About this Event
Why I Stay ?
“I have spoken at a few universities over the years, but I remember a few years back speaking at Concordia University and McGill University, both in Montreal and on the same day. What interested me on both occasions is that students asked me, ‘In light of all the negative stuff that happened in residential schools and other traumatic events in Canadian history, why do you stay?” — Rev. Dr. Ray Aldred
In this lecture, Rev. Dr. Ray Aldred reflects on his response to this question, drawing on his personal journey of reconciling his Indigenous identity and Christian faith. He explores why this question was particularly significant for Indigenous Christians from the 1970s through the early 2000s, considering the challenges of maintaining Christian faith in light of the historical experiences of Indigenous peoples in Canada. He also examines how the questions Indigenous people are asking today may be evolving and what these shifts might mean for the future.
Rev. Dr. Ray Aldred is a husband, father, and grandfather. Originally ordained with the Christian and Missionary Alliance in Canada, he is now ordained with the Anglican Church of Canada. He is Cree from Treaty 8 territory. Born in northern Alberta, he now lives with his wife in Richmond, British Columbia. He is the Director of the Indigenous Studies Program at the Vancouver School of Theology, which partners with Indigenous churches to provide theological education. Previously, he taught theology at Ambrose Seminary in Calgary. He is a former chairperson and board member of Indigenous Pathways and a former Director of the First Nations Alliance Churches of Canada. He is also a prolific speaker and communicator.
Event venue & nearby stays
BMO Financial Group Community Room - Central Library, 800 3rd Street Southeast, Calgary, Canada
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