Indigenous Studies Program Summer School
July 7 to July 18, 2025
Indigenous Studies Program Summer School (ISP) is offered annually during two weeks in July. This is an opportunity for students who are often isolated from one another to gather, learn, and worship together.
Summer school is also an opportunity for intensive course work for students in the Indigenous Studies Program MDiy Extension. ISP Summer School serves people from a wide variety of educational backgrounds, with an international and largely Indigenous faculty.
Indigenous Studies Program Summer School is holistic and interdisciplinary. Courses examine sacred scripture, theology, and philosophy through the lens of Indigenous thought. Courses achieve this by examining social data, literary-oral tradition and the artistic cultural aspects of Indigenous spirituality.
Our array of courses offers a wide range of topics for a critical mind and a curious spirit. Be ready to embark on a journey of learning, healing, and growth!
The Dynamic Preacher: Using Sacred Word and Stories to Transform, Liberate, and Connect to People
Instructor
Rev. Isaiah “Shaneequa” Brokenleg
Week 1: Morning + MDiv Tutorial (9am – 12pm, 2 – 5pm PT)
July 7 – 11, 2025
Paul: The Person, the Passion, the Preaching
Instructor
Dr. Andy Reimer
Week 1: Morning + MDiv Tutorial (9am – 12pm, 2 – 5pm PT)
July 7 – 11, 2025
Understanding Northwest Culture
Instructor
Arlene Roberts, MDiv
Week 1: Afternoon (2 – 5pm PT)
July 7 – 11, 2025
Indigenous Theologies/Theologians
Instructor
Rev. Dr. Ray Aldred
Week 2: Morning + MDiv Tutorial (9am – 12pm, 2 – 5pm PT)
July 14 – 18, 2025
Link: https://vst.edu/blog/courses/indigenous-theologies-theologians/
Awaken and Nurture Your Resilience: The Role of Expressive and Creative Arts in Self-Care
Instructor
Lorrie Gallant
Week 2: Afternoon (2 – 5pm PT)
July 14 – 18, 2025
Link: https://vst.edu/blog/courses/awaken-and-nurture-your-resilience/
Fees & Tuition
Fees
- $50 CAD Registration Fee (non-refundable)
- $95 per week ISP Hot Lunch (optional)
Audit & Continuing Education Tuition
- Audit Course: $310 (early bird $295 until May 15, 2025)
- ISP/ConEd Course: $385 (early bird $370 until May 15, 2025)
Degree Tuition
- MDiv Course: $300 per credit
Events
- Salmon BBQ Wednesday July 9 at 5:30pm (lower Epiphany Chapel)
- Folklorama Tuesday July 15 at 5:30pm (upper Epiphany Chapel)
- ISP Daily Worship Monday–Friday, 12pm–12:45pm (Epiphany Chapel, in-person only)
Summer School Information
Tutorials
MDiv tutorials are for students in the ISP-MDiv program only.
Course Credit
Courses can be taken for MDiv credit (3), ConEd credit (1.5) or Certificate credit (1.5), and Audit.
Daily attendance and a final project are the requirements for MDiv. credit. In order to receive ISP credit, students must attend 15 hours of class and submit daily journals. Audit students should attend a minimum of 60% of lecture hours.
Indigenous Studies Program Summer School courses may be taken for transfer credit. Please contact the Indigenous Studies Program office (isp@vst.edu) to inquire about transferable degree credit.
Please note that you can use your ISP Credits towards the Indigenous Studies Program Certificate.
Course Cancellation
In the event of low registrations, some courses may be cancelled. Information on course cancellation will be available on our website in early June.
Non-Indigenous Student Registrations
There is a 20% registration cap for non-Indigenous student registrations. Participants will be advised when wait-listed.
Financial Aid
To apply for financial aid, please download the ISP Summer School Financial Aid form and send it to isp@vst.edu by June 9.