THE FIRST OF THE FIRST

By John Santosuosso

Note: For the sake of consistency with Lesser Feasts and Fasts, I have used the term "Native American" in this essay. However, in talking with members of the Lakota Sioux tribe in South Dakota and the Navajo in Arizona, I never heard them use any term other than "Indian." "Indian" also appears to be the preferred usage of both the Seminole and Miccosukee as well. Personally I like the Canadian term "First Nations," but since we are many miles south of the border "Native American" seems more appropriate here.

When the Plymouth Bay colony celebrated its first Thanksgiving in October 1621, 53 Pilgrims and 90 Wampanoag tribal members sat down together for dinner. The feasting must have been a great success, because it went on for a period of three days. Unfortunately we have no statistics on how much colonial American equivalent of Alka-Seltzer and Tums may have been consumed when the party was finally over. Despite later tragic events in history, this gathering is evidence that colonist and Native American could contribute to the success and well-being of each other.

Fortunately the Episcopal Church later benefitted from this kind of cooperation. In 1859 John Johnson was ordained a deacon, and in 1867 a priest. Johnson was a member of the Odawa (Ottawa) tribe and the first Native American ordained to the Episcopal priesthood. We celebrate his feast day on June 12.

In the first grade, many years ago, I was the last kid in the entire class who learned how to spell his full name. I also had the longest name, chocked full of "s's and o's. Thus I have some special sympathy for Johnson, whose real name was not John Johnson at all. It was Enmegahbowh, which means "One Who Stands Before His People." Actually, it is a very appropriate name because he had a very successful ministry. Among other things, he worked extensively among the Ojibwe, especially near Peterborough, Ontario. To this day the Objibwe people are noted for their love of hymn singing. In Minnesota he help to found the very vital Columba Mission. Known as a man of peace, he brought peace between the Ojibwe and Dakota peoples.

About the only claim Johnson could not make was to be the first ordained Native American (First Nations) in all North America. That honor goes to Henry Budd, a member of the Cree band (tribe), who was ordained a deacon in the Anglican Church of Canada on December 22, 1850.

The Native American contribution to our faith has been richer than many of us may have realized. Actually Native Americans coming to the Episcopal faith would rather easily understand and support our love of liturgy (ritual)), the reality of both good and evil, and the importance of the earth's creation and our need to care for it. This Thanksgiving, like the Pilgrims of long ago, we can give thanks for their participation in our lives and faith.