Our History
In February 1968, a dedicated group of United Methodist, met in Farmington, New Mexico; at that time, they founded an Advisory Committee on Indian Ministries. Subsequently in 1970, in Estes Park, Colorado, the United Methodist Native people adopted the name Native American Indian Committee [NAIC] and pressed for Native representation and staff on church boards and agencies. By 1987, NAIC was incorporated and had received the Internal Revenue Service [IRS] determination as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. From those humble beginnings, led by committed believers standing strong for all Native people, NAIC is now recognized as one of the five (5) racial/ethnic caucus advocating for inclusivity and equality in the United Methodist Church.
Now referred to as the Caucus, the organization represents approximately 20,000 United Methodist Native people comprised of 100 tribes. In it advocacy role, NAIC has identified critical issues that confront Native people and observed the response patterns of Annual Conferences, districts and local churches within the United Methodist Church.
The Caucus provides Leadership Training to its members, which enables them to advocate on issues of racial stereotyping, historical trauma, sovereignty, land rights, sacred sites, border issues (north and south) and Return to the Earth Project. These issues are consistent with the Social Principles of the United Methodist Church. During the 2000 General Conference, the Caucus called for an Act of Repentance and continued to advocate for an Act of Repentance at the 2004 General Conference, noting that the 1996 General Conference apologized for the Sand Creek Massacre but never followed through with its intended “acts of repentance.” Eventually, the Act of Repentance was conducted at 2012 General Conference.
The Caucus has been a volunteer agency since 2006. The volunteer board is responsible for the governance of the organization, as well as carrying out the mission of the organization through the implementation of strategic initiatives and projects. The Caucus collaborates with past board members, advocates, supporters and other organizations with a common mission.
Now referred to as the Caucus, the organization represents approximately 20,000 United Methodist Native people comprised of 100 tribes. In it advocacy role, NAIC has identified critical issues that confront Native people and observed the response patterns of Annual Conferences, districts and local churches within the United Methodist Church.
The Caucus provides Leadership Training to its members, which enables them to advocate on issues of racial stereotyping, historical trauma, sovereignty, land rights, sacred sites, border issues (north and south) and Return to the Earth Project. These issues are consistent with the Social Principles of the United Methodist Church. During the 2000 General Conference, the Caucus called for an Act of Repentance and continued to advocate for an Act of Repentance at the 2004 General Conference, noting that the 1996 General Conference apologized for the Sand Creek Massacre but never followed through with its intended “acts of repentance.” Eventually, the Act of Repentance was conducted at 2012 General Conference.
The Caucus has been a volunteer agency since 2006. The volunteer board is responsible for the governance of the organization, as well as carrying out the mission of the organization through the implementation of strategic initiatives and projects. The Caucus collaborates with past board members, advocates, supporters and other organizations with a common mission.