LAS CRUCES, NM — Near the bright desert of Las Cruces, hundreds of Native American Catholics gathered to celebrate their heritage and faith. The 86th Annual Tekakwitha Conference drew Indigenous Peoples from across the United States, including people from the Diocese of Raleigh’s geographical area. This event took place July 16-20, a few days after the feast of St. Kateri Tekakwitha (July 14 USA).
Kateri Tekakwitha was a young Mohawk woman who lived over 300 years ago among the Turtle Clan in Ossernenon, which is near present day Auriesville, New York. During her life, she would endure the loss of her parents to smallpox, blindness and disfigurement, persecution from her own people and a long journey on foot to a new village where she could practice her Catholic faith freely. Despite many challenges, she would choose to love Jesus until the end, saying “Jesus, I love you,” before she died at 24 years old.
To this day, Native American Catholics embrace her legacy by gathering, whether in Kateri Circles in local parishes or through the annual Tekakwitha Conference.
From the Diocese of Raleigh’s Kateri Circle, Richard and Isabel Duran (Pasqua Yaqui Tribe) and Renée Fisher (Korean-American) attended the conference and were greeted by old and new friends. Memorable highlights included discovering the power of the medicine wheel for discernment, candid stories shared around the dinner table, braiding sweetgrass and healing prayer conducted with smudging and whispered guidance.
During the conference, participants could experience workshops, daily Mass, a regional meeting, keynote speakers, a powwow and time to pray and mingle. The days were long and full, and the city of Las Cruces was warm and welcoming. For those who ventured out on cultural day, White Sands National Park, Mesilla and Dripping Springs trail helped to expand their horizons in the desert’s history and Native cultures.
The Tekakwitha Conference offers a unique opportunity to discover Native American Catholic heritage and is open to everyone. We encourage anyone who is interested to consider attending next year and to join our Kateri Circle for fellowship and prayer as we meet once per month on Zoom or locally. For inquiries to join our Kateri Circle, please email our ministry at nac@raldioc.org. For more information on the Tekakwitha Conference, visit tekconf.org.
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