Introduction
As we approach another national election, conversations around leadership, community values, and representation grow louder. For many Native communities, the impact of these decisions goes beyond typical political considerations—it touches on issues of sovereignty, stewardship, and survival. Here at HINU Fellowship, we believe it’s important to reflect on the upcoming election from a perspective rooted in Native values and a commitment to spiritual and cultural integrity.
Honoring Community and Cultural Values in Leadership
Native teachings remind us that true leaders are those who serve their communities. In the story of Creator’s love, we find wisdom that leadership should center on humility, stewardship, and compassion. This stands in contrast to a world that often prioritizes power or profit over people. As Native people, we approach this election with questions: Who will lead in a way that respects our sovereignty? Who will steward our lands and waters? Who will seek justice for the marginalized?
Navigating the Political System with Integrity
For Native people, voting is a complex decision. The political system has often failed to protect our rights, cultures, and futures. Yet, the act of voting also represents an opportunity to be heard, to advocate for change, and to hold leaders accountable. This election season, we encourage everyone to think critically, listen deeply, seek wisdom, and most importantly pray before casting their vote. As Native students, we have an opportunity to bring Creator’s story of hope and restoration into a system that needs healing.
Reflecting on Creator Sets Apart His Followers
As Native students and community members, we’re called to live in a way that aligns with our cultural teachings and Creator’s love, even as we navigate the complexities of the world around us. The words of Creator Sets Free (Jesus) in John 17:14-19 resonate deeply in this season:
“I have given them your word, and the world shows them hatred, for they no longer belong to this world any more than I belong to this world. I am not asking you to take them out of this world but to watch over them and keep them safe from the evil one. They do not belong to this world system, just as I do not belong to this world system. Set them apart for your sacred purpose by the truth of your words. I am sending them into the world, in the same way you have sent me into the world. I make myself pure and holy on their behalf, so they can also be made pure and holy by the truth.”
(John 17:14-19, FNV)
In this passage, Creator Sets Free reminds us that while we may feel set apart, we are also sent into the world for a purpose. At HINU Fellowship, we see our ministry as answering this call. We are called to walk in the world—engaging with society, speaking for justice, and embodying hope—without losing our identity or values. This election season, as we face issues that affect our communities, we hold onto this teaching: we belong to Creator, even as we engage with the systems and challenges around us.
Walking the Jesus Way as a Ministry
Just as Creator Sets Free asked Creator to set apart His followers “for a sacred purpose by the truth,” we strive to ground our ministry in both truth and love. We are sent to be voices of integrity and compassion, shining a light on what’s possible when we walk with the Creator’s purpose. This means standing firm in our faith and values, even when the world around us feels divided. As a ministry, we pray that Native students will feel equipped to engage thoughtfully in this election season while keeping their hearts aligned with the truth and purpose Creator has given them.
A Commitment to Live Set Apart but Sent
As we go through this election season, we hold onto Jesus’ prayer for us—not to be removed from the world but to be sent into it with a mission rooted in hope, peace, and love. This is the foundation of our ministry, and it’s the path we walk with all our relations, trusting that Creator guides us even in challenging times.
A Call to Action: Let Your Voice Be Heard
As Native students and community members, we each have a unique role to play in this election. Voting gives us a way to voice our values and advocate for our people and lands. When we vote, we exercise our right to be heard, choosing leaders who will steward well and support justice for all. Let’s approach the polls thoughtfully, grounded in prayer, and trusting Creator to guide our choices. In doing so, we honor our communities, ancestors, and the generations yet to come.
