On Jan. 18, young adults from The Oklahoma Indian Missionary Conference (OIMC) will travel to Washington, D.C. to participate in the first annual Indigenous Peoples March to bring awareness to injustices experienced by indigenous people around the world.
“All of creation is connected and when one suffers, we all suffer,” said the Rev. Bryan Tener, director of Connectional Ministries and Programs for the OIMC. He says indigenous voices have been silenced on issues such as access to quality health care, education, and extreme violence against Native women.
“It’s important for the OIMC, as a voice for the church, to stand with all of those who have been disenfranchised, including our own peoples. The Indigenous Peoples March is a powerful way to walk in solidarity and raise the issues that affect our daily lives,” he said.
The Rev. David Wilson, OIMC Conference Superintendent will lead the group from Oklahoma and invites other United Methodists to join them. He says participating in the march reflects the denomination’s commitment to social justice issues. OIMC supported Native leaders on the Standing Rock Sioux reservation when fighting against the Dakota Access pipeline in 2016. Last year, pastors from OIMC held a vigil praying for immigrant children outside of the Brownsville, Texas detention center. OIMC has also consistently taken a stand against the use of derogatory mascots.
“I am excited that young adults will be present for the March to continue to be a voice for OIMC and The United Methodist Church to show our support for indigenous peoples around the world,” said Wilson.
United Methodists and friends are invited to gather at the General Board of Church and Society building, 100 Maryland Avenue, N.E., in Washington, D.C. at 7:00 a.m. on Jan. 18. The main demonstration is set to take place starting at the Bureau of Indian Affairs on 1849 C Street NW, Washington, D.C. at 8 a.m. local time.
Throughout the world, indigenous people face challenges in regard to missing and murdered Indigenous women, border control, police brutality, and protecting Indigenous lands. More than 5,000 people are expected to march including groups from Australia, Guatemala, Papua New Guinea, Canada and various Tribal Nations from the United States.
