The Role of Native Americans in LDS Prophecy: Teachings from Early Church Authorities

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Let me put it plainly. The early Saints believed something big about Native Americans—and not just big, sacred. They taught these people were a covenant remnant, heirs of the House of Israel, and central to God's work in the last days.

They believed a mighty prophet would rise up from among them. Not from Salt Lake. Not from General Conference. From them. And it would shake the nations.

1. A Covenant People

  • The Book of Mormon says they’re from the tribe of Joseph through Manasseh (Alma 10:3).

  • They carry ancient promises made to Lehi and Joseph of Egypt.

  • In the last days, they’re promised restoration, gathering, and a major role in Zion.

2. A Native Prophet Will Arise

Scripture says:

  • 2 Nephi 3:24: “One mighty among them…”

  • 3 Nephi 21:7: “Some of the remnant… shall begin to believe…”

Early LDS leaders backed it up:

LeaderWhat They Said
Oliver Cowdery"A prophet is to be raised up, in whom the tribes will believe."
Orson Pratt (1876)Footnote to 2 Nephi 3:24 said "Future Indian Prophet."
Spencer W. Kimball“When their prophet shall come… they shall rise in majesty and power.”
John NicholsonSaid the Walker Lake event fulfilled 3 Nephi 21.
B.H. RobertsBelieved Native Americans would have a major spiritual manifestation.
Joseph F. SmithSaid they weren’t yet ready—but would be.

3. The Walker Lake Visitation (1890)

  • Native tribes in Nevada said the Messiah came to them.

  • LDS leaders took it seriously.

  • Seen as fulfillment of 3 Nephi 21—God starting His work with the remnant.

4. Awakening the Sleeping Giant

  • Kimball: “The day of the Lamanite is nigh.”

  • Billy Graham (1975): “The Native American is a sleeping giant… He is awakening.”

Even outsiders could feel it.

5. They Will Help Build Zion

  • Ether 13:6–8 and 3 Nephi 21 say they’ll help establish New Jerusalem.

  • Their spiritual rise happens before the full gathering.

  • They will lead in righteousness—side by side with believing Gentiles.

6. Then Came the Shift

  • In 1876, the Church’s footnotes said the mighty one in 2 Nephi 3:24 would be a Future Indian Prophet.

  • By 1909, they changed it—said it meant Joseph Smith.

  • Just like that, the spotlight moved from the remnant to the hierarchy.

Bottom Line?

The early vision was clear: Native Americans are not background characters. They are center stage in the last days. Their prophet, their rise, their role in Zion—that was part of the Restoration.

And we’re still waiting to see it unfold.

Scriptures to Revisit:

  • 2 Nephi 3:11, 15, 24

  • 3 Nephi 21:1–9

  • Ether 13:6–8

  • Isaiah 60:1–2

  • JST Genesis 48:11

Quotables to Remember:

“A prophet is to be raised up, in whom the tribes will believe.” — Oliver Cowdery
“The Native American is a sleeping giant... He is awakening.” — Billy Graham
“When their prophet shall come... they shall rise in majesty and power.” — Spencer W. Kimball

It’s time to watch the remnant rise. They haven’t been forgotten. They’ve been hidden. But not for long.  

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