Reflections on getting started

To do list:

  1. Prepare next week’s classes.
  2. Learn Swampy Cree.
  3. Learn to use the Student Records database (and Microsoft Access).
  4. Become familiar with the Theological Education by Extension (TEE) program of the Cook College and Theological School, Tempe, Arizona (this curriculum, designed by and for Aboriginals, is the basic course of studies at Henry Budd).
  5. Become accepted as a Tutor for the Native Ministries Program at Vancouver School of Theology (the program by which our students can work toward an M. Div. degree).
  6. Plan next semester’s courses.
  7. Plan a spring lecture (which the College of Emmanuel and St. Chad, Saskatoon is generously funding), and possibly summer workshops or courses.
  8. Dream about developing more courses, about bringing more M. Div. courses here to The Pas, and about increasing links with other theological schools and other programs for aboriginal theological education.
  9. Learn Cree!

It’s hard not to sometimes feel overwhelmed by the enormity of the task. But, as scary as it is, it’s also an exciting challenge.

As the new Coordinators at the Henry Budd, Marion and I are heirs to a wonderful tradition. For almost 30 years this school has developed aboriginal leaders for service to God’s people in this area and beyond.

It is also a time of promise for mutual respect and cooperation between aboriginal members and the rest of the Christian churches in Canada. It seems like it will finally be possible “to create a ‘A New Agape’ partnership within the Anglican Church of Canada between Indigenous and Non-Indigenous people to build a self-determining community for Indigenous Anglicans” (from the web site of the Anglican Council of Indigenous Peoples). Indigenous leadership has grown greatly, even though an Aboriginal Coordinator for this college was not found. As strange as it sometimes seems even to ourselves that two white folks are in this position, we are convinced that it was God’s call that brought us to the Henry Budd College for Ministry.

A huge “thank you” is due to Lydia Constant-Clark, who has worked extremely hard over the past year and a half to keep the college functioning, in addition to her duties as Archdeacon for The Pas Deanery, and who continues to be our mentor. Thanks to Bishop Jim for his confidence in us and for his encouragement. And most of all thanks to the folks of the Aboriginal congregations of this Deanery who have made us feel welcome and appreciated.

Paul