoples’ Day is observed on the second Monday of October each year. It celebrates and honors Indigenous American peoples and commemorates their histories, cultures, and contributions as America’s first peoples. We honor this day as a diocese, recognizing the deep spirituality grounded in respect for and care of creation and others. This day is an opportunity of reverence for our Indigenous Episcopalian siblings, who enrich the church through both lay and ordained ministry via modeling wisdom, resilience, and forbearance.
National Native American Heritage Month is celebrated each year in November. It is a time to celebrate the traditions, languages, and stories of Native American, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, and affiliated Island communities and ensure their rich histories and contributions continue to thrive with each passing generation.
*Resource: Native American, Alaskan, and Hawaiian Liturgies
Gathering Prayer
from ‘A Disciple’s Prayer Book’
Creator, we give you thanks for all you are and all you bring to us for our visit within your creation. In Jesus, you place the Gospel in the center of this Sacred Circle through which all of creation is related. You show us the way to live a generous and compassionate life. Give us your strength to live together with respect and commitment as we grow in your spirit, for you are God, now and forever.
Amen.
Other Resources
Land Acknowledgements:
- The Episcopal Church and Indigenous Land Acknowledgements
- How To Write A Land Acknowledgement For Your Parish from Building Faith
Prayer Books:
‘A Disciple’s Prayer Book,’ published by The Episcopal Church’s Indigenous Ministries, is a gift to the church from native Episcopalians to be used on our journey together toward becoming a church of disciples in mission to all of God’s creation.