Participants were asked to create prayers and commitments in the spirit of
the day's Conference and the themes of American Indian cultures.

Dear God,
Help us to love and respect everyone we encounter, to seek to understand the differences that shape our world and to be tellers of truth to open the eyes of the blind.
~ St. Laurence High School

Dear God,
Thank you for opening our eyes to let us know the truth and giving us the strength to get through difficult times and please give us the strength to educate others of the injustice of stereotypes and racism. Please give others the strength among different races to connect. May you rid us from ignorance of others and our surroundings.
~ Brother Rice High School

Dear God,
We come here with you today to give you thanks for this wonder of Native American culture you've given to the world. We ask of you, Lord, that they find it in their hearts to forgive those who were ignorant to them. We know they did not deserve to go through what they did, or their ancestors or relatives went through. Please, God, let them receive what is truly theirs and allow them to realize that there is good in this world.
~ Seton Academy

Dear God,
We pray for all indigenous people, those who have been through discrimination, racism and tough times in our society. Forgive us and help us to recognize when we have participated. Help us to let go of bitterness, rage and guilt and instead let us use it to change the world. Help us to love and respect other cultures the way they want to be treated and respected. We ask for strength to stand up and speak up against injustice. We ask for these blessings in the name of Jesus Christ.
~ Maria High School

Dear God,
Let us remember and honor our Native American heritage. Help us to treat people as individuals and respect the individuality of nations. Help us to question stereotypes and to question the information we receive about Native Americans. Help all of us to honor the wisdom and teaching of our elders and teachers. Amen.
~ Queen of Peace High School

MY COMMITMENT

Yes! I will put the feelings and ideas from today into action! One specific, concrete thing I can do to foster truth-telling, unity, respect and bridge building is:

We will read one chapter of Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee and listen to the excerpt from Columbus' journal in Howard Zinn's book, and meet one hour to discuss both with our COR peers and invited friends.
~ St. Laurence High School

By correcting others from maltreating the culture and heritage of Native Americans. In other words, take a stand.
~ Brother Rice High School

Our commitment is to be respectful to all and we will have the Native American heritage known at our school by displaying an altar by Thanksgiving break.
~ Seton Academy

Read one of the books on the resource list as part of a peace-builder's group that already exists at our school.
~ Maria High School

Using prayer over the P.A. on Monday morning and passing bibliography to English teachers.
~ Notre Dame High School

We will educate our school community about Native Americans' history and concerns before Thanksgiving this year.
~Queen of Peace High School

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