A practical support for Indigenous students
STEINBACH, Man.
A lot of people wonder exactly what it means to honour truth and reconciliation and also be a follower of Jesus. I think that as followers of Jesus we ought to be the people most concerned with truth and reconciliation. We worship a God who’s not just concerned about truth, but he calls himself the truth (John 14:6). And we follow a God who isn’t just concerned about reconciliation in a political or temporary sense, but who has by the shedding of his own blood reconciled the world to himself (Romans 5:9–11).
We are at least somewhat aware of the history of the Christian religion in Canada and the mistreatment of Indigenous people over the last few centuries. In light of this wrong, people wonder how to respond. First steps are learning the history and hearing the stories, then going on to correct stereotypes and misinformation. But beyond that, people want a practical way to help.
There is right now a great opportunity to respond in a practical way. Steinbach Bible College (SBC) has recently developed an Indigenous Student Success Fund. It’s a bursary that provides financial support for Indigenous students to come and study at SBC.
There is misinformation that all Indigenous people get free education. For a lot of young people, the financial burdens and barriers are overwhelming, especially since they are often coming from small churches without the ability to provide financial support. Yet there’s overwhelming demand for young people to be trained, discipled and equipped with tools for ministry. This fund also supports Indigenous students by funding the Indigenous student advisor position.
“The year has been a huge blessing, with many opportunities to grow in my spiritual and academic life. SBC has helped me to nurture my faith while diving into Biblical studies in a space where community is everything.”
This last academic year there were eight Indigenous students representing six different nations studying at the college. We were able to spend time on the land and in the woods, visit other Indigenous believers in Saskatchewan, and bring in Indigenous Christian Elders to speak and to share.
I’ve spoken to Indigenous people who have attended Bible school. It was overwhelming when they were the only people there who were Indigenous, and the cultural barriers were a challenge. I’m so pleased to be part of a college that recognizes the need and the opportunity to support Indigenous young people who are interested in growing their faith to be ministers of the gospel and to be missionaries to their own people. I can think of no other more effective way to bless, empower, engage and share Jesus with Indigenous people than by equipping Indigenous students.
– Joshua Dueck
Joshua Dueck (Steinbach EMC) serves on the EMC Indigenous Ministry Committee and as dean of men and Indigenous student advisor for Steinbach Bible College.
