First Nations Version: An Indigenous Translation of the New Testament
Terry M. Wildman, lead translator and general editor (InterVarsity Press)
“A spirit-messenger from Creator appeared to them. They shook with fear and trembled as the messenger said to them, ‘Do not fear! I bring you the good story that will be told to all nations. Today in the village of Much Loved One (David) an Honored Chief has been born who will set his people free. He is the Chosen One’” (Luke 2:9-11).
These and other words from Luke were the first to be presented in 1300 draft versions to representatives of more than 30 tribes all over North America, who provided feedback on such things as readability, cultural issues and names of persons and places in what would become the First Nations Version of the New Testament.
“First Nations” is the designation mostly used in Canada for Native Americans or Indigenous peoples. The word “Translation” in the subtitle means this new version of the New Testament is not a paraphrase, but is an actual translation from Greek into English. English was used because more than 90 percent of Indigenous peoples no longer speak their tribal languages as the result of efforts to assimilate Native Americans into the United States and Canada.
The translation council is composed of 12 First Nations people representing 16 tribes who worked with OneBook and Wycliffe Associates. Many others also participated in the translation and review process.
The translation is thought-for-thought—dynamic equivalence—rather than word-for-word, to produce a style and cadence more similar to the storytelling of oral cultures, while remaining faithful to the original language of the New Testament. Names of people and places are rendered in the Native descriptive style, followed by the biblical name in parentheses—such as Much Loved One (David), Bitter Tears (Mary), Land of Promise (Judea) and Sacred Village of Peace (Jerusalem). These features enable Indigenous readers to connect with the translation more readily.
Another aspect of translation helpful to Indigenous readers are the names for God—such as Creator, Great Spirit, Great Mystery, Maker of Life, and One Above Us All. While some may bristle at what might be considered unbiblical names for God, the translators point out “God” itself is a cultural rendering of the original names.
Other features include clarifications of history, culture, geography and thought—all of which are made visible with italics or bold type.
The First Nations Version: An Indigenous Translation of the New Testament is scheduled to release Aug. 3. For those interested in hearing how God speaks to all people, it will be an important translation to read. For Indigenous people, it is a long-awaited gift.
Eric Black, executive director, publisher, editor
Baptist Standard
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