First Nations Version: An Indigenous Bible Translation of the New Testament

I was raised on the KJ Version, had migrated to the NIV, and recently been introduced to the ESV. As a layman, I might call this version a mix between a word for word translation and a paraphrase. It is refreshing to read this FNV with its flowing phrases and picturesque terminology. It sets my mind at ease and helps me think on the good things, so that I might walk the righteous path in life.

This is a terrific translation of the Christian New Testament from the lens of Native Americans. Makes one slow down and think about the words and titles used. Gives fresh interpretation of the NT. Recommend, especially if your Bible reading has become stale.

this translation of the gospel of john is lovely: simple, clear, inviting. speaks of the wholesomeness of biblical language with respect to native americans beliefs in our creation God in nature. a meaningful adjunct worthy of attention and use

This translation of the New Testament is the most accessible and humble version of the loving words of Creator ever produced by Spirit through human hearts. I grew up reading, but not able to understand, the King James version with archaic language that was a barrier between the good news of true spiritual wisdom and my spirit. The essence of the message is revived in this living translation and presented in a way that anyone can understand. This translation has enabled and empowered me to allow the truth of the living Spirit of Creator to heal many years of religious trauma. The message of Creator's good road for us All is rescued from abstract concepts previously only given within the paradigm of colonization. This beautiful version distills a direct experience of Spirit to the heart, mind, body, and soul. Every detail gives fresh meaning to the word, including giving the meaning of the names along with the English names. I am so humbled and grateful to the Indigenous people of these lands who offer this beautiful gift of healing, reconciliation, and peace even after the dark realities of the history of colonization. I eagerly await the birth of the Psalms & Proverbs translation in 2025! This is truly the work of the Great Commission of Jesus. Thank you! May Creator bless Mitakuye Oyasin~All my relations

I’m not First Nations/Native American, however it is my new favorite translation! The New Testament reads so fresh and I was looking for that. The language connects more deeply with my heart probably than any other translation I’ve used. Would highly recommend!

My Pastor recommended this translation. It's so interesting to read the same Scripture, but from a slightly different twist. I find the translation very poetical. A nice change and inspiring.

I haven't read the entire NT in this version yet, but I'm really appreciating the translation of the names of the protagonists in the NT. It adds a new dimension to the text.

This is my second year using First Nations Version for my daily Bible reading. Reading through the New Testament each year. It is helpful to hear the Good Story (the Gospel) with different words. I eagerly await the Old Testament translation, especially the Psalms.

I usually read the NIV or ESV translation of the Bible but this translation opened my eyes to how we can see God as the Creator, etc. Read it for yourself to discover God's truth in a new way.

It is only the new testament but it is very awesome for my collection. It has a introduction to the first Nations Version in the beginning.

I am quite taken by this translation so far. It offer a smooth read through content with which I am so familiar, and I find that I'm stopping in my tracks to appreciate this translation's phrasing that simply forces a new layer or new depth of understanding. Turns of vibrant phrase that force consideration of different lived experiences and ways of seeing the world are just so very exciting. Which ... I mean... Think of the implications: more empathy, a heightened appreciation for scripture, the Gospel reaching English-speaking First Nations people, my own ability to understand that culture better, etc. I am not a First Nations person, and I bought this translation to see scripture through the eyes of those who aren't the powerful white people of the historical religious elite - of those who have different language for concepts I know, yet which still holds fast to the truth God's character and purposes in Jesus, to show a different way of understanding the same Gospel. Nothing is *changed* in terms of concept or theology; the changes are in words meant for the ears of those who differently understand the dynamics between God and humans, humans and the natural world, etc., a compared to those of us who have benefitted from systems of colonialism.Akin to translating the Bible into different languages to reach different people groups, which is a common practice of the Church, the FNV, in English, translates the Bible using language that honours culture to show how widely applicable the Gospel is to all people (and is translated by those in the First Nations community with a high degree of of consultation and care). I feel honoured to be able to read this translation.I've included pictures to illustrate:It's general size (this is a verse-by-verse translation that is comparable in length to my nasb inductive translation)A comparison of James 1:14 (NASB and FNV)The first page of John 1The table of contentsNot much in terms of cross references, and virtually no notes (but there are some helpful contextual elements set apart but included in the body of the text that are helpful in tying together the narrative). I like it this way - using scripture to interpret scripture without relying on the study work of commentators (arguably, the fruit of study is doing it yourself - not passively receiving others' findings).I wasn't expecting such dynamic and thought-provoking elements in this translation, and I'm so excited to dive in more deeply. An example is this translation's use of names -Creator Sets Free (Jesus)Gift of Goodwill (John)Creator (God)Wrestles with Creator (Israel)A note about my copy: some of the pages in the middle are of a slightly bluer hue compared to the more yellow hue of the majority of the pages. Not sure if this is just my copy or whatnot. Naturally, I will soon enough spill coffee on it so it won't matter, but it may be a factor for some. I bought the softcover. The pages feel amazing and the book feels great in-hand (cover has a soft and smooth matte coating and the pages are heavy in weight - the quality of the paper really is quite satisfying for those who care about such things).

I ordered this Bible because I have roots in the Lakota Nation and I thought I would like to hear their interpretation. This First Nation Version of the Bible is very easy to read and understand. It gives a beautiful interpretation of God's word. I would recommend it highly to anyone who is interested in a First Nations point of view. I will be reading from it in our church when it is my turn to read which is quite often.

Our pastor at church read from this bible. It was so well written and easy to understand that my mother asked me to get her one. She loves it.