The United Centre for Theological Studies graduated its first five students with a diploma in Indigenous Spiritual and Pastoral Care this spring. The diploma was created by the University of Winnipeg to train students as spiritual care providers in hospitals, jails, and missions. The instructors are proud of the students, who worked hard over the past two years. The diploma is recognized by the Province of Manitoba and is seen as one of the core competencies in providing spiritual care in hospitals.
Many thanks to Karen Toole and Jim Christie, who were instrumental in creating the diploma, as well as the U of W Faculty of Theology staff and a number of Indigenous elders and partners, working with Rupert’s Land Wechetowin. Wechetowin is a non profit agency that delivers pastoral care and restorative justice measures in Winnipeg. Partners in creating the diploma include the University of Winnipeg, the United Centre for Theological Studies, the Province of Manitoba Health and Corrections, Inner City Missions, and the Sandy Saulteaux Centre in Beausejour.
Murray Still
