Henry Budd College 45th anniversary

The vision for Henry Budd College for Ministry (HBCM) was birthed when Bishop John Conlin, in consultation with the members of the northern portion of the Diocese of Brandon, realised that they needed a place for teaching and ministry training. The Bishop’s Messengers’ chapter house in The Pas had become available and the desire was there among the people. It was the right time for what was then called “the Henry Budd Christian Training Centre” to open. Forty-five years later, students, graduates, and friends of Henry Budd College came together for a weekend celebration to reminisce, learn, and worship together.

The weekend began long before the first event!  In actual fact, we had been planning a 40^th anniversary gathering in the summer of 2020, which had to be cancelled due to Covid restrictions. While our 45^th anniversary was on a much smaller scale, we knew that some of the same elements had to be included. The planning committee (Ven. Lydia Constant, Rev. Canon Flora Young, Revs. Agnes & Charlie Lathlin, Ingar Constant, Keith Hyde and Ven. Kara Mandryk) worked on creating a gathering that would celebrate the work of the College and provide an opportunity for learning together. Over the summer, we spruced up the College with the help of some Flin Flon evacuees who spent 4 weeks with us. They found themselves looking for odd jobs, and boy – did we deliver! The cleaning, repairing, and rebuilding efforts of Carrie Hume, Brent Taylor, Bill and Shonnah Hanson – and a final push by Keith and Kara to tackle the basement – made 403 Larose Ave such a welcoming place.

Others popped in during the morning, offering to do last-minute chores, and we all joined in a lunch together, making the collective call to have our activities inside the College, as the wind howled and the rain poured. Ingar gave a welcome and opening prayer, and we spent the afternoon visiting, looking at photo albums, and sharing memories. Kara gave a presentation on the history of HBCM, and many of those gathered shared their memories and insights as well. We all squeezed into the College for our BBQ supper, with thanks to Janice Seto, who helped us manage the small spaces, making sure everyone got served. After supper, Keith gave his presentation on the Rev. Henry Budd, Sr. – a highlight for many people. It was a wonderful way to begin our weekend celebration – honouring the life and legacy of the College’s namesake!

We gathered on Saturday, August 23,  at the Kikiwak Inn’s Bignell room for a day of teachings. The Rev. Vince Solomon, Indigenous Ministry Developer of the Diocese of Rupert’s Land,  opened our day with a short Gospel-Based discipleship reflection. He then began to share about his own vision of the Gospel taking root in Indigenous communities. Rev. Vince acknowledged the harm done to Indigenous people by Christian missionaries, especially those who aligned themselves with political powers. Yet he reminded us that the Gospel is powerful, and the hope that we as followers of Jesus have is not based in the church: our hope is in the person of Jesus Christ. Vince spoke passionately about the truth of Jesus – that he has come to fulfill the Sacred Teachings just as he came to fulfill the Law of Israel, and that Jesus is the greatest elder of all. He encouraged the leaders of HBCM to continue to teach the truth of Jesus. Rev. Vince’s teachings reminded us that God our Creator speaks through visions and dreams, the land, and through elders and teachings from our communities.

Clinton Whitehead, from Opaskwayak Cree Nation, came after lunch to share teepee teachings with us. After acknowledging his teachers and elders, Clinton walked us through the symbolism of the teepee, recognising that these were woman’s teachings, as the teepee is the home. Each of the 13 poles of the teepee contains a teaching for the community, expanding the Seven Sacred teachings that many are familiar with. Clinton also walked us through the mathematical symbolism of the teepee, connecting the 13 poles to the 13 moons of the year and connecting the 7 ties on the flaps with the 7 stars of the big dipper and 7 colours of the rainbow. For those who were able, Clinton walked over to  the teepee set up at the Kikiwak for a hands-on learning experience. His teachings reminded us that God speaks through ancient wisdom of our ancestors, and God is present in our surroundings – from our homes (the teepee) to the vast expanse of creation.

We concluded the day’s teachings with a short time of reflection. The Right Rev, Rachael Parker, Bishop of the Diocese of Brandon, Ven. Lydia, and Rev. Paul were also asked to share their reflections of the day.  Bishop Rachael connected deeply with Rev. Vince’s visions, and Rev. Paul shared about his time as HBCM coordinator. Ven. Lydia spoke on her long history with Henry Budd College, sharing the story of how Rev. Priscilla Constant invited her to a class, and despite the fact that Lydia said she’d only come for one class, she’s still here! Kara made some presentations to mark the 45^th anniversary, presenting Henry Budd College hangings, made by Sue Harper, to Elder Lydia, Bishop Rachael, and Rev. Dr. Ray, acknowledging the long-standing relationships with the College. After thanking Rev. Paul and Rev. Chris for their help, we gave thanks to God for a meaningful day.

In the evening, we shared supper together and then onto our Gospel Jamboree. Norm Constant graciously hosted. David Sewap played alongside Norm, and we were pleased to hear from many community members who shared a song or a hymn, or a few! A Gospel Jamboree is an incredible time to sit and enjoy not only the musical talents of the participants, but to share with one another how God has worked and moved in our lives. It was a beautiful evening of singing, sharing, and reflecting on the goodness of our God.

The sun finally came out on Sunday, August 24 as we gathered at Church of the Messiah, OCN, for a joint celebration service. Worshipers from Messiah, Church of the Redeemer, Big Eddy, and Christ Church, The Pas, came together to sing, pray, and share the Lord’s Supper. Bishop Rachael presided, the Rev. Dr. Ray Aldred preached, and the Ven. Lydia and the Rev. Vince prayed and anointed all who desired healing prayers. We were also blessed to hear a message from the Rev. Priscilla Constant, one of the first Cree women to be ordained (along with the late Rev. Verna Jebb). Rev. Priscilla encouraged all to “keep going” in their faith and in their service. The Rev. Dr. Ray reminded us all to “look up” and keep our focus on Jesus in our midst. The offering of over $700 was designated for ongoing student support at Henry Budd College. Over one hundred people gathered to share the presence of Jesus at the Table, and we were mightily blessed!

After the service, we made our way to Church of the Redeemer for a soup and sandwich lunch, provided by Donna Asmus and her team. Members of the three local Anglican Churches don’t always have to opportunity to meet together, so we wanted to make the most of our time of fellowship! After lunch, those who were able boarded the school bus to head to Fisher Island, the site of the former Anglican Residential School. Charlie Lathlin arranged for Janet Head to share with us the work that they are doing at the site to uncover potential unmarked graves, as well as to memorialise the space. Janet shared the difficult stories of the children who lived, studied, and worked at the school, and some of the participants shared their own memories of the site of the school, which burned to the ground in 1933. As the daughter of HBCM student the Rev. Hagar Head, Janet shared her mother’s fierce determination to not let the institution of the church erase or erode her Cree identity and teachings, inviting representatives of the church to come alongside them in this work: “We need the prayers of the church and we need your songs”. We were able to pray and offer tobacco ties, which were blessed at the morning service, at the site. This was a fitting end to our 45^th anniversary celebration, as we must always acknowledge and be aware of the legacy that we leave.

Thank you to all who planned, served, and participated in Henry Budd College’s 45^th anniversary. It is truly an honour to serve this community! So many people have been impacted through the work of the Henry Budd College for Ministry. Some have taken on lesson, others have taken multiple degrees! And those students have gone on to impact hundreds of people, perhaps thousands, through their ministry in dozens of communities. In recent years, many others from communities across the nation have accessed teaching and worship material produced at Henry Budd College. Our Creator truly has given the gift of community-building to the Indigenous Church – the work of Henry Budd College is a testament to that truth! As we reflect on the past 45 years, and look to the future, we pray that our legacy would be one of teaching Jesus, listening to our elders, respecting the lands, and walking together in a good way to the glory of God’s name. Ekosi and Amen!