Much of what defines religion in the United States today can be traced back to its historical and contemporary relationship with indigenous peoples. One of the most traumatic chapters in the history of this relationship is that of Indian residential schools. For more than 100 years, indigenous children were sent away from their homes, their families, and their cultures to be "re-educated" in environments that were often neglectful, violent, hostile, and even deadly. Many of these 400 schools across 37 states were run by churches.

 

Join the Rev. Steven Paulikas, Rector of All Saints' Episcopal Church in Brooklyn, New York and our expert guest, Dr. Anton Treuer, Professor of Ojibwe at Bemidji State University and author of over 20 books, to learn more about both the intergenerational trauma caused by Indian residential schools, and what churches can do to bring about reconciliation and healing.

 

This special episode is being released by Episcopal Divinity School to mark Native American Heritage Month.