Missioner Spotlight: The Rev. Leslie Scoopmire
When Missouri became a state in 1821, it had a Native American population of about 20,000. Today, there are no federally recognized tribes in Missouri. But the stories that happened between 1821 and now are part of our story and deserve to be recognized and reconciled.
The Rev. Leslie Scoopmire serves as our Diocesan Missioner for Indigenous Ministry. She sees her role as primarily educational. "One of my biggest tasks is to 'de-Hollywood' the beliefs and caricatures many people have about Indigenous people and nations, encouraging respect and honest engagement, as part of acknowledging the impact within The Episcopal Church and this diocese of policies such as removal and Indigenous boarding schools," Scoopmire said. "The task is difficult, since most people have very little knowledge of Native history and cultures in Missouri due to removal of Indigenous peoples and the attempt to deny them legal and cultural recognition."
One of the first things she accomplished as missioner was to craft an Indigenous land acknowledgement for the Diocese of Missouri. Our statement is partly in response to two resolutions passed at the 80th General Convention of The Episcopal Church (2022). Scoopmire says the statement and all her work as missioner are an important part of our anti-racism work.
"Land acknowledgments originated as an Indigenous custom before inter-tribal gatherings, Scoopmire explains. "In our context, they are the first step to then moving to reconciliation and real relationship with the First Peoples."
Bishop Deon Johnson includes a reading of the Land Acknowledgement at all diocesan worship services and encourages all our parishes to include the statement in their services, too. Scoopmire says it's important to pronounce all the names correctly, out of respect. If you need assistance, you can contact her or search for the correct pronunciations on YouTube.
The role of Missioner for Indigenous Ministry is a natural fit for Scoopmire -- she is a sixth generation Oklahoman with Indigenous ancestry, a retired history teacher, and has a master's degree in U.S. history with a specialization in Native history and policy. She is currently serving as the Rector of St. Martin's Episcopal Church in Ellisville.
As missioner, Scoopmire is available to visit churches throughout our diocese to teach and/or preach about The Episcopal Church’s history, policies, and advocacy alongside our Indigenous kindred.. She also invites everyone to engage with our Indigenous Ministry Facebook group: Episcopal Diocese of MO Indigenous Ministry Engagement
Visit the Diocese of Missouri's Indigenous Ministry page.
Learn more about The Episcopal Church's Indigenous Ministry.
Tags: News / Indigenous Ministry Engagement