In Native and Christian: Indigenous Voices on Religious Identity in the United States and Canada, 179. New York and London: Routledge, 1996.

John Hascall, OFM Cap. (Ojibwa) is a member of the Midewiwin , the traditional religious society of the Ojibwas, and a Capuchin priest; he describes himself as an "Ojibwa medicine priest."  A popular speaker and workshop leader, he oversees the Most Holy Name of Jesus—Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha parish in Assinins, Michigan, and has served as president of the Tekakwitha Conference (1986-88).  Hascall wrote this essay at the invitation of the Catholic magazine Liturgy for a special issue on cultural diversity in the Catholic church.  He discusses the centrality of ceremony (including prayer, song, and dance) and the significance of tribal diversity in native religious life.  Describing a water rite based on his own cultural traditions, he demonstrates how liturgical practices can be an opportunity for cross-cultural interaction and solidarity.

John Hascall, January 15, 2006:

Since the article "The Sacred Circle: Native American Liturgy," much to do about nothing has really happened to the liturgy.  We, the indigenous people, are still only a decoration to the Church, much like a zoo.  Keep them in their cages and they won't disrupt anything.  This has to change because even our elders are leaving the organized Catholic Church and returning to our traditional Way of praying and celebrating our life.  This is the Way of Life of the "whole person."  Which, seemingly, is not understood by the Western mentality.  Until the Church catches up to our Way of Life there will be no reason to have Native American liturgy in the Church.  This is where I stand today as the co-coordinator of the Indigenous Religious and Clergy of the Northern and Southern Turtle.  This is not just the "Native Americans" but all the indigenous peoples of the world.  This Church has to "come to the people" as people, of the world.  Come to us "anew" in the real way of respect of who we are and as intelligent human persons who know God and the Way of Life.

© 2008 by James Treat