Ruth’s Immersion Experience
Ruth Bowen at the Wild Onion Dinner, Big Cusseth UMC, March 2019
Often people ask me how and when I became interested in Native American history and culture. My Mom, Donna Ruth Lindsey, provided the spark and Ruth Davis McGuire kept the fire going. Both were strong, dynamic United Methodist Women who modeled lifelong learning and who encouraged and supported me on my journey as a lifelong learner. Both were advocates for and allies with Native American communities.
Like many in the baby boomer generation, I grew up watching the TV westerns and movies with white actors portraying Native Americans in the manner writers and historians wanted viewers to know or see them. The false version of history. In junior high school, I read a biography about George Armstrong Custer. I began to realize the false history narrative taught in schools for generations and I began having conversations with my Mom that continued for decades. She introduced me to the Billy Jack movie series and more. We supported indigenous organizations at local and church events.
I have been a member of UMW since age 18 and joined the FUMC-Denton UMW in 1983. Knowing of my interest in Native American culture and history, in October 1992, Ruth Davis McGuire asked me to co-host with her a UMW study celebrating Native American history. By this time, we both knew the truth about colonization and its aftermath. I have continued to build on this foundation of learning by reading Native American literature and poetry, history books written by Native and credible non-Native authors, watching documentaries and films by Native Americans, attending UMW Mission U studies about Native American culture and history, and being in community with the Oklahoma Indian Missionary Conference (OIMC).
Ruth and friends at at the First American Museum in 2021. This museum is 175,000 square feet, totally curated and all exhibits by Native Americans representing all 39 tribes in Oklahoma. One visit is not enough.
Immersing myself in person with the cultures and communities within the OIMC has provided me with knowledge, understanding, truth and connection that deepens my commitment to justice and telling truth to power. Since 2018, I have attended three in person OIMC Immersion events and one virtual event. All have been transformational, offering different opportunities and experiences and a few repeated ones. Visiting the same place more than once affords me the opportunity to learn something new, meet new people, and hear new or different stories from the people in those communities about their lived experiences and their heritage. Each of the 39 recognized tribes in Oklahoma have their own stories and culture to share. Sharing a meal and conversation with a survivor of the boarding school horrors is more impactful than just reading about them.
Acknowledging and sharing the truth about American history means acknowledging and learning the truth about Native American history. It’s all wrapped together in a not so pretty package. We are all connected as children of God, made in his/her image. It’s our responsibility to participate in the acts of repentance. Participating in the OIMC Immersion event, sharing what I learn, is one way I can advocate for and be an ally with Native American communities.
Ruth Bowen
November 10, 2021