Gathering of the Tribes at RootsTech 2026

 

https://www.gatheringoftribes.org/

I had the distinct privilege of meeting with some members of the Gathering of the Tribes at RootsTech 2026. Here is some information about their organization. 

The Gathering of Tribes is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting and strengthening Indigenous members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Founded by Cindy Quinney, Shane Manning, and Amber Irwin, the organization was born from a desire to create a space where Indigenous people could find a sense of belonging, see themselves represented in their faith, and celebrate the harmony between their cultural heritage and the gospel. The mission is centered on four main objectives: nurturing faith in Jesus Christ, uniting families through family history and temple work, caring for those in need, and honoring cultural identity as it relates to spiritual life.

The organization operates through three primary pillars:

• Gather: They host community events designed to foster connection and faith. A recent landmark event, "Good Medicine," held in American Fork, Utah, focused on the healing power of traditional arts. These gatherings often include sunrise ceremonies, workshops on traditional skills like Hopi pottery and Navajo weaving, and opportunities for temple worship. An upcoming Indigenous Youth Trip is scheduled for April 2026 to help young people explore their divine potential in Provo and Salt Lake City.

• Uplift: To provide ongoing spiritual nourishment, the group creates faith-filled media. This includes the Come, Follow Me Podcast, available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, as well as devotional videos like Sacred Brothers and Sacred Sisters, which feature testimonies and traditional music.

• Serve: Collaboration is at the heart of their service efforts. They work with local leadership to plan projects that address the specific needs of Indigenous communities. One significant initiative is the Navajo Nation Oral History Project, which documents family relationships and histories of Diné elders.

How to Support Their Goals

There are several ways to contribute to the mission of the Gathering of Tribes:

• Financial Contributions: As a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, they rely on donations to fund their service projects, youth trips, and media production. Contributions can be made directly through their website or via platforms like Venmo and PayPal (@LDSGatheringofTribes).

• Volunteer and Serve: They seek Oral History Specialists to help document lineage and stories, and they often look for volunteers to assist with the logistics of their large-scale gatherings and community service projects.

• Stay Connected: You can subscribe to their email list to receive updates on upcoming events and service opportunities. Following their YouTube channel or social media pages also helps amplify their message and reach more members of the community.

• Participation: Their events are open to everyone—Indigenous and non-Indigenous alike—who wishes to learn, support the community, and participate in a shared celebration of faith and culture.