Unique program celebrates 20th year

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A unique Aboriginal theology program is celebrating its 20th anniversary by honoring two of its founders with doctorate degrees.

The Vancouver School of Theology's Native Ministries Program offers the only accredited master of Divinity by extension degree in North America and emphasizes the promotion of the Christian faith within the cultural context of First Nations communities.

"The program allows a First Nations person to learn, grow and develop their understanding as a Christian leader without divorcing themselves from their own culture," said Rev. Martin Brokenleg, director of the program.

"The curriculum is designed in such a way that the student must immerse themselves in and understand their own culture. With the exception of two-week summer school sessions, students complete their studies in their own communities while providing congregational leadership," Brokenleg said. "It's essentially Christianity in First Nations clothing."

Brokenleg credits much of the program's innovative approach to its founders and their determination in taking on a challenging mission.

"When the program was first established in 1985, no other seminary in North America was willing to repackage their program to address the needs of First Nations people," said Brokenleg, who helped confer doctor of divinity degrees to co-founders, the Ven. Ian MacKenzie and the Rev. Dr. Cecil Corbett, at the school's recent convocation in Vancouver.

Best known for his 21-year involvement in the Nisga'a treaty process, MacKenzie, an adopted member of both the Haida and Nisga'a nations, was director of the program for 12 years and helped design it with input from Aboriginal Elders. He also formed alliances among Christian denominations and secured support from the Episcopal, Anglican and United churches.

His proudest achievement to date, however, was his involvement in the Indian ecumenical movement in the 1970s. The movement brought together traditional Native religious peoples with Christian Native people wishing to affirm traditional Native culture.

"It opened the door for First Nations religion to challenge the world and all Christians," said MacKenzie, who notes the process had its detractors.

"Instead of achieving peace everywhere, some conflicts took place due to the negative reaction of some traditional Christians. But the spread of First Nations religions has addressed many important needs in Aboriginal communities, especially in youth and in relieving the pain of addictions and mental illness."

MacKenzie spent almost 30 years as a rector in the diocese of Caledonia. He said Christians should treat others with openness and acceptance, and not judge people by their race or ethnicity.

"In every tribe, when Christians made the distinction between western and Aboriginal people, they made a big mistake. They failed to recognize that most First Nations people believe in the same Creator and accept Jesus Christ as the Son of God."

The Vancouver School of Theology will celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Native ministries program on July 13 with a service and salmon barbecue. For more information call the VST at 604-822-9480.