Reflect on the Truth
The story of the North American Martyrs and the early Indigenous Christian communities invites us to look more deeply into a complex and often misunderstood chapter of our shared history.
The Jesuit Relations and other historical sources offer remarkable insights into the encounters between European missionaries and Indigenous peoples in 17th-century North America. Yet these accounts also invite further examination alongside Indigenous perspectives, oral traditions and contemporary scholarship, helping us better understand the faith, choices and contributions of the Indigenous men and women who became Christians and evangelizers in their own right.
Through historical investigation and in consultation with Indigenous Catholic leaders, historians, theologians and Church leaders, Of Blood and Water seeks to encourage thoughtful dialogue about evangelization, culture, religious freedom and the Church's continuing journey of healing and reconciliation. What can these early encounters teach us about the proclamation of the Gospel, respect for Indigenous identity and the importance of genuine dialogue? How might the witness of the Martyrs and Indigenous Apostles deepen our understanding of both the achievements and the painful complexities of our shared past?
Beyond the film itself, we envision an educational and pastoral outreach initiative that encourages further scholarship, dialogue and reflection, particularly as we approach the 2030 centenary of the canonization of the North American Martyrs.
Potential initiatives include:
Academic conferences and historical research — Encouraging multidisciplinary scholarship on the Martyrs and early Indigenous Christian communities, including historical, theological, cultural and literary perspectives.
Resources for healing and reconciliation — Developing historically grounded material that can contribute to existing Church-Indigenous dialogue and reconciliation initiatives.
Catholic education and pastoral formation — Creating short films, discussion guides and educational resources for schools, parishes, seminaries and faith formation programs.
Shrine-based learning and pilgrimage — Working with our shrine partners to bring these stories to life through educational programming, screenings and opportunities for reflection.