We traveled to Alexandria, La, July 20-23, for the 83rd Annual Tekakwitha Conference. The Tekakwitha Conference is the voice, presence and identity of Indigenous Catholics of North America under the protection and intercession of Saint Kateri Tekakwitha. We, as members of the Tekakwitha Conference inspired by Saint Kateri Tekakwitha, a young Mohawk/Algonquin woman of the 17th Century, we renew our faith and reaffirm our baptismal call as followers of Jesus to proclaim the Good News.

During this trip we met so many people and we were blessed to be able to participate. We were asked and we were honored to be able to help with a healing and reconciliation service one evening. Ben and I represented our Sicangu Lakota tribe, St. Francis Mission, the Diocese of Rapid City and the state of South Dakota at this Conference. We were honored that Bishop Peter Muhich of our diocese was able to attend along with Native American Ministry Director, Germaine Little Bear. They also represented South Dakota.

We are so blessed to be able to hear and meet Jake Finkbonner and his mother Elsa’s story. They shared his story of his recovery from necrotizing fasciitis and how family and friends prayed to Blessed Kateri for healing and her intercession. Jake’s healing was the second miracle needed to elevate Blessed Kateri to sainthood in 2012.  We also met three of the 2023 Conference committee members. The 2023 Conference will be held in Minneapolis, Minn., next year.

I am the chairperson for the youth planning committee for 2023. We accepted the Saint Kateri Statues and Relic for the next year. I am looking for volunteers to assist on the planning committee from our region. I can be reached at 605-747-2436 or email jenny.blackbear@sfmission.net. I look forward to working with all the region members, Tekakwitha board members, and the 2023 planning committee. I am very proud to be able to represent all Native people in my region.

Pilamaya ye, Thank you!