In honor of Indigenous Peoples’ Day, the Grand Canyon Synod highlights two vital ministries that serve our Native American siblings: Native American Urban Ministry (NAUM) in Phoenix and the Navajo Lutheran Mission (NELM) in Rock Point, AZ. These ministries provide crucial support to Native communities by responding to spiritual, physical, and cultural needs.

NAUM, hosted at Grace Lutheran Church in downtown Phoenix, extends the love of Christ through outreach and engagement with the urban Native American population. By offering essential services, fostering community, and preserving cultural heritage, NAUM lives out its mission to serve in partnership with local Native people. Learn more about their work by visiting their Facebook page here.

The Navajo Lutheran Mission (NELM) is a beacon of hope for the Navajo community in Rock Point, AZ. Its dedicated all-Navajo staff provides educational programs, spiritual guidance, and vital services such as food distribution. NELM embodies Lutheran values by engaging deeply with the Navajo people’s cultural identity while offering Christian care and support. Their work centers on holistic community engagement and honoring both spiritual and cultural well-being. Explore their mission further by visiting their website at nelm.org.

On this Indigenous People’s Day, let us also remember that our synod sits on the ancestral lands of many tribal nations. We honor the elders and communities, past, present, and future, who have stewarded this land for generations. Their contributions continue to shape the rich tapestry of our synod’s life and mission.