66th annual National Tekakwitha Conference held in Arizona

By Veronica Valandra
Director of Native Concerns

   The 66th annual national Kateri Tekakwitha Conference was held July 20 - 24 in Tucson, Arizona, at the Tucson Convention Center. The theme for this year’s conference was “Blessed Kateri, Bearer of Spiritual Rain from the Mountains to the Desert to all Nations.” The conference was sponsored by all the Kateri Circles of Arizona.

Members of the Marty Kateri Circle and a member of the Cheyenne River Kateri Circle as they prepare for the grand entry of Kateri Circles on Thursday morning, July 21. (Courtesy photo)

      Keynote speakers at the conference included Bishop Gerald Kicanas of Tucson, who said people in Arizona know the benefits of rain; Lt. Governor Mary V. Thomas, Gila River Indian Community, who spoke on “Spiritual Exercises;” and Steve Saffron, who talked on “Laughter, Love, and Healing.” Various workshops were held throughout the conference with a separate agenda for the youth. Cultural day activities were held at San Xavier Mission hosted by the Tohono O’Odham Nation.

Wanda Standing Bear and Geraldine Goes In Center, with two youth members, were some of the Kateri delegation from the Pine Ridge Reservation. They are shown waiting for the grand entry. (Courtesy photo)

The Diocese of Rapid City had 61 delegates at the conference representing all five west river reservation Kateri Circles and their clergy. The Kateri Youth Group of St. Isaac Jogues Parish in Rapid City participated in the Saturday liturgy by doing the signing of the “Our Father.”

    Next year’s annual Tekakwitha Conference will be held in Seattle, Washington.