Sunday, February 14, 2016

Local History

So this is my first blog I have every written and been a part of and even read (I've never read anyone's blogs before) and as I read through some of the other posts I see I am not alone!

I am a little late to the discussion as I have had a house full or sick kiddos along with myself and hubby but it gave me a little time to really think about these past couple weeks in this course.  On our first discussion we had to talk about first contact with any Native people that we have seen or met and at that time I couldn't think of anything of that sort and it got me thinking if there is any Native American history in my area closer than the Turning Stone Resort and Casino.  After doing some research I found the National Saint Kateri Tekakwitha Shrine located in Fonda, NY.
I have driven past it a million times and now I remember visiting it at one time with my aunt.  After really looking through the website and learning more about the Shrine I discovered that Kateri Tekakwitha was the first Native American to convert to Christianity. The history is actually pretty interesting.

Also, just prior to the Kateri Shrine is a community called the Kanatsiohareke Mohawk Community.  They continue to practice native culture on a regular basis and offer many activities for people who are interested in learning more about their community and culture. 

http://www.katerishrine.com/
http://www.mohawkcommunity.com/home.html
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3 comments:

  1. Jeff Sylvester February 14, 2016 at 8:57 PM

    I feel that changing someones religious beliefs is wrong. Christians really forced religion on the Natives in a effort to make them more civilized and really tried to Americanize them this way. The Natives were not savages they never had a choice. When the US government forced native children to attend boarding school they also forced religion on them, never giving them a choice to find God on there own terms. When I read the creation story's I can really appreciate how Native Americans had a different view of how life came to earth. Religion should not be forced, It should be left up to the individual and there beliefs. History could of taught the Christians to appreciate a different perspective however, these are different times that we live in.

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    1. StephanieFebruary 26, 2016 at 8:01 PM

      I'm a little confused by your response. I don't agree with anyone forcing their religion on another so that is not what I was trying to say in my post. After reading through the website and some of the history I had the impression that she willingly converted to Christianity and was not forced. Perhaps I misunderstood and I'm wrong but that's not the impression I got from reading about it.

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  2. UnknownFebruary 19, 2016 at 1:07 PM

    I agree with Jeff. I think it should be up to the person if he/she wants to change religions and beliefs. Like I am catholic but I really am not religious I believe in what I believe and there’s nothing that anyone who comes to my home and all of the pamphlets can change my mind. But other than reading about the Native American Indians I have been to Turning Stone Casino and Resort. Also from your research I live in Johnstown, NY so the National Saint Kateri Tekakwitha Shrine is located pretty close to me.

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