History

In 1949, Cap Stabbert and his peers met at a local coffeehouse in Seattle, Washington. Their friend, Willis Shank had recently died in a plane crash while visiting isolated villages in northern Alaska. Now his passion was becoming theirs: reaching the First Peoples of this land for Christ. North America Indigenous Ministries was formed as a non-profit organization and religious charity in 1949. Ministry began with a restored World War II minesweeper traveling along the British Columbian coast. Teams would evangelize in small Native villages.

Over time, NAIM transformed from an itinerant coastal boat based ministry to a community based/relational long-term ministry of evangelism and discipleship. Through long term commitment to communities NAIM could better model who Jesus Christ is and provide a healthier relationship between the Church and the Native community.

Today, the indigenous church is increasingly sending its people to other Native communities and across the world. NAIM is focused on partnering with First Nations believers to reach out to communities that need the Gospel. As more Native believers join us, we see God strengthening our outreach.