Terry M. Wildman, of the Ojibwe and Yaqui tribes, is the lead translator, project manager and general editor of the First Nations Version (FNV). The FNV is the first known translation of the New Testament into a culturally relevant style for the Indigenous peoples of North America. Wildman, founder of Rain Ministries, is also director of spiritual growth and leadership development for Native InterVarsity.
To compare how the First Nations Version may differ from other Bible translations, here is John 3:16-17 in the FNV and the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV):
(FNV) 16 “The Great Spirit loves this world of human beings so deeply he gave us his Son—the only Son who fully represents him. All who trust in him and his way will not come to a bad end, but will have the life of the world to come that never fades away, full of beauty and harmony. 17 Creator did not send his Son to decide against the people of this world, but to set them free from the worthless ways of the world….”
(NRSV) 16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. 17 “Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him….”
Below, Wildman discusses the First Nations Version, set to be released August 31 and available through InterVarsity Press and Amazon.
