Prayer
News Alert
This is an update provided by Jean Steffenson that will allow you to continue praying for the restoration of our nation through the First Nations people by acknowledging and seeing them restored. This is a governmental issue. If the Resolution of Apology to the Native Americans is approved, this will create a measure of healing between our government and the First Nations people.
Blessings,
Chuck D. Pierce
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Resolution of Apology to the Native Americans
U.S. 109th Congress S.J. Res. 15 & H.J. Res. 3
Report from Jean Steffenson - Native American Resource Network
If they confess their iniquity and the iniquity of their fathers with their unfaithfulness in which they were unfaithful to Me, and that they have also walked contrary to Me, .... Then I will remember My covenant .... I will remember the land.
Leviticus 40: 40 & 42
Your prayer support for the Resolution of Apology from the United States to American Indians is greatly appreciated and has been effective. Senator Sam Brownback (R-KS) introduced the Resolution in the Senate April 19, 2005. Senator Daniel Inouye (D-HI) has agreed to be the lead Democrat. Rep. Jo Ann Davis (R-VA) has introduced the resolution in the House. It is gaining momentum but we have a long way to go to get this passed through the Senate and the House.
For over 11 generations the Native Americans have suffered much injustice by the actions of the U.S. Government, Congress, Office of the President and the courts. This is the generation to break that cycle. In the past few Christians sought reconciliation, healing and justice for the Native people. We need to take a stand now with the senators and representatives who are willing to acknowledge these injustices. Your continued prayer is needed. Action is also needed. Please contact your senators and representatives in Congress and encourage them to support this Resolution. For your Senators the resolution is S.J. Res. 15 and Representatives it is H.R Res. 3. The language of the resolution as introduced is available on the Internet through the Library of Congress web site: http://thomas.loc.gov. Full content of press releases, the resolution and other information are available on www.narnministries.org.
Sen. Brownback Resolution of Apology - Press Release April 20, 2005
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Sam Brownback yesterday reintroduced legislation to offer an apology from the government of the United States to American Indians. Senators Byron Dorgan (D-ND) and Christopher Dodd (D-CT) cosponsored the legislation.
This resolution recognizes and honors the importance of Native Americans to this land and to our nation - in the past and today - and offers an official apology to the Native peoples for the poor and painful past choices our government sometimes made to disregard its solemn word," Brownback said. "This is a resolution of apology and a resolution of reconciliation. It is a step toward healing the wounds that have divided us for so long - a potential foundation for a new era of positive relations between Tribal governments and the federal government. It is past time for us to heal our land of division, and bring us together as one people.
The legislation, S.J.Res. 15, commends and honors the Native peoples for the thousands of years that they have stewarded and protected this land, and apologizes on behalf of the people of the United States to all Native peoples for the many instances of violence, maltreatment, and neglect inflicted on them by citizens of the United States. It also commits to build on the positive relationships of the past and present to move toward a brighter future where all the people of this land live reconciled as brothers and sisters, and harmoniously steward and protect this land together."
For the full content of this News Release and Senator Brownback introductory remarks to the Senate go to www.narnministries.org
Tex Hall, President of the National Congress of American Indians
Press Release April 19, 2005
The resolution is the same resolution that passed the out of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs last year and specifically addresses the Trail of Tears, the Long Walk, the Wounded Knee Massacre, Assimilation and Termination policies and calls upon the President "bring healing to this land" by acknowledging the government's offensive history. President Hall said, "Once again I want to let everyone in America know that Indian Country has a friend and advocate in Senator Sam Brownback. It has been his vision to push Congress to begin taking the steps to right the wrongs committed against our people and nations in the past centuries. I want to also praise Senators Byron Dorgan and Christopher Dodd for stepping in and joining this fight. This is a great moment and while the Senate Resolution does not come with compensation, it is a meaningful start for fixing what is wrong. The fact that Congress is even considering an official policy to Indian Country is a testament to our growing political strength"
News Media Please pray for favorable media coverage such as the following comments made in the New York Times June 28, 2004 when this Resolution was introduced.
The Long Trail to Apology
All manner of unusual things can happen in Washington in an election year, but few seem so refreshing as a proposed official apology from the federal government to American Indians - the first ever - for the "violence, maltreatment and neglect" inflicted upon the tribes for centuries. A resolution of formal apology for "a long history of official depredations and ill-conceived policies" has been quietly cleared for a Senate vote, with proponents predicting passage. Tribal leaders have been offering mixed reactions of wariness ("words on paper") and approval somewhat short of delight ("a good first step").
True, no federal reparations or claim settlements are at stake. But the rhetoric of the resolution pulls few punches about the genocidal wounds American Indians suffered in being uprooted for the New World. The Trail of Tears, the Long Walk, the Wounded Knee Massacre and other travails are specified in the resolution, which calls on President Bush to "bring healing to this land" by acknowledging the government's offensive history.
Quote from Native Times April 21, 2005 "It is the right first step," NCAI Treasurer Ron Allen said at the time. "However, we have a long way to go. Indian people are still being left behind in this country."
This apology should open doors for better relationships and understanding. Hopefully not only will it be "no child left behind" but no Indian left behind.
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"For a subject worked and reworked so often in novels, motion pictures and television American Indians remain probably the least understood and most misunderstood Americans of us all." --President John Kennedy, 1963
Strategic Prayer Points - Joint Resolution of Apology to the Native Peoples
Gary Bergel - Intercessors of America
"Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation….and has committed to us the word of reconciliation." 2 Corinthians 5:18-19 NKJV
1. Offer thanksgiving for the initial introduction and progress of the Resolution of Apology. Thank God for the courageous leadership of Sen. Sam Brownback and Rep. Jo Ann Davis who introduced the Apology. Intercede that the Lord grant them, their families, and staff grace, wisdom, protection, favor and continued guidance as they work for passage.
2. Pray for speedy and favorable Senate hearings and passage to the full Senate from the Indian Affairs Committee, (Sen. John McCain, Chairman) and from the House Committee on Resources. Pray by name for the members of these committees; see Web sites http://indian.senate.gov/members.htm and http://resourcescommittee.house.gov/subcommittees/naia/members.htm
3. Intercede for more Senators and Representatives to be willing to support the Resolution, to quickly sign on as co-sponsors, and to help promote and pass it. Pray that the Lord grace assist and direct all Senate and House members and staff who are working to gain both Democratic and Republican co-sponsors and passage. Pray for the speedy gathering of a broad working coalition of leaders and organizations who will support, promote and work for congressional passage.
4. Pray for Gayle Norton, Secretary of Interior and Bureau of Indian Affairs, Director Patrick Ragsdale and the Assistant Director Bonnie Pacquin to catch the heart and vision of the Resolution, to support it, and to work for its passage and proclamation.
5. Intercede that the Holy Spirit awaken and educate the church and nation on the need for this Resolution which will bring reconciliation, justice and release to the Native American Peoples. Pray for influential members of the press and media to become advocates for the Resolution. Ask God to show you how you are to continue in prevailing prayer on this matter, and what He would have you do to help bring about speedy passage of the Resolution. Visit the central Web site, www.NativeRes.org, when it is operational and interactive next week.
6. Intercede that all opposition to the Resolution be overcome and thwarted. Pray that the Lord release "wisdom from above" (James 3:13-18) to put all hearts, minds and concerns at rest, and that a great groundswell of support now rise among Native tribal chiefs and leaders, public officials in each state, and church leaders and pastors across the country. Pray that this Resolution of Apology to America's indigenous peoples be seen as complementary and helpful, rather than demeaning or competitive in any way with the pending needs for apology, reconciliation and justice to come to members of the African American community.
7. Intercede that President George W. Bush and his administration will support and publicly proclaim this long-awaited Resolution of Apology to the Native American Peoples.
8. Offer praise, worship and thanksgiving that we are privileged to be witnesses and co-laborers in this new day of reconciliation and "healing" which is dawning and growing brighter and brighter across the whole of America.
Jean Steffenson
Native American Resource Network
PO Box 2097
Elizabeth, CO 80107
Phone 303-646-4642
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