Rev. Dr. Ray Aldred Appointed Interim Dean
Indigenous leader, teacher, researcher to provide academic leadership.
VST is honoured to announce that The Rev. Dr. Ray Aldred has been appointed Interim Dean for the 2020-21 academic year. This appointment commences on July 1, 2020 and will continue June 30, 2021 when a permanent appointment will take effect.
Dr. Aldred succeeds, the Rev. Dr. Patricia Dutcher-Walls who retires after 17 years of faithful service as VST Dean and faculty member.
Dr. Aldred is also the director of the Indigenous Studies Program (ISP) at the Vancouver School of Theology whose mission is to partner with the Indigenous Church around theological education. Ray also leads The Teaching House That Moves Around (THTMA), an internationally recognized initiative that addresses the need for truth, reconciliation, and healing among indigenous peoples, and to foster greater understanding for all societies. During this interim period, the THTMA will continue with the organizational support of ISP team members Hubert Barton (Nisga’a) and Catalina Parra. Under Dr. Aldred’s leadership, VST annually hosts the Indigenous Summer School, drawing faculty and participants for intensive dialogue and training on prevailing issues, and leading towards formal academic accreditation, as well as providing insightful professional and continuing education. The Summer School will also be offered virtually this year through distance delivery.
Recently, Dr. Aldred collaborated with VST faculty member, Rabbi Dr. Laura Duhan-Kaplan to author The Spirit of Reconciliation, a multi-faith resource, and a joint project of The Canadian Race Relations Foundation and The Vancouver School of Theology.