with Mark Charles, Diné activist and author

Saturday, June 27, 9:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m., at Unity Church and on Zoom

Mark R. Charles is a Native American activist, public speaker, author, and former independent U.S. presidential candidate known for confronting systemic racism and the legacy of the Doctrine of Discovery. A dual citizen of the U.S. and Navajo Nation, he has served as a journalist, pastor, and consultant, advocating for truth-telling, and reconciliation. Mark Charles co-authored Unsettling Truths: The Ongoing Dehumanizing Legacy of the Doctrine of Discovery with Soong-Chan Rah.

As the grandson of boarding school survivors, Mark invites participants to look past binary partisan blame toward the deeper challenges embedded within our nation’s political and religious foundations. His presentations begin with the “unsettling truths” of our history and move toward “interrogating faith” and “decolonizing health.” By utilizing the Doctrine of Discovery as a historical lens, he explores how this framework has shaped our chaotic political environment, divisive religious narratives, and the colonized, processed food systems of today. Drawing upon these common threads, Mark seeks to create a “common memory” and call our nation to Truth and Conciliation as we learn (from our Indigenous hosts) how to Walk in Beauty together.

This event will be held free of charge and lunch will be provided. A suggested financial contribution of $15 towards the cost of lunch will be gratefully accepted. Everyone is welcome regardless of their ability to pay. Childcare is available upon request by June 20. For more information, see the registration link.

This event is co-sponsored by the Central Minnesota, the Twin Cities and Rochester Repairs Communities of Makoce Ikikcupi and a working group from Unity Church including the Indigenous Justice, Act for the Earth, Racial Justice Teams. The event is supported by Unity’s Board of Trustees Subcommittee on Reparations. This event is made possible by the generous contributions from members of Unity Church and from funds provided by the Community Outreach Project Fund that encourages cross-team initiatives and shared projects among the church’s community outreach ministry teams

Click here to register by June 20

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