🔥 A History of Indigenous Pentecostalism: A Must-Read for BCYD Pastors 🔥
Have you ever paused to reflect on the profound history of Pentecostalism among Indigenous peoples in Canada? If not, it’s time to dive deep into an enlightening journey through the pages of The Holy Spirit and the Eagle Feather.
Historically, various denominations sought to connect with Indigenous peoples through mission work. However, by the beginning of the twenty-first century, Pentecostalism emerged as a dynamic force within Indigenous communities.
By the turn of the century, Pentecostalism had become the fastest-growing religious group among Indigenous peoples, and it was increasingly led by local individuals deeply integrated into community life.
The growth isn’t just rapid—it’s recent. From around 7,000 Indigenous Pentecostals in 1971 to nearly 40,000 in 2011, the numbers speak volumes. In fact, the rate of Pentecostal subscription among Indigenous peoples is nearly three times that of the overall Canadian population.
Indigenous Pentecostals furthermore hold significant socio-political positions, with leaders such as Billy Diamond, Reggie Neeposh, and Matthew Coon Come making long-lasting impressions in their communities and beyond.
Pentecostalism, a dynamic spiritual movement, resonates deeply with Indigenous peoples in what is now Canada, influencing spiritual landscapes and communal identities. Still, this has not been an easy journey for Indigenous Pentecostals, as denominational leadership and structures used the vocabulary of autonomizing Indigenous ministries, but often kept that ideal out of reach.
This captivating publication, skillfully crafted by Aaron Ross, meticulously traces the evolution of Indigenous Pentecostalism in what is now Canada, particularly through the lens of the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada’s Northland Mission.
Why is this book a must-read for pastors and leaders?
👉 Cultural Relevance: As pastors and leaders ministering in diverse communities, understanding the historical nuances of Indigenous Pentecostalism is crucial for fostering cultural sensitivity and relevance in our ministries. The Holy Spirit and the Eagle Feather provides invaluable insights in
to the journey of Indigenous Pentecostals, navigating through colonial legacies while embracing their unique cultural identities.
👉 Decolonization and Reconciliation: In today’s world, the call for decolonization and reconciliation echoes louder than ever. Through this illuminating narrative, we witness the resilience of Indigenous Pentecostals as they challenge colonial impulses within the church and emerge as leaders in both spiritual and socio-political realms. As proponents of truth and reconciliation, it’s imperative for us to grasp the intricacies of this journey.
👉 Historical Context: Delving into the rich backdrop of Pentecostal history in Canada, particularly within Indigenous communities, The Holy Spirit and the Eagle Feather enriches our understanding of the diverse expressions of faith within these congregations. From the struggles of missionization to the triumphs of indigenization, this book encapsulates a story that is both enlightening and empowering.
Drawing from archival research and conversations carefully, respectfully, and sensitively undertaken with and alongside of Indigenous Pentecostal spiritual leaders according to methodological best practices, Ross strives to provide an historical perspective of this influential movement.
Don’t just take our word for it! Here’s what scholars and reviewers are saying:
🌟 “an impressively thorough history that importantly fills out the historical record on the spread of Pentecostalism through local Indigenous communities…while simultaneously connecting the local histories to a larger religious shift across North America. The book is well written, engaging, and filled with information only recorded in hard-to-access archives, until now.” – Kimberly Marshall, University of Oklahoma and author of Upward, Not Sunwise: Resonant Rupture in Navajo Neo-Pentecostalism (University of Nebraska Press, 2016)
🌟 “a well-researched historical treatise of Pentecostalism among First Peoples, Nations, and bands in Canada. Once you have begun reading this book, you will be unable to put it down! The author’s ‘quiet voice’ has relevance and immediacy to the challenges of Canada. Truth never changes, but it must be packaged culturally and generationally to make it relevant with knowledge that is consistent with reality. Combining insight and foresight, Aaron Ross not only perceives tendencies common to cross-cultural workers, he is able to pinpoint those meanings for the reader. His work will retain a lasting validity that can be studied, and restudied.” – Rev. John E. Thohate Maracle
🌟 “Ross very skillfully dissects and explains the complex and changing relationship between Canadian Pentecostal settlers and Indigenous peoples. I cannot recommend this book too highly.” – Faith Today
🌟 “A book like this was long overdue!… At heart, this book celebrates the uniqueness of Indigenous Pentecostalism, a Pentecostalism that remains deeply Indigenous in its character” – Journal of Religious History
As pastors and leaders within the BCYD, understanding the history of Pentecostalism among Indigenous peoples isn’t simply an academic endeavor—it’s a moral imperative.
