TORONTO, ON—On Thursday, November 15, 2012, Tyndale University College & Seminary and the North American Institute for Indigenous Theological Studies (NAIITS) signed a Memorandum of Agreement to offer a Master of Theological Studies—Indigenous Studies. Dr. Terry LeBlanc, Director and CEO of NAIITS and Dr. Gary V. Nelson, President and Vice Chancellor of Tyndale signed the agreement at a public signing ceremony and celebration at Tyndale’s Bayview campus.

NAIITS and Tyndale have come together to support the education of Native North Americans in the area of theological education and development by creating a Canadian, post-graduate theological degree that specializes in Indigenous studies and is designed by Indigenous academics. The curriculum is culturally and pedagogically relevant and will be taught primarily by Indigenous faculty.

The new degree will launch at Tyndale in June 2013 in conjunction with NAIITS’ Annual Symposium. It is geared to accommodate the program’s participants who are likely to live and work in remote locations. The 18 required courses are offered in a variety of formats: intensive summer classes, online hybrid formation and wrap-around courses relating to an annual symposium.

NAIITS co-founder and chair, Terry LeBlanc stated, “The NAIITS and Tyndale program is quite unique—it has been designed by the faculty of NAIITS—Indigenous people using Indigenous methodologies within a contemporary context. Eleven of the thirteen professors are Native North American men and women and nine of those have earned doctorates. Tyndale and NAIITS have designed the program to be delivered in a very flexible format so it can accommodate some of the unique situations and needs of Native North American and other Indigenous people. ”

NAIITS and Tyndale are committed to ensuring this new degree will equip students who want to make a contribution to the Indigenous world in their own ministry context.

“The creation of this MTS program in Indigenous Studies emerged from a growing trust and relationship between NAIITS and Tyndale. Tyndale Seminary is deeply committed to shaping its leadership development focus and graduate programs of theology to the challenges of ministry in the mosaic of Canada and the emerging global world. We want to form leaders that engage the real issues both locally and globally. We are excited about joining with NAIITS in this creative and strategic initiative because they hold the same passions and commitments,” said Dr. Gary Nelson.

Tyndale is a Christian university college and seminary that prepares individuals for work in the private, public, and not-for-profit sectors, ministry, and the global mission of the Church. Tyndale offers fully accredited programs in a wide range of disciplines at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Undergraduate students may study towards a BEd, BA, and BRE degree or a certificate in Christian Studies. Graduate-level education includes a doctor of ministry degree; master's degrees in divinity, theological studies or theology; and a graduate diploma in Christian Studies, Missions or Spiritual Formation. Currently, approximately 1,600 students representing over 40 denominations and 60 ethnic backgrounds attend Tyndale, which also has an estimated 9,500 alumni. Founded in 1894, Tyndale is strategically positioned in Toronto.