UPDATED WITH VIDEO, SLIDES, AND RESOURCES
Exploring Indigenous Theology: Two-Eyed Seeing, Vision Quests, and Sacred Stories
A Saturday morning workshop offered by The Rev. Canon Mary Crist, Ed.D. (Blackfeet)
Co-sponsored by Saint Mark's Cathedral and the Office of the Bishop of the Diocese of Olympia.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2022, 9:30 A.M.–12:30 P.M., in person in Bloedel Hall or online via Zoom. Free, but registration required for either option.
Dr. Crist extends this invitation to join the workshop:
"Did you know that the Episcopal Church has over 400 years of history with Indigenous people in North America? Did you know that many Indigenous spiritual beliefs are compatible with those of Jesus? How can we make it possible for Indigenous people to be Christians and to honor the spiritual practices of their ancestors at the same time? How can we use “two-eyed” seeing, vision quests, and sacred stories to explore Indigenous theology? We will explore these questions and others in our time together. Participants will learn what Indigenous leaders in the Episcopal Church have to say about being both Native and Christian and how theological education is expanding to broaden the preparation of church leaders. Bring your own stories and questions to share in this workshop grounded in the narrative tradition."
The Rev. Canon Mary Crist, Ed.D. (Piitaki/Eagle Woman) is enrolled Blackfeet from the Douglas family in Montana. She is a priest in the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles serving at St. Michael’s Ministry Center in Riverside. Dr. Crist serves on the Presiding Bishop’s Staff as the Coordinator of Indigenous Theological Education in the Department of Ethnic Ministries. She is a Visiting Professor of Education and Indigenous Studies at Bexley Seabury Seminary in Chicago. She has earned the Doctor of Education from Columbia University in New York, Master of Divinity from Claremont School of Theology, Master of Education from Pan American University, and Bachelor of Arts from the University of California Berkeley. She is the author of the articles “Frybread in Canaan” and “Native Christian Perspectives on Reconciliation,” both published in the First Peoples Theology Journal, as well as various articles in early childhood education, special education, and online instructional design. In 2022 she was named a Woman of Distinction for Province VIII by the National Episcopal Church Women.
UPDATE:
Download the slides from the presentation (pdf) here: Exploring Indigenous Theology Presentation Slides
Note: some slides in the presentation contain video, which are not included in the pdf version. Videos played include:
- "Two-Eyed Seeing" from Cape Breton University
- Introduction to The Four Vision Quests of Jesus with The Rt. Rev. Steven Charleston (Choctaw)
- Story and Prayer by Chief Earl Old Person of the Blackfeet Nation
The personal essay by The Rev. Rachel Taber-Hamilton referenced in the presentation may be found here: The Cultural Conundrum of the Indigenous Christian
A complete video may be seen below:
7 Responses
Gail Reeder
My goodness. I so sad that I can’t make this event. Will it be published online or podcast?
Saint Mark's Cathedral
Gail thank you for asking. Assuming that the presenter gives her permission for a recording to be posted, a video will be posted on this very page as soon as possible following the event.
The Rev. Reed C. Davies
I’m in the same boat as Gail. I’ll be on retreat with my congregation. Please let me know if there will be a recording. Thanks and peace, C. Davies Reed+
Saint Mark's Cathedral
Thanks so much for your interest. As I said to Gail, a complete video will be posted publicly on this very page as soon as possible after the event, unless the presenter requests otherwise.
Paula
I would also appreciate having the video and also know others, who would like to see it.
Cate Callahan
So sorry I could not make it after all. A neighbor had a difficulty and I had to help out. Hope there will be a video.
Don and Marie Ibsen
The 3 hour presentation was sooo well done. Mary Crist’s explanations were very thorough and deeply personal. We spent 5 years with the Swinomish Tribe Reservation community in Anacortes, Wash., and found it to be one of our great spiritual and engaging experiences. I want to pass this 3 hour video on to the Swinomish, and may need help to send it on. I have not tried clicking on the white arrow in the red box yet, which I hope is the 3 hour program? Peace.