It is impossible to fully understand what it means to be a Catholic in North America without a sincere appreciation for the Catholic tradition among so many native tribes. Few people realize that Indigenous communities throughout the continent were practicing their faith centuries before the founding of the United States.
Enduring Faith: The Story of Native American Catholics explores the rich legacy of faith among Native Americans. Discover how in the 16th century, Our Lady of Guadalupe appeared to an Indigenous elder as a mestiza woman and generated the largest conversion in world history. Hear the inspiring story of the first canonized Native American saint, St. Kateri Tekakwitha. Learn about a 20th century Lakota healer, Nicholas Black Elk, whose cause for canonization is currently open in Rome.
This film will inspire in viewers a deeper appreciation for the spiritual and cultural gifts of Native American Catholics, a greater awareness of the wrongs inflicted upon them by the unjust policies of the British and American governments, and a sense of hope at how Native American Catholics continue to live out their faith in fully enculturated ways today. Above all, it offers a missing piece to the greater story of Catholicism in America and a beautiful example of how Christ reveals himself through the uniqueness of every culture.
Watch Enduring Faith with your family, parish, council or community group.
Download our Facts & Discussion Guide and host your own screening event, group discussion or reflection on the important topics touched upon in the documentary – easy to do in person or online.
Since 1882, membership in the Knights of Columbus has been open to men 18 years of age or older who are "practical" (that is, practicing) Catholics in union with the Holy See.
Knights in New Mexico and Hawaii aid indigenous communities stricken by coronavirus
The Knights of Columbus will be working with Native American and First Nations peoples in planting trees and developing “living memorials” on reservations.
To see the impact that a new winter coat can bring to a family in need, look no further than Minisinaakwaang Leadership Academy, an Ojibwe Native American school, where Minnesota Knights recently distributed 600 winter coats.
Righting wrongs against Native Americans must start with a just appraisal of the past
K of C’s charity and advocacy for Native Americans and First Nation tribes began as early as the 20th century
An update on the shrine’s construction nearly a year after its groundbreaking ceremony
The Supreme Knight joined the group at the Saint John Paul II National Shrine after participating in the March for Life
An interview with Father Maurice Henry Sands about the experience and needs of Native American Catholics today
Order launches a new initiative to support Indigenous communities in the United States and Canada
Knights deliver coats to students at the Mah-Sos School, located on the Tobique First Nation Reserve in New Brunswick
Knights give the gift of mobility to men and women at the Rose Bud Reservation in South Dakota.
Please contact the
Knights of Columbus News Bureau
news@kofc.org, 475-255-0097