Native American Inter-Tribal Caucus: A Call to Protect Sacred Waters & Land

The Native American Inter-Tribal Caucus (NAIC) of The United Methodist Church has released two public statements addressing issues deeply important to Indigenous Peoples and to all who share a sacred responsibility to care for Creation. WMJM is grateful to share these statements with our community. These statements address issues that are deeply important to Indigenous Peoples and to all who believe in the sacred responsibility of caring for Creation.

The first statement calls for the protection of sacred Indigenous Lands, including Bears Ears, Chaco Canyon, and other sacred places that continue to hold profound spiritual, cultural, and historical significance for Tribal Nations.

These are not simply public lands. They are sacred homelands, living cultural landscapes, places of prayer, ceremony, healing, and memory that have sustained Tribal Nations since time immemorial."
 — NAIC

The second statement stands in solidarity with the Lumbee People as they work to protect their sacred Waters, their homeland, and the health and well-being of their communities.

“The River is more than water flowing across the land—it is a living Relative, carrying the memories of Ancestors and the responsibility of every generation to protect what the Creator has entrusted to our care.” 
— NAIC

While these statements focus on different concerns, they share one common message: our responsibility to honor and protect the sacred gifts entrusted to us by the Creator—our Lands, our Waters, and all our Relations.

We invite you to read these full statements with an open heart and share them with your congregations, organizations, Tribal communities, family, friends, and others who may be called to stand with Indigenous Peoples in protecting what is sacred.

By sharing these statements, you help amplify Indigenous voices, foster understanding, and affirm that the care of sacred Lands and Waters is a shared responsibility that reaches beyond Tribal Nations and benefits future generations.

Waanishii for walking beside us in this sacred work.

Statement on the Protection of Sacred Lands and Waters

Statement on Protecting the Sacred Waters of the Lumbee River

One Land.
One Water.
One Responsibility.
For All Our Relations.

🌿 Nasgigwo Winigalsd,

KiiKaay RagghiRain 🌿
Native American Inter-Tribal Caucus