Episode 86

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Published on:

8th Jun 2026

Episode 86: We’re Still Here--Confronting the Myth That Native Americans Only Exist in the Past

SHOW NOTES:

Indigenous Peoples are not mascots, myths, or museum pieces. We are living peoples created by God with stories, beauty, pain, humor, and purpose.

We’re starting a new series, entitled, Beyond the Stereotype. This series is designed to help Native and non-Native listeners confront harmful stereotypes, reclaim indigenous identity, and a desire to follow Jesus with honesty, strength, humor, and dignity.

Many people talk about Native people as if we disappeared. This episode reminds listeners that Native communities are alive, evolving, resilient, and still carrying culture, language, faith, and identity.

LINKS + RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE:

  • Sign up for monthly newsletter. Click sign up link, scroll down to email form, complete form, respond to email prompt, and get my newsletter.
  • Join the movement on Instagram @nativesfollowjesus
  • Documentaries exploring Hollywood's stereotypes of Native Americans unpack how early cinema reduced diverse, rich Indigenous cultures into two-dimensional tropes—such as the "noble savage," the bloodthirsty villain, or the mystic. They analyze how these caricatures justified historical mistreatment and shaped public perception.
  • Watch Images of Indians: How Hollywood Stereotyped the Native American (2003): This documentary details the history of Native American representation in cinema, breaking down how film was utilized as a propaganda tool. View trailer here.
  • Check out Reel Injun (2009): Directed by Cree filmmaker Neil Diamond, this award-winning feature is the definitive documentary on the subject. It traces the evolution of the "Hollywood Indian" from the silent era to the modern day and features interviews with iconic figures like Clint Eastwood and Russell Means. You can stream or rent it on platforms like Amazon Prime Video or Apple TV. Watch trailer here.
  • Tune into What Hollywood Gets Wrong About Native America (2024): Produced by PBS as part of their A People's History series, this short-form documentary investigates why Native people and stories remain marginalized, and highlights how modern Indigenous filmmakers are reclaiming their narratives. You can watch the full episode for free on the PBS Website.
  • Send me an email at nativefollowsjesus@gmail.com to connect with me or to ask me a question. Thanks.
  • Give a review of this podcast on Podchaser.com

Join us for the next episode when you can join me in addressing sports mascots and cultural caricatures.

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About the Podcast

Natives Follow Jesus
Following Jesus as Native American / First Nation Disciples
The Natives Follow Jesus podcast recognizes that following Jesus as Native American / First Nation disciples is getting more and more challenging. You don’t have to follow Jesus all alone. Join me every week where you can find positive and encouraging content as you seek to follow Jesus as best as you can.
Daron Butler is the host of this weekly show where episodes drop every Monday morning at 6am. Daron is a full-blooded Navajo. His Navajo family are followers of Jesus spanning three generations. He has served as a pastor in the local church and serves as Hospice Chaplain in his community presently. He has over 30 years experience in serving many people groups.
Episode segments will highlight native cultural insights, devotions from the Bible, prayer for you as you follow Jesus among your own people and amid the cultures of the world, and spotlighting indigenous followers of Jesus who are seeking to be a mission force. There will be bonus episodes where Daron will interview other Natives who are following Jesus. You will gain perspective from their personal journey and you will find inspiration to keep following Jesus. Daron intends to offer you insight, inspiration, and community on your spiritual journey as you follow Jesus.
Why this podcast? I find that those who follow Jesus as a Native American or First Nations disciple span a wide spectrum of locations. Some are from the USA and others are from CANADA. You may be someone who is from the reservation (or reserve) or from the city. You might be full-blooded or part-blooded. You may have started following Jesus while immersed in your native culture or you found Jesus yet are curious about your native background. You may be someone who speaks your native language fluently or one who can’t say any words in the tongue of your ancestors. You may have many questions unanswered. Daron invites you to join him on your spiritual quest to follow Jesus.
He wants to connect with you, offer a prayer for you, and to suggest ways for you to keep following Jesus as a Native person.
So what are you waiting for? Engage with him on Instagram @nativesfollowjesus
Please tell your friends that the show is available to listen to for free in any app that supports podcasts.
Remember,
"Wherever you are, God sees you. You are NOT alone! Keep following Jesus!"

About your host

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Daron Butler

Hi! I am Daron Butler. I am Navajo. I am from the Taachiinii Clan ("Red Running into the Rocks Clan). I started following Jesus at eleven years old. I have been following Jesus for 48 years.
My grandparents followed Jesus. My parents followed Jesus. My siblings are following Jesus. Even my extended family are following Jesus too. And it all started with one person, my aunt Edith Butler.
I wanted to launch the "Natives Follow Jesus" podcast to offer encouragement to those who decided to follow Jesus. This podcast hopes to identify those who follow Jesus amplifying their voices, stories, and experiences from their own communities. The spiritual journey of Native American and First Nations followers of Jesus are diverse and sometimes lonely.
Hosted by a Navajo, each episode dives into topics ranging from growing as a follower of Jesus, navigating the cultural traditions, learning the language of your ancestors, gaining inspiration from other natives who follow Jesus, and developing a sense of belonging, eternal purpose, and daily service as a follower of Jesus.
I want my listeners to be seen, heard, and understood. Each human has value to bring into the world. Native Americans and First Nations people are not a "lost cause." No! We are a cause worth fighting for...you matter to me.
Join us on a spiritual journey to explore the rich diversity of Native identities and stories that honor the Creator who made us and to envision a thriving future where we are no longer a mission field, but where we become a mission force for the Creator.