Natives of the ELCA

09/06/2026

YES We are having Talking Circle on Monday, Sept 7th-Labor Day Holiday! Please join us. Doors open at 5pm, clothing room will be open and snacks will be served. We start right at 6pm. Parking is validated inside and is free, enter from the West Parking Lot.

08/29/2026

Every form of grief deserves to be acknowledged. Explore this resource designed to help clergy care for their emotional and spiritual well-being while serving faithfully.

Find out more: https://www.r2hub.org/library/grief-naming-what-has-been-lost

08/27/2026

08/27/2026

We give thanks for the ministries of Lutheran Disaster Response and Dacotah Oyate Lutheran Church! Lutheran Disaster Response provided a large grant for building repairs at Dacotah Oyate. PIctured below are Sean Coffman (Program Director, Training & Networks at LDR) and Merlyn Greene (lay minister at Dacotah Oyate.)

08/25/2026

♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️

Every Monday night I get to be a fly in the wall to hear some of the greatest healing words I've ever heard. And they don't come from medicine men, or doctors, they come from the person who has ever struggled with pain, trauma, substance abuse, grief and loss and is still standing.

I am blessed to be able to make coffee and put out snacks and water to serve these amazing people. They have taught me so much about my own trauma, my own grief and my own healing journey. They inspire me to be a better me and they probably don't even realize it.

Here's a few wise words that stuck with me tonight:

"This is what our ancestors wanted for us. This is how they survived, all together and with each other."

"Thank you for showing up for yourself."

"Thank you all for being here for me every week.You keep me sober"

We're building a community of healing every Monday night. We pray for the ones who haven't found us yet, that they are safe until they make their way home to us.

Wopila-Pastor Wanda

08/20/2026

08/19/2026

This 2025 documentary explores the 1863 Whitestone Hill Massacre in North Dakota, where U.S. troops killed hundreds of mostly noncombatant Lakota and Yanktonai Sioux, and follows descendants on a 200-mile memorial ride.

📺Watch Blood from Whitestone Thursday, August 20, at 9pm.

08/18/2026

Our deepest condolences to all who knew her, and all who loved and were loved by her .

It is with very heavy hearts that the Oaks Indian Mission family shares the passing of our dear friend and longtime employee, Julienne. 🤍

For 15 years, Julienne faithfully served Oaks Indian Mission, first as a house parent with her husband, Dave, where she poured her heart into caring for, encouraging, and loving the children who called Oaks home. She later spent five years serving as an Administrative Assistant in our office, continuing to be a steady, caring presence for our children, families, staff, and everyone who walked through our doors.

To Julienne, this was never just a job. She had a genuine heart for the children we serve and dedicated so much of her life to making sure they felt cared for, supported, and loved. Over the years, she became much more than a coworker; she became family. Her kindness, dedication, laughter, and servant’s heart have left a lasting mark on this Mission and on countless lives.

One of the special parts of Julienne’s time at Oaks was having the opportunity to work alongside her daughter, Ashley Cooper. Sharing the same campus and the same heart for serving others made their time here even more meaningful. Those of us at Oaks had the privilege of seeing firsthand the special bond between Julienne and Ashley and the love they shared as mother and daughter.

Above all, Julienne was a devoted mother, wife, sister, and grandma who loved her family dearly. Our hearts are especially with Ashley and the entire family as they walk through this tremendous loss.

We are incredibly grateful for the many years God allowed us to share with Julienne and for the love and service she gave so freely. Her presence will be deeply missed around our campus, but the impact she made on Oaks Indian Mission and the children and families we serve will never be forgotten.

Please continue to keep Ashley and Julienne’s entire family in your prayers in the days ahead. 🤍

Visitation:
Thursday, 2:00–6:00 PM
Reed-Culver Funeral Home

Funeral Service:
Friday at 10:00 AM
Oaks Indian Mission Gym

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:23

Rest peacefully, Julienne. Thank you for giving so much of your life and your heart to Oaks Indian Mission. You will forever be a part of our Oaks family and our story. 🤍

08/16/2026

08/16/2026

These handmade quilts really make our place feel like home to those needing a bed for the night. We've had such a great blessing of them and have many thanks to give! Thank you to Peace-Grue Lutheran Parish of Ashby, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church ELCA Clearbrook, MN, and Sundal Lutheran Church Ladies for these wonderful gifts that keep giving!