Crazy things are happening in our world these days. Strange attacks on populations in the United Kingdom and closer to home in Flint, Michigan. To say nothing of the attacks that happen almost every waking hour in homes and communities across Turtle Island. These are powerful and heartbreaking reminders that life is uncertain and we never know when the end will come.

Back in April, when the Board of Intertribal Christian Communications, publisher of Indian Life, announced that this issue (July-August 2017) would be the last print edition, it came as a shock. We had been given warnings for the past five years or so that this day was coming, but like telling a 40-year-old that his or her life is going to be cut short, we thought it would eventually happen but we’ve been hoping for a change in course.

The famous American publisher, journalist, and politician Benjamin Franklin once wrote. “There are only two things certain in life—Taxes and Death.” While we agree with him, I’ve always thought that he was referring to people’s lives, not organizations or publications.

Well, our prayers and hopes for “a change in course” were answered in part when one donor heard of our dire situation and generously funded the publication of this newspaper until the end of 2017. There are no words to adequately express how this made us feel. It was like a Lazarus moment (John chapter 11)!

Since the official announcement, we have received many letters, emails, and phone calls, expressing sorrow at learning of the possible closure of not only Indian Life but also Indian Life Ministries. Some have included extra financial gifts of support. We are so very grateful.

Since that ominous announcement was made, I’ve been reflecting on the history of this publication begun in 1968 near Rapid City, South Dakota, when Ray Gowan bought a small offset press, taught himself to run it, and printed the first issue of a new publication which he named Indian Life. At one point in our history, Indian Life had a circulation of 100,000 and was delivered primarily by hand by Mr. Gowan to most of the reservations in South Dakota as well as being mailed across the U.S.

In 1979, Gowan, no longer able to continue, gave the paper to another editor, George McPeek, who edited a small magazine called The Indian Christian, founded by Chuck Fiero. Under this new plan, these two publications merged into a new larger magazine but kept the name Indian Life. George invited Native people to form a board and a new organization was formed in Winnipeg called Intertribal Christian Communications (some may remember it was called Intercom, for short). The first issue was published in October 1979.

In all the years that Indian Life has been published, we have published and distributed 294 issues (give or take a few) with an average circulation of 40,000. That means at least 11,760,000 copies have been distributed. The rule of thumb is that on average three people will read each copy (in correctional institutions, it can be as many as 10 per copy). While we’ll never know the exact number of readers whose lives have been impacted, we know it was an incredible number. Throughout our history, Indian Life Ministries has always operated on a shoestring budget. We have never been “flush” with financial resources and there have been several times when we thought that God was closing our doors. It was kind of like feast or famine. Thanks to George and his wife, Bessie, the late Willi Kurtz, Tim Nielsen, Don Monkman, and a great staff, we persevered, never giving up. And there always seemed to be a window open which allowed us to continue for a couple more years.

This is why the staff (myself especially) had a feeling that God was going to bring us through once again. However, the optics are different this time.

The world has changed and as was mentioned in the announcement in our last issue about the future of this publication, mention was made of the revolution that’s been taking place over the last 20 years in regards to electronic media. Thirty years ago when Indian Life was just in her youth, a majority of the Western world read publications and books printed with ink on paper. There were no smart phones, iPads or tablets and laptops were just being introduced. The thought that not only would people be reading newspapers and magazines online, but these electronic “publications” would be replacing our traditional hardcopy books, newspapers, and magazines just seemed so farfetched.

Those in the know saw this coming and began to prepare by making large financial investments in internet and software development. Communications companies such as The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, The Philadelphia Inquirer, Toronto Star, Winnipeg Free Press, Calgary Herald, Time and Newsweek, invested millions to join this electronic revolution. While it has paid off for some, it has also become a daily battle to keep the presses running as more and more “hard copy subscribers,” cancel their subscriptions and join millions of e-readers.

So what does the future hold for Indian Life? We are planning to publish until at least the end of 2017. After that, only God knows. But we know that He “knows the beginning from the end.”

As for me, this issue will be the last one bearing my name as editor. So it is bittersweet.

I can’t tell you enough how editing this publication has impacted my life. When I came in 1988, I knew very little about Canada and even less about Indigenous culture. Having interviewed dozens of people and written their stories, I realize over and over how our Creator uniquely planned for me to be here, doing what I’ve been doing.

First Nations people have taught and mentored me, showing how they, as wounded warriors, not only cope and survive through horrific and impossible situations but how they are transforming their families and communities. It’s thrilling to see them become all they were created to be as Indigenous peoples, walking with Jesus along the Red Road leading to hope, healing and honor.