On May 6, 1946, the Church of the Indian Fellowship (CIF) was organized in Washington State's Puyallup (People of the Clear Salt Water) Reservation as a Presbyterian mission founded in 1881. It is still used today, but the building has been rebuilt over time and is still sponsored by the Presbytery.

It is where Danielle Palomino-a Fifth Generation Native American-grew up and where she participated in singing hymns translated from English to the Puyallup Language by those of the Presbyterian "mother church."

Along with stressing cultural sensitivity, the teachings of CIF is similar to those of the Presbyterian church: belief in the Trinity-one God in three persons: the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit. CIF further teaches that both the Old and New Testaments are the authoritative, inspired Word of God, that salvation is solely through belief in Jesus Christ, His redemptive sacrifice on the cross, and that salvation is through grace-a gift given freely, and not earned through one's efforts.

CIF was further enriched through embracing the Presbyterian Church's practicing it's ministry areas of compassion, peace and justice, racial equality, and women's intercultural ministries.

"I attended vacation Bible school, Sunday school and summer camp," Danielle states. "It's just what we did as youths in the church, and as an adult, I dedicated myself to the church. I just thought that's what you do to be a Presbyterian and to be a Christian."

Most recently, Danielle served on the committee that organized the Native American Women's Gathering. Held in Suquamish, Washington State, the event turned out to be the largest Native American women's gathering to date.

"When we heard about the Presbyterian women, we jumped at the chance to get involved," Danielle, one of seven women who worked on the committee, says. She further states, "I wanted to implement really good workshops for our ladies to take ideas, tools and a message of hope back to their reservations and communities."

Many-skilled Palomino also teaches reading and math at a Native school where she is also an interventionist-a teacher who specializes in working with students who require additional support. A paraeducator as well, Palomino works in schools and classroom environments alongside certified and licensed educators. The position requires her to provide, as needed, instruction, guidance, and services to students and their families.

But there is also Danielle's calling to the ministry. She feels it has been her calling to work within tribes and to bring her ministry to Native communities and reservations.

Palomino also enjoys working with the young, because, "They are the souls that are going to be out there advocating for us, educating and supporting us," she says. Danielle also believes that building future Native communities is of utmost importance.

At the women's gathering she helped to organize, Palomino-along with Native American Member at Large Gina Enos-were voted as co-moderators for Native American Presbyterian Women. Danielle was also nominated for a national Presbyterian Church U.S.A. Award. "If there are other groups or committees that have a calling for Native American participants, I would be more than honored to sit on them," Palomino says.

Stating over and over that she wishes to implement change, Danielle has worked to provide "really good workshops for our ladies, to take ideas, tools and a message of hope back to their reservations and communities." And although Danielle Palomino's plate seems full, she states that she has "always worked for tribes whether it's my own Suquamish people, the Muckleshoot, or Puyallup.

"Working within tribes is my calling," she states.

***Additional Information***

Church of the Indian Fellowship is a Presbyterian mission founded in 1881. Although the church building has been rebuilt over the years, the Presbytery still sponsors this mission.

Sources:

Gail Strange, Director, Church & Mid Council Communications, Presbyterian Mission Agency

KB Schaller

Mission Agency of the Presbyterian Church (USA)

Waymarking.com

KB Schaller is the Award-winning author of 100+ Native American Women Who Changed the World, Women's Issues Category. Other KB Schaller books are available through amazon.com and other booksellers.