During our November 10, 2024 service, An Honest Thanksgiving, Rev. Rachel told a truer story about Native American history than what is traditionally portrayed in our culture. As the service description noted, “An honest history invites us all to begin moving toward right relationship with Native communities.” The Reckoning Team is a newly formed group exploring what this might mean for People’s Church in general and in the context of the land on which our building sits – the land we steward – as a way to live into the truer story. This may develop into a land acknowledgement statement and will take other forms as well.

The Green Sanctuary Committee is pleased to participate in this initiative by offering three events to help guide our understanding of the indigenous connection to land as a living entity. Mark your calendar and join us in Room 19 at 12:15 for these moderated programs, discussion and a light lunch.

February 23, 2025 – 12:15-2:00
Women Rule (PBS)
Native women are leading, innovating, and inspiring in the arts, politics, and protecting the planet. Native America explores the diverse ways they carry forward deep traditions to better their communities, their lands, and the world.
Moderator: Leeanne Seaver

March 30, 2025 – 12:15-1:30
DeLano Farms (Kalamazoo Nature Center)
Join farm manager, Kirsten Clemente and volunteers for this panel discussion about regenerative agriculture and related activities at the homestead founded by the DeLano family in the mid-1800s. This working farm features many offerings, including vegetable shares through its community supported ag-riculture (CSA) program, re-skilling workshops and programs for children.
Moderator: Steve Bertman

April 27, 2025 – 12:15 – 1:30
Gifts of the Land: A Walking Tour with Robin Wall Kimmerer
Kimmerer is a Potawatomi botanist, author (Braiding Sweetgrass, etc.), and director of the Center for Native Peoples and the Environment at the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry. In this short video, Kimmerer invites us to view the Earth as providing us with everything we need to live – gifts that come with a responsibility to care for and respect the natural world in reciprocal relationship.