Christian Leaders of Indigenous Communities Fly to Washington DC to stand with #StandwithBearsEars

Faith champions fly to Washington, DC to strengthen the voice of advocacy for Bears Ears National Monument and the Inter-Tribal Coalition of Utah.   Together, we will stand firm to defend Bears Ears.

   "If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude".  Maya Angelou

Pastor Richard Silversmith

I was born and raised in northern California, until I was nine years old, lived on the Navajo Reservation for two years than moved to Denver, Colorado. My Navajo clans are Tó’aheedliinii (Water-Flows-Together) and Kinyaa’32nii and (Towering House People). I have been happily married to Susie Silversmith, Navajo clans, Tsi’naajínii (BlackStreaked-Wood People) and Honágháahnii (One-Walks-Around), since 1978 and we begat two sons, Darrick and Jerald. Jerald married to Candice, and they begat three delightful grand- daughters. I am a grateful recovering alcoholic since 1985. I have been a Christian since 1985 and elder of the Denver Christian Indian Center since 1995. Issuance of Christian Reformed Church’s Classical License to Exhort, March 2015. I am retired from Lockheed Martin/IBM, after 30 years. I graduated High School at Institute of American Indian Arts, 1974, Santa Fe, NM. I also was a radio co-host at alterNativeVoices, KUVO, 89.3 FM, 2011-2013.

 Loni Romo

Loni is Pyramid Lake Paiute, Tohono O’odham, and   Pima.  She recently graduated with her Bachelor’s of Science from the University of Nevada, Reno. In the fall, she will attend Graduate school for Counseling and Education Psychology. She currently works as a Student Graduation Advocate for high school Native American Students in Washoe County School District in Nevada. Proud member of Saint Mary the Virgin Episcopal Church. Loni has two daughters that love to learn and practice their traditional teachings from their elders of their Tribe.

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Jacqeline Davis-Cawelti

My name is Jacqueline Davis-Cawelti. I am a member of the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe.  I have worked with our Tribal Government for 30+ years with concern of our Tribal Housing, Domestic Violence and Cultural Programs. I reside on the Pyramid Lake Indian Reservation in Nixon, Nevada with my husband and have raised 5 children and have 7 grandchildren.  I am a member of Saint Mary the Virgin Episcopal Church since birth and have held the position of Jr. Warden, I have lead the Youth Group and also have the pleasure of teaching Sunday school.

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​Judith Wellington

Judith is Akilmel O’odham and Dakota (Sioux). Most of her work has been in ministry with Native peoples and communities in California, Arizona, and New Mexico. She currently works for the Synod of the Southwest as a part-time consultant for Native American Ministries. Her work has led her to form relationships across tribal, spiritual, and regional boundaries in support of indigenous persons and communities.