I would participate, for the community connection and the insights, then get back to work.

The past is of some value, if for no other reason, for the sake of continuity. But holding on to the past is a “talent” that we humans are awash in. The aptitude that is in short supply is creating the present.

In the bigger picture, Native practices and Christianity are equally obsolete, and the differences between them are irrelevant to the spiritual (attitudinal) challenges facing Homo sapiens today.

Our continued existence as a species may well depend on whether we are able to envision a new narrative that is suitable for our new global tribe, and our newfound awareness of “objective” reality.

There are no dilemmas in our past - all of our challenges are ahead of us.

I have been a teacher in the Native American community for over 30 years. I began my teaching career teaching on the Hopi Reservation. A geographically isolated reservation that still had most of their culture (albeit they too have beem affected by the main stream culture - but not as much by Christianity 30 years sgo).

Now 30 years later, living and teaching on the Navajo Reservation I see a definitive impact of Christianity on the Native community. I would not be exaggerating if I were to postulate that at least 95% of my community identify themselves as Christian and Native. All public ceremonies are begun with a Christian prayer and end with a Chrisrian prayer.

As a side note, we require one year of a foreign language as a high school graduation requirement. Our foreign language is native Navajo. Their own language is being treated as a foreign language because the vast majority of students coming to us only speak or understand just a few words of their own language. Our way at preserving the language, but I worry the message of their language as a foreign language is troubling. 60% of the students resent or resist the classes and the required learning of their own language.

It seems you have already come up with an answer to your own question. Is it your mission to educate your people in the history of their culture and get them back on track. I am not native but I empathize with those who have lost their way due to European influences. If you study the history of religion you'll see it's not just the natives but everyone! The missionaries covered the globe and converted everyone they could find. And they succeeded. Unfortunately, many generations have come since and returning to your roots would be a hard road to lead a flock. Maybe all you can do is what they did, influence one person at a time. I think it's a noble quest.

Live and let live.

What is your end goal? And can you get there without going through this portal?

The Catholics have a great track record here, especially in South America and the Caribbean where many of the local gods have been co-opted by the church for it's own needs. I guess its the same with cultural aspects.

The melting pot is still alive and kicking. Thing is what you going to do about it?

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All religions change with time and exposure to other cultures. Look at the "Ghost Dance" such a thing never would have never had been thought of before, the term is not even Native American. I am proud of my Native American heritage. ( I am told I have some Native American blood. I do not know, Even if I do not It is my heritage as an American, no disrespect intended but actually the opposite!) So in this case you must throw out your Historical observations and what you know for what is presently. Most people do not care about what was but what IS. This is also true for Christians or any other religion. In this case I would simply put up with it and be part of your people. I would not say this to anyone but Native Americans and will admit that this it the Fallacy of Special Pleading, but Native Americans are not harming people with their beliefs and the belief system is part of the culture.

Hope this pale skin has given you something to think about, I am also an avid historian and have a problem with letting go of that myself. Good luck!

It sounds like you have your life in order. Embrace your cultural heritage as a tradition and history. It requires only knowledge not belief. Do what makes you feel complete and content.

I am interested in your studies, I understand what you are facing and it makes me sad. I have done some limited teach of our indigenous cultures here in Oz, sadly very little remains.
I have many friends from the pacific, almost all are very strong believers in Christianity. It has totally subverted their understanding of their ancestry.

I would participate, perhaps mention how it would have been done prior to European influence... preserve best the cultural parts most important to you... culture can be important but it has no bearing on your beliefs... ritual and history can be fascinating. We don’t want to loose our connections to the past.

As you move through life you'll find that you have to prioritize the importance of given things relative to others. This does not sound like a hill I would choose to die upon. You are, unless I misunderstand, going through a coming-of-age ritual, are young, and are expected to respect your elders. I suggest that you do so if you care at all about being culturally part of the tribe (and it appears that you do). It is a form of belonging that probably is more helpful than harmful to you. It will bring you opportunities over time. Your chance to effect change for the better will come later in life, when you rise to positions of influence yourself. Then perhaps you can ease the way of young people going through the same rituals.

In other words, save your powder, as they used to say in warfare. Hold your fire. Save it up strategically and you'll eventually recognize an opportunity for letting loose a broadside that will really effect change. All it's going to do right now is prod a hornet's nest.