Indigenous Peoples Day
The Rev. AARON B. JENKYN
As we wake to celebrate Indigenous People’s Day, we are called to reflect on the history and ongoing presence of Indigenous peoples in our land. Here in New Hampshire, we acknowledge the Pennacook, Abenaki, and Wabanaki Peoples, who have lived on and cared for this land, N’dakinna (N-DAH-kee-nah), for countless generations. Their deep connection to the land (aki), water (nebi), plants (olakwika), and animals (awaasak) reminds us of the sacredness of creation, a sacredness we as the Episcopal Church strive to honor and steward today.
The Episcopal Church of New Hampshire recognizes the harm that has been done to Indigenous peoples, particularly after the loss of their unceded homelands. We reject the Doctrine of Discovery — the idea that any land not inhabited by Christians could be claimed and dominated. This doctrine justified the colonization of Indigenous lands and the exploitation of Indigenous peoples, and we renounce it, seeking instead to be part of reconciliation and healing.
Here in New England, we live in a region that is steeped in history. Many of our ancestors were among the first European settlers in this land, and we may feel pride in those connections. But as we grow in our understanding, we learn to hold two truths together: while we can honor our family histories, we must also recognize that European colonization caused deep harm to Indigenous communities. The settlers brought with them not only new hopes for a better life, but also practices that displaced Indigenous peoples, damaged ecosystems, and led to long-lasting wounds.
Our role, as a church, is not simply to look back with regret, but to move forward with a desire for reconciliation. Reconciliation means not only acknowledging the sins of the past, but also committing to a future where justice, healing, and relationship are possible. We are called to walk alongside Indigenous communities, to learn from their wisdom, and to work toward restoring what has been lost — not just in words, but in our actions.
Indigenous wisdom teaches us to view the Earth not as something to be used and dominated, but as a sacred trust. Their relationship with the land is a model for how we, too, might learn to live in harmony with creation. As Christians, we are called to care for the Earth as part of our faith. Genesis reminds us that we are to "till and keep" the garden — a reminder that we are stewards, not owners, of creation. The teachings of Indigenous peoples echo this truth, and we have much to learn from their example of sustainable, reverent living.
The Episcopal Church has taken important steps in renouncing past harm, but the real work is in how we live today. We are called to reduce our impact on the environment, to make sustainable choices, and to advocate for policies that protect the Earth and its most vulnerable inhabitants. And, just as importantly, we are called to stand with Indigenous communities, supporting their efforts to protect their lands and cultures in the face of climate threats.
As people of faith, our hope is also rooted in God’s promise of renewal. Romans 8 tells us that all of creation is groaning, waiting for healing, and we are called to be part of that healing — to take part in the restoration of the Earth and of our relationships with each other. This work is not easy, but it is essential. It is how we live out our faith in the world.
Let us continue to seek ways to honor Indigenous wisdom, to care for creation, and to live into the hope that God promises. As we do, may we remember that every step toward justice and healing is a reflection of God’s love and grace working through us.
FURTHER READINGS:
In 2021 The Episcopal Church of New Hampshire issued this official Land Acknowledgement:
We acknowledge the spiritual and physical connection the Pennacook, Abenaki, and Wabanaki Peoples have maintained to N’dakinna (N-DAH-kee-nah) and the aki (land), nebi (water), olakwika (flora), and awaasak (fauna) which the Episcopal Church of New Hampshire strives to steward today. We also acknowledge the hardships they continue to endure after the loss of unceded homelands. We reaffirm The Episcopal Church’s renunciation of the Doctrine of Discovery. We repent of these sins and take responsibility for working to repair these damages ecumenically. We seek to foster relationships and opportunities that strengthen the well-being of the Indigenous People who carry forward the traditions of their ancestors.
To learn more about our neighboring Indigenous communities, please visit The Cowasuck Band of the Pennacook-Abenaki People. or The Indigenous New Hampshire Collaborative Collective.
Click here to learn more about Indigenous Ministries in the Episcopal Church.
Questions, comments, or to talk more about this issue please contact Pastor Aaron at associate@stjohnsnh.org or call the office at 603-436-8283.