Research Catalog

Title

Indian pilgrims : indigenous journeys of activism and healing with Saint Kateri Tekakwitha / Michelle M. Jacob.

Author

Jacob, Michelle M., 1977-

Publication

Tucson : The University of Arizona Press, [2016]

Items in the Library & Off-site

Holdings

Details

Description

xi, 184 pages; 24 cm.

Summary

• "In 2012 Kateri Tekakwitha became the first North American Indian to be canonized as a saint by the Roman Catholic Church, an event that American Indian Catholics have awaited for generations. Saint Kateri, known as the patroness of the environment, was born in 1656 near present-day Albany, New York, to an Algonquin mother and a Mohawk father. Tekakwitha converted to Christianity at age nineteen and took a vow of perpetual virginity. Her devotees have advocated for her sainthood since her death in 1680. Within historical Catholic writings, Tekakwitha is portrayed as a model of pious, submissive femininity. Indian Pilgrims moves beyond mainstream narratives and shows that Saint Kateri is a powerful feminine figure who inspires decolonizing activism in contemporary Indigenous peoples’ lives. Author Michelle M.^
• Jacob examines Saint Kateri’s influence on and relation to three important themes—caring for the environment, building community, and reclaiming the Native feminine as sacred—and brings a Native feminist perspective to the story of Saint Kateri. The book demonstrates the power and potential of Indigenous decolonizing activism, as Saint Kateri’s devotees claim the space of the Catholic Church to revitalize traditional cultural practices, teach and learn Indigenous languages, and address critical issues such as protecting Indigenous homelands from environmental degradation. The book is based on ethnographic research at multiple sites, including Saint Kateri’s 2012 canonization festivities in Vatican City and Italy, the Akwesasne Mohawk Reservation (New York and Canada), the Yakama Reservation (Washington), and the National Tekakwitha Conferences in Texas, North Dakota, and Louisiana.^
• Through narratives from these events, Jacob addresses issues of gender justice—such as respecting the autonomy of women while encouraging collectivist thinking and strategizing—and seeks collective remedies that challenge colonial and capitalist filters."--Amazon.com.

Series Statement

Critical issues in indigenous studies

Uniform Title

• Critical issues in indigenous studies.
• Project Muse UPCC books.

Subject

• Feminist spirituality
• Feminist spirituality
• Indian women activists
• Indian women activists
• Indians of North America > Ethnic identity
• Indians of North America > Religion
• Spirituality > Catholic Church
• Tekakwitha, Kateri, Saint, 1656-1680

Bibliography (note)

• Includes bibliographical references and index.

Processing Action (note)

• committed to retain

Contents

Chapter 1. Indian pilgrims honor their native 'sister' -- chapter 2. Indigenous environmentalism as spiritual responsibility: heal ourselves, heal the earth -- chapter 3. Kateri's guidance in building a spiritual community -- chapter 4. The ecstasy of Saint Kateri: native feminism in the Catholic Church -- chapter 5. Conclusion: join the journey of activism and healing.

ISBN

• 9780816533565
• 0816533563

LCCN

^^2016007487

Owning Institutions

Harvard Library