GNW Circle of Indigenous Ministries
The Circle of Indigenous Ministries supports Native American and Indigenous churches, fellowships, and ministry partners through resourcing, coaching, consultation, and friendship in the Alaska, Oregon-Idaho and Pacific Northwest Conferences
Developing mutual, healing, and life-affirming relationships with Native and Indigenous peoples in and outside the church is part of the GNW Area’s ongoing efforts to heal historic trauma and dismantle racism.
Rev. Dr. Allen Buck, a citizen of the Cherokee Nation and elder at Great Spirit United Methodist Church in Portland, serves as its director.
To learn more watch the video down below about the Circles 10 year plan of action!
Contact:
Program Facilitator: msanchez@greaternw.org
Dr. Rev. Allen Buck Jr: abuck@greaternw.org
An Invitation to Join This Great Work
You are invited to participate in the Circle of Indigenous Ministries Truth-Telling Project, which will focus on building relationships, deep research in the harms of colonialism, emotional repair, and more to bring repentance and healing to Indigenous communities often marginalized and traumatized by the Church.
This year during several Annual Conference’s the Circle shared the ongoing work of the Truth-Teller’s and their findings. If you’d like to check out the full video and PDF of their work click the links below.
Grow the circle
The Circle of Indigenous Ministries is grateful for the financial support that comes from grants provided by The Alaska, Oregon-Idaho and Pacific Northwest Conferences.
Contributing to The Circle of Indigenous Ministries will allow this to be a sustainable ministry committed to life-affirming and healing relationships with Native American and Indigenous peoples.
2025 SLAM Trips
Looking for a summer service experience for your youth? The Greater Northwest Area has a collaborative trip for youth groups that partners with SLAM Trips (Students Learning About Mission) on the Yakama Reservation in Central Washington. This de-colonized mission trip is native-led and focuses on a balance of relationship growing, learning, and service with Yakama elders and community members.
The plan for Indigenous Ministries
The Western Jurisdiction’s Plan for Indigenous Ministries is a 10-year commitment to Truth, Repair, Self-Determination, and Indigenous Leadership. Guided by the Circle of Indigenous Ministries, we are building relationships, addressing past harms, and supporting Native-led ministry across the Greater Northwest.
Uncovering and sharing our church’s historic impact on Native communities.
Committing to real acts of justice—like land return and financial restitution.
Ensuring Indigenous voices lead decisions about land and assets.
Investing in Indigenous leaders to shape the future of the church.
2025 Annual Report on the Circle of Indigenous Ministries.
Sign Up for our Newsletter for updates, resources, and opportunities to get involved.
The importance of land acknowledgment
As the Circle of Indigenous Ministries grows, so, too, does the list of resources available for local churches and ministry settings to use. Land acknowledgment is one of the first steps in understanding and beginning to heal the historical traumas perpetuated by the church. We hope our land acknowledgment resource page can guide you in your journey of hope, healing and friendship.