Indian Ministries

There are 47 tribes in the state of Oklahoma, 37 of the tribes are federally recognized.  The Oakerhater Episcopal Center in Watonga, Oklahoma is the center of Native American Ministries within the Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma.  Named for David Pendleton Oakerhater, the center is located on twelve-acres and is also home to Whirlwind Mission of the Holy Family, a Cheyenne and Arapaho mission.  

The Oakerhater Center is active today with many programs, including summer Bible School camps for children, an art camp with Oklahoma University School of Art and Art History for teenagers, the annual Honor Dance celebrating David Oakerhater, Sunday morning Holy Eucharist, and hosts local tribal events. 

Click here to learn more about this year's 30th Anniversary Oakerhater Honor Dance!

The Rev. David Pendleton Oakerhater
Deacon and Missionary of the Chyenne and Arapaho, 1931

David was “God’s Warrior” and “a dweller among the campers.”  As a solider he fought against the United States government, and as a missionary he faithfully worked among the Cheyenne and Arapaho for fifty years. Please follow this link for more information about David and Whirlwind Mission of the Holy Family.

Contact: The Rev. Pat Gonzales, Deacon in Charge
Whirlwind Mission of the Holy Family
1000 East Russworm Drive
Watonga, OK
580-623-5585
[email protected]

Gathering Prayer

Creator, we give you thanks for all that you are and all that you bring to us within your creation. In Jesus, you placed the Gospel in the Center of the Sacred Circle through which all creation is related. You show us the way to live a generous and compassionate life. Give us your strength to live together with respect and commitment as we grow in your spirit, for you are God, now and forever. Amen

(This prayer was written by the Native American Ministries Office.  We use it every Sunday at Whirlwind Mission as the beginning of our Entrance Rite.)