Native American Spirituality: A Theological Overview
Dr. Cheryl Bear (Nadleh Whut’en First Nation) will explore Native American spirituality in a spirit she describes as “everything you want to know about American Indians but were afraid you are too white (or at least too non-Native) to ask.” Her purpose is akin to moving a thermostat. Too warm and people take off a jacket, too cold and they will put a jacket on. In her words, “This is to me a great representation of decolonization: incremental, obvious steps towards changing one’s mind about Indigenous people. This is true reconciliation.”
The Mary Milligan, R.S.H.M. lecture is an annual forum for critical reflection on spirituality in service to the Church, the academy, and the world and in keeping with the charism of the R.S.H. M. community – “that all may have life and have it to the full.”.
Thursday, March 19, 2026 | 7 p.m.
Loyola Marymount University
Ahmanson Auditorium, UNH 1000
A reception will follow in the Marymount Institute, UNH 3002
All are welcome.
About Dr. Cheryl Bear
Dr. Cheryl Bear, from Nadleh Whut’en First Nation, is well known as an important and respected voice on behalf of Canada’s Indigenous peoples, a speaker and teacher who has traveled to over 600 Indigenous communities in Canada and the United States sharing her songs and stories. She served two terms (4 years) as a band councillor for her community of Nadleh Whut’en First Nation. She visits non-Native communities (schools, government, churches and businesses) holding workshops to raise awareness and understanding of Indigenous issues. Dr. Bear is also a multi-award-winning singer/songwriter who shares stories of Indigenous life through story and song. She is a founding board member of NAIITS, an Indigenous learning community, as well as a faculty member at Regent College in Vancouver, BC.