Our Charge:

 “There shall be an annual conference committee on Native American ministry or other structure to provide for these ministries and maintain the connectional relationships. The basic membership of the committee shall be nominated and elected by established procedure of the respective annual conferences. Each annual conference shall determine the number and composition of the total membership.” (Book of Discipline, 2016, ¶654).

The Northern Illinois Conference Committee on Native American Ministries (CONAM) seeks to:

• Provide basic educational resources for churches to explore the history and culture of Native Americans in their region, and gain a better understanding of contemporary Native American life;
• Empower congregations to explore Native American theology through book studies, conversation and building relationships with Native Americans in the conference and surrounding conferences;
• Explore the call to repentance initiated by the 2012 General Conference and the Council of Bishops;
• Support our Ministry of Presence with the St. Kateri Center of Chicago, a Roman Catholic Native American community with whom CONAM has had a relationship for over 25 years, through fundraising for educational and cultural programs, participation at events, and teaching cross-cultural workshops.

The Northern Illinois region has a  high population of Native Americans from varying tribes, many of whom have encountered harm or misunderstanding from the Christian church.  As United Methodists, we accept the mandate to work for reconciliation and healing when possible and to form meaningful relationships with Native American people as we work together to bring about the reign of God. 

Contacts:

Chair - Michelle Oberwise Lacock Email
Secretary - Nancy Blade Email
Find out more by visiting the Native American Committee's Facebook Page.

Educational Resource:

Indians of the Midwest
This is an excellent online resource specific to Native peoples of the Great Lakes region.