In the article “We Are As We Are” by James P. Rhonda it discusses the many encounters between Christian missionaries and First Nations people in Canada and the northern United States. The article shows the very unique encounters between the two groups.

The First Nations and the Missionaries had very different views on many religious beliefs. Many of the First Nations had no interest in even the thought of joining Christianity. They believed that they, missionaries were the reason for the mass outbreak of smallpox that was killing there families at a rapid rate. While many Natives refused the new religion others were amazed by the ideas and relics that the missionaries revealed and converted to Chritsianity. Another interesting event that occurred during this time was the creation of “revitalization movements,” which where a blend of First Nations and Christian theologies. The difference in opinion did not stop the two groups from asking questions and trying to learn more about the different spiritual outlooks. Father Je Jeune and shaman Carigonan would have secret meeting “Inside dark, smoky bark cabins and would challenge each others theologies”

This article showed an interesting insight into the relationship of two very different groups of individuals, and how there were very interested to learn about one another religious outlooks, even if they had on intention of converting. This kind of open-mindedness and interest is something that should be practised at this day and time.