[4] In 1971, Wantland was the executive director of Seminole Housing Authority, and he served as its attorney general from 1971 until 1977.

[4] Upon the advice of the Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma, Wantland became a worker-priest at his local church.

During that time, he was honored by the Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians.

He was embraced as one their own and was given the name 'Manido Nigani', meaning "He who stands forth in the Spirit", referencing his position as an Episcopal bishop.

After retiring from the Diocese of Eau Claire in 1999, Wantland helped to form the Anglican Church in North America.