American Indian Republic sits down for a video interview with Fr. Patrick Twohy, a Jesuit priest who has lived with and served the Native Peoples of the Pacific Northwest for over 40 years. He has lived with the Swinomish and Tulalip Tribes of the Coast Salish Peoples for the past 25 years, and with the Colville Confederated Tribes in Eastern Washington State from 1973 to 1984.
Father Twohy’s deep love and respect for the people he serves has led to his work which describes the spiritual traditions of the Native religions and connects them with the Catholic faith. Two books titled Beginnings: A Meditation on Coast Salish Lifewaysand Finding a Way Home: Indian & Catholic Spiritual Paths of Plateau Tribes, numerous articles and renown as a one who speaks with the sanction of both the Native Peoples and the Catholic Church, are the fruit of his work.
His life work as a parish priest in Native communities has brought him to the role of spiritual leader and, now, as a respected Elder in both Catholic and Native communities.
Patrick Twohy’s academic degrees include a B.A. in English from Gonzaga University and two master’s degrees: an M.A. in English from Gonzaga University and a Masters in Divinity gained at the Toronto School of Theology. He was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Law from Gonzaga University in 2006 and was the principal Commencement Speaker for Graduation Ceremonies of that year.
Miguel Douglas is the executive director of American Indian Republic and is an enrolled member of the Puyallup Tribe of Indians. He has written extensively on Indian gaming and its effects on American Indian communities. He has received a Master’s Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Washington.