The situation of Indigenous Americans will be examined, beginning with the pre-Columbian historical context and the initiation and impact of the Doctrine of Discovery. The involvement of the Christian Church, from early missionary and colonization efforts will be discussed, focusing particularly on those of the Episcopal Church. The current realities and challenges of Indigenous life will also be presented, with suggestions on how the Church can most effectively and appropriately respond to the injustices of the past, many of which continue to the present day.

The Reverend Dr. Bradley Hauff (Oglala Sioux), Indigenous Ministries Missioner for the Episcopal Church

The Reverend Dr. Bradley S. Hauff is the Indigenous Missioner for the Episcopal Church, a member of the Presiding Bishop’s staff.  He is originally from South Dakota; born in Sioux Falls and raised in Rapid City, and he is enrolled with the Oglala Sioux Tribe (Lakota) of Pine Ridge, as were both of his parents.  He received his Master of Divinity degree from Seabury-Western Theological Seminary, where he also served on the Board of Trustees.  He received his Doctor of Clinical Psychology degree from the Minnesota School of Professional Psychology, and worked for a time in the mental health profession, specializing in Native American identity formation and domestic abuse interventions.  He has been an Episcopal priest for nearly 30 years and has served congregations in the dioceses of South Dakota, Minnesota, Florida and Pennsylvania.  He has written articles and made numerous presentations around the country on Native American issues.  He also served on the Task Force for Reimagining the Episcopal Church (TREC).