Outstanding Native Women

• Ordained Deacon

• Conference Speaker

• Head Pastor

When the average person thinks of a deacon or head pastor, the image of a kindly white male generally comes to mind. Although it is true that more women are accepted in ministry today than in the past, a Native American woman in such roles defies the odds, which is exactly what Evelene "Tweedy" Sombrero Navarrete-a full-blooded Dine' (Navajo) woman from Inscription House, Arizona-does.

She describes her ordination experience as "not always easy." Among other discouraging comments, she was told that she had "strikes" against her and that no c...