Bienvenue à Las Casas

Founded in 1977, Las Casas is a collaborative Dominican ministry with Native and Indigenous People.

We affirm the right of Native People to express their culture, language and religion. Our mission is to support Dominican Sisters and Friars who minister with Native Americans as they seek justice in the lives of Native/Indigenous People and stand as a hopeful presence walking with them.

The name Las Casas is a reference to Fr. Bartolomé de Las Casas (1484-1566).

Las Casas underwent a personal transformation, became a Dominican Friar and dedicated his life to defending the rights of Native People in the Americas. Annually we provide financial grants and scholarships to support Dominicans who minister on reservations and in urban areas throughout the country. Some examples include:

Supporting programs for the Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women’s (MMIW) movement.
Supporting Family Retreats for urban Native American families in a rural setting.
Supporting Nonviolent Leadership programs that develop skills for building peace in families and communities.

Las Casas Ministry with Native Americans has been honored at the National Museum of the American Indian with a brick on the Honor Wall (3rd tablet, line 2 center, 4th floor).

If you would like to support our mission, send your donation to Las Casas: Dominicans in Ministry with Native Americans, Inc.,

c/o Diane Poplawski, OP
5635 Erie St
Racine, WI
53402-1934

dpoplawski@racinedominicans.org

Las Casas is a 501(c)3 organization. All donations are tax-deductible.

Las Casas Board Members:

Kathleen Donnelly, OP (Sparkill)
Marie Michelle Hackett, OP (Springfield)
Nathalie Meyer, OP (Grand Rapids)
Diane Poplawski, OP (Racine)
Marilyn Winter, OP (Adrian)

Visit the Las Casas NEWSLETTER

Read our annual newsletter for more profound stories of Dominicans who minister among Native/Indigenous People.

Click Here for Las Casas Newsletters

If you would like more information about Las Casas or are a Dominican in ministry with Native/Indigenous People and are not already in contact with us

Click Here for Our Brochure

or contact Diane Poplawski at dpoplawski@racinedominicans.org.

Las Casas Board Members L-R: Kathleen Donnelly, OP (Sparkill) | Nathalie Meyer, OP (Grand Rapids) | Marilyn Winter, OP (Adrian) | Diane Poplawski, OP (Racine) | Marie Michelle Hackett, OP (Springfield).