Churches Deliver Apology To Natives - Missionaries Erred, They Now Say
by Brian S. Akre - Associated Press Writer
JUNEAU - One by one, clergy-men took to the pulpit to solemnly
apologize for their churches' past wrongs against Alaska's Indians,
Aleuts and Eskimos and ask the Native congregation for forgiveness.
In the 200 years since missionaries brought Christianity to Alaska, "we
have responded with fear, suspicion, arrogance, hostility and a
patronizing attitude that treats your people like children," said the
Rev. Larry Olson, pastor of Resurrection Lutheran Church.
"I pray for your forgiveness for our sins against your people."
Natives expressed their gratitude for the apologies by clergy from
Juneau's Roman Catholic, Lutheran, Russian Orthodox and Presbyterian
churches, and summoned up the pain they endure from lingering prejudice
against their rich cultures.
The two-hour service at the Northern Light United Church on Wednesday
night was officiated by Father John Hascall, an Ojibwa medicine man and
Catholic priest from Sault Ste. Marie, Mich., known for his Indian
healing ceremonies.
"I don't want you to feel sorry for us," Hascall told the congregation
of 200 indigenous Alaskans.
"I want you to look at us as Native people, as people of sovereign
nations, which we are. As people of high morals. As people of high
respect. As people who want to be equal.
"We have not been equals to this day," Hascall said. "We have not been
able to stand with our heads held high to this day."
The service, delivered partly in Native languages, began with a
traditional Indian blessing of the congregation.''
Cy Peck Jr. of Juneau, a 57-year-old Tlingit Indian, walked down the
church aisles with a dish of cedar embers, fanning the smoke with a
large eagle feather.
Dressed in a simple robe covered by two beaded medicine sashes, the
deep-voiced Hascall chanted in prayer while shaking an Indian rattle.
Atop the altar, next to a large Bible, were offerings of tobacco - "The
medicine of our people," Hascall said.
He spoke of the Natives' appreciation and respect for the land and
wildlife, and of the changes wrought upon Mother Earth by the white
man. "Our mother has been raped and hurt so many times. And this
hurts us."
Then it was time for the apologies.
"Tonight I humbly ask your forgiveness for the blunders, for the times
the Catholic missionaries here have failed to appreciate the depth of
Native spirituality ant to affirm the beauty of Native language, Native
culture, Native tradition, Native art," Catholic Bishop Michael Kenny
said.
Kenny, who organized the service, later was presented with an eagle
feather, a symbol of respect.
The Rev. Lew Rooker, pastor of the host Methodist-Presbyterian church,
read from a resolution passed earlier this month by the Presbytery of
Alaska, which acknowledged the church's mistakes.
Presbyterian missionaries, "with best intentions of bringing the gospel
to Alaska, were among those who misunderstood the nature and purpose of
Native culture and artifacts," the resolution said.
To this day, some Alaskans mistakenly believe totem poles are idols,
Rooker said. The continuing destruction of Native graves and looting
of artifacts is "a kind of violence against some of God's children," he
said.
Several Natives stepped forward to express their appreciation of the
churches' gesture.
"Tonight you have shown us respect--great respect," said Paul Jackson
of Yakutat. "For this we respond with our respect."
David Katzeek, wearing a ceremonial Tlingit (pronounced CLINK-ut)
blanket, said the apologies had eased a deep hurt. "As a Native
person, I have had a lot of resentment, a lot of bitterness within my
heart."
Elders recalled how they were banned from speaking their Native
languages in school and made to feel ashamed of their culture.
"There were many times I was punished because I was speaking my own
Tlingit language, but now I'm very happy," said Emily Williams. "I'm
free to use my Tlingit language."
Carol Jorgensen, another Tlingit from Juneau, urged those present to
continue what was billed as a reconciliation between the churches and
Alaska's Native community.
"It's so easy to get caught up in the moment, and then we go on with
life," she said. "I hope this will continue to purge the pain."
"It's things like this that give you hope."