“Far More Complicated Than That”: The Encounter Between the Jesuits and the Anishinabek of Holy Cross Mission, Manitoulin Island, 1844-1852

• Published in: Toronto Journal of Theology
• Main Author: Winkler, Daryold Corbiere
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: University of Toronto Press Inc. (UTPress) 2005
• Subjects: Religious studies; anishina*
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.3138/tjt.21.1.67; https://utpjournals.press/doi/pdf/10.3138/tjt.21.1.67

I am grateful to contribute to this issue, which honours the work and scholarship of Carl Starkloff, S.J. I first met Carl in 1992 when I was a seminarian in the Congregation of St. Basil (Basilian Fathers) studying at the Toronto School of Theology (TST). Being of Anishinabe ancestry, and a member of M'Chigeeng First Nation on Manitoulin Island, I wanted to complement my own theological formation at TST by participating in the monthly sessions held at the Anishinabe Spiritual Centre. At that time, Carl was a part of a team of several Jesuits and Sisters of St. Joseph who were facilitating the scriptural, theological and pastoral training of Native men and women on and around Manitoulin Island for ordained ministry and Christian leadership. I was greatly encouraged by what I witnessed during the Native Ministry sessions. Using methods that facilitated a shared reflection on Anishinabe culture and Christian faith, a rich and unique contextual theology was emerging among the Anishinabe Christians of Manitoulin Island and its environs. As a professional guide, teacher and facilitator at the Anishinabe Spiritual Centre, Carl has played an important role in the development of the emerging Anishinabe contextual theology. This modest contribution to his festschrift hopes to serve as a grateful acknowledgement of Carl's two-decade commitment to the encouragement and support of an Anishinabe Christian leadership and serving as a professional resource in the development of an Anishinabe grass roots theology.