What is the Solidarity with Indigenous Peoples Just Peace Pilgrimage?
This pilgrimage is organized by Mennonite Mission Network and will be hosted by the Episcopal Church on Navajoland and the Coalition to Dismantle the Doctrine of Discovery, and led by executive director Sarah Augustine and Joe Hubbard, Episcopal priest and convener of the Episcopal Indigenous Justice Roundtable. This is a 5-day pilgrimage (including travel time to Bluff, Utah). It is part of MMN’s commitment to anti-racism work and exploring how our faith calls us to stand against injustice and with the oppressed. Mission Network staff will travel with the pilgrimage group to manage details and logistics.
Where does this pilgrimage visit?
This pilgrimage is based on Navajoland near Bluff, Utah. Sarah Augustine and Joe Hubbard will lead workshop times at St. Christopher’s Mission. We will travel to family farms, Monument Valley, and other sacred sites on Navajoland.
What size is the group and how do I sign up?
The group size is around 20-25, including leaders and facilitators. You may contact Stephanie Weaver to fill out a short registration form.
What is the cost of the pilgrimage and what does it cover?
The pilgrimage cost is $1050 per person, which covers local transportation, lodging (see below), meals, museums and speakers. Travel to and from Bluff, Utah if driving or Durango-LaPlata County Airport if flying is at your own expense.
Where are we staying and eating?
We will stay at St. Christopher’s Mission | The Episcopal Church In Navajoland. Accommodations are simple, with 2-3 people per room, depending on the number of beds per room, with some shared bathrooms. All meals will be provided by St. Christopher’s Mission and lunches may be packed to take with us during the days.
Are children allowed on the pilgrimage?
Due to content of the trip, participants should be 18 and older.
How physically demanding is the trip?
Be prepared for a lot of walking and climbing in and out of vans. We will be walking on uneven and sometimes sandy ground. The climate is dry and you will need to pay attention to staying hydrated.
What should I bring?
- Comfortable shoes or sandals—we will do a fair amount of walking.
- Casual clothes including layers and a jacket
- Water bottle
- Sunglasses, sunscreen, hat
A more extensive list will be provided later.
How should I prepare, both before and during, to participate in this pilgrimage?
Your Mission Network facilitator will initiate a time to meet with your group before the trip to provide further details, answer questions, review the itinerary, and address any concerns. We will provide your group with orientation materials including resources before the trip, and a detailed schedule and journal materials for use during and after the trip.
During the trip, we will have regular check-ins. This will be a time to reflect on what we have experienced and learned. From our shared experiences we gain new insights, and collectively, we are enriched by each other’s perspectives.
To begin preparing, it would be good to read The Land is Not Empty: Following Jesus in Dismantling the Doctrine of Discovery by Sarah Augustine. A second book to read would be Ceremony, by Leslie Marmon Silko.
