Indigenous Studies Program

Friends, last fall ISP Director Rev. Dr. Ray Aldred was a part of a panel called Indigenous Christians on Turtle Island. If you are interested, the YouTube video has been linked below. :)

Indigenous Christianity Panel Last fall the Dept of Religious Studies and the Lutheran Church co-...

That concludes 2026 ISP Summer School!!!

Now a word from our director Ray Aldred:

“You enriched our lives, and we are so thankful that we could have community together for two weeks. We look forward to the ongoing journey.
All my relatives”

We couldn’t have done it without you.
See you next year!

ISP

Some moments from our annual Folklorama last night - thank you for sharing your talents, stories, and music with all of us!

Amidst week two of ISP Summer School we want to take a moment to remember our late friend and former ISP Director, Rev. Dr. Paula Sampson...

Vancouver School of Theology mourns the death of The Rev. Dr. Paula Sampson, who passed away on July 10, 2026.
Paula served as Director of Indigenous Studies and Assistant Professor of Ethics and First Nations Studies at VST from 2009 to 2015. She had been a valued member of the VST community for many years before assuming these roles. She served as a Native Ministries Program (NMP) tutor, sessional lecturer, and member of the Board of Governors.

Paula was deeply loved by students and faculty colleagues alike. She brought wisdom and calm to meetings, encouraged those around her, and was known for her infectious laugh. Her locating interviews for students entering the Indigenous M.Div. program often involved travelling to meet them personally, demonstrating her genuine interest in and commitment to every student.

Paula helped her colleagues develop a deeper appreciation for the significance of the Indigenous Studies Program. In 2013, she presented a gift—a ceramic canoe—to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission gathering held in Vancouver as an expression of reconciliation. This gift was offered alongside a verbal commitment by VST to Truth and Reconciliation. It was subsequently placed in the beautiful Bentwood Box created by Coast Salish carver Luke Marston and is now held by the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation (NCTR) in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

Paula worked extensively as an Anglican priest in both Alaska and northern British Columbia. She also taught at the University of Northern British Columbia, Vancouver School of Theology, and Wilp Wilxo’oskwhl Nisga’a. She was adopted into the Nisga’a Nation (Wolf Clan) and held degrees from the Graduate Theological Union (Ph.D. in Environmental Ethics), Pacific School of Religion (M.Div.), the University of Washington (M.A. in Spirituality and Culture), and a B.A. from the same institution.

She served on the Theological Education Commission of the Anglican Church, helping to develop principles, competencies, and standards for candidates for priesthood. Paula also served as a thesis reader for students at Oxford University, the University of Victoria, and the University of British Columbia. She completed an important project entitled Talking to the Other: The Interface Between Orality and Literacy in Indigenous Theological Education.

Paula was married for 30 years to the late Rev. Ian Mackenzie, whom she described as “the love of her life.” Ian also served as Director of the Indigenous Studies Program at VST when the Indigenous M.Div. by Extension Program began, and he retired from VST in 1999. Paula was especially grateful for the VST program because, as she said, “that is where Ian and I met.” While serving in Alaska, Paula tutored an M.Div. student enrolled in VST’s extension program. Reflecting on her own appointment, she remarked, “In 2009, I became the last non-Indigenous director the Indigenous Studies Program will ever have (I hope).”

We offer our prayers for Paula’s family and friends and give thanks to God for her life and witness.

Blessed are those who die in the Lord, for they rest from their labours, and their deeds follow them.

Week 2!!

Our Hawaiian students kicked off ISP Worship with a beautiful hula dance to welcome the week.

We’re looking forward to another week of isp summer school - and can’t wait to see your talents tomorrow for Folkarama! 🎤 🍕

Week One Complete!

We are so honoured to have been able to host all of you, online and in person for our program. We shared laughs, food, and made unforgettable connections.

This program wouldn’t be what it is without each and every one of you!

See you next week :)

⭐️2026 ISP SALMON BBQ⭐️

Thank you for all of those who showed up for another unforgettable Salmon BBQ celebration.

Thanks to our volunteers for set up and clean up, the cooks, and everyone who helped make the dancing in and silent auction a great success.

We better see you next year!

Sincerely,
The ISP Team

Day one of ISP Summer School is in the books! It’s going to be a great two weeks of learning and community. ☀️📝

ISP Summer School is here! We are looking forward to welcoming everyone on Monday. Safe travels to everyone travelling to Vancouver for summer school. ☺️📚

ISP Summer School is officially one week away and there’s still time to register. Join us for a course or two, or join us for our annual ISP Summer School Salmon BBQ and/or annual Folklorama. To view our full course line up and to register please visit our website: indigenousstudies.ca (link in bio).
We are looking forward to welcoming everyone for ISP Summer School 2026! 😊📚