| The
installation of The Rev. Dr. Martin Brokenleg as Director of the Native
Ministries programs and Professor of First Nations Ministry and
Theology at VST was held in the context of a worship service on July
14, 2004. The celebration of new ministry and installation took place in a large circle created in the VST chapel. Dancers from the Nisga'a Nation led the procession. In the tradition of many First Nations, prayers were offered in the four directions to begin the service. The four partners of the Native Ministries Consortium (VST, Alaska, Caledonia and Prince Rupert Presbytery) presented Martin to VST Chancellor Douglas Hambidge. After the installation, Martin received gifts from four of his constituencies: a drum from the students, an eagle feather from the Consortium, keys from the faculty and a cedar branch from the tutors. These symbolized his tasks of summoning to wisdom, giving wings to students, opening doors to learning and being rooted in tradition. The service continued with Holy Eucharist presided over by Rt. Rev. Mark MacDonald, Bishop of Alaska. Photos: Sheila Morris and David Roels. |
 Members of the circle included Chancellor Douglas Hambidge, Doug Goodwin, executive secretary of the BC Conference, United Church of Canada, Lily Bell, chair of NMC and Ken McQueen, principal of VST |
 Martin was given a welcome gift by the Native Minstries Consortium. The painting is titled “Coming Home” and the artist is Ken Mowatt, Gitxsan. |
 Jillian Harris and Willard Martin present a drum to Martin on behalf of the students |
 Jim Angus and Charlotte Sullivan, hereditary chiefs of the Gitxsan Nation are members of NMC who presented Martin for installation |
 Mark MacDonald, Bishop of Alaska, and Gary Davis of Caledonia prepared the gifts |
 Nisga'a Dancers performed the Common Bowl Song at the offertory |
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