Lutheran Studies Conference Schedule
Thursday, September 26th, 2024
Interactive PreConference
10:00am–12:00pm
Scandinavian Center, Anderson University Center
Free and Open to the Public
Speakers and Facilitators:
- Rev. Kristin Luana Baumann, Holy Trinity Church and former member of the ELCA SW Synod Native American Work Team
- Rev. Seth Novak, ELCA SW Synod Native American Work Team
- Representatives of NW WA Synod
- Rev. Terry Kyllo, Executive Director of Paths to Understanding
- Rev. Jen Rude, University Pastor, PLU
- Cynthia Savini (Makah), Director of the Suquamish tribe’s Marion Forsman Boushie Early Learning Center. PLU alumna.
The focus of this time will be to review ELCA’s National Statements, Actions, and Resources as a part of the Truth and Healing Movement, including resources for responsible land acknowledgment and Indian Boarding School remembrance.
This will be led by members of our Regional Synods’ working groups and members of PLU’s Indigenous Community Advisory Network on living into the ELCA commitment to truth and healing with Indigenous and Native people and land. Our speakers will lead us through spiritual, faith, and personal resources with which we can engage in our personal, congregational, and denominational work. We welcome all community members, congregation members and leaders, pastors and bishops, and students, faculty, and staff at colleges and universities. There will be conversations to engage us in thinking about how these topics impact our particular life and work contexts. While this pre-conference session was created in response to pastors and congregations of the ELCA, we also welcome members of all religious denominations and secular perspectives.
We will review the ELCA’s Truth and Healing Movement, offering congregational resources and reviewing the ELCA’s actions and statements overall, but also specifically to learn about local initiatives and possible kits to use in their congregations. This morning session highlights the regional work of our ELCA synods in relation to the National ELCA Indian Boarding School’s “Truth-Seeking and Truth-Telling Initiative” and its commitment to understanding its role in the boarding schools. Directly following this year’s conference is the National Day of Remembrance for Indian Boarding Schools on Sept 30, 2024, and Indigenous People’s Day on October 14, 2024.
Looking for a Good, Quick Lunch?
The Old Main Market and the University Commons Dining Room are located in the Anderson University Center.
The OMM, has a variety of snacks, drinks, sandwiches and an Espresso Bar.
The Commons is the main dining facility on the PLU campus featuring five unique stations. Their skilled culinary team has developed an exciting array of menu selections that combine the best of local and global ingredients. The result is an a la carte menu that features a wide selection of freshly prepared items.
Lutheran Studies Conference
1:00pm–8:00pm
“Where the Waters Begin:
Indigenous Education, Tribal Sovereignty, and the Legacy of Cecelia Svinth Carpenter”
Anderson University Center
Free and Open to the Public
1:15-1:35pm – Welcome & Introductory comments
Dr. Marit Trelstad, University Chair of Lutheran Studies
1:35-1:45pm – Healing Song
Cynthia Savini, PLU Alumna, and Washington State Native American Education Advisory Committee
1:45-2:45pm – Session 1
Indigenous Education, Since Time Immemorial curriculum, and the Legacy of Cecelia Svinth Carpenter
We welcome a panel of Indigenous educators working at the forefront of teaching and learning in Washington State.
- Jerad Koepp (Wukchumni), Washington State Educator of the Year, Native Student Program Specialist North Thurston Public Schools
- Hanford McCloud (Nisqually), Nisqually Tribal Council member, artist and cultural educator
- Amy McFarland (Puyallup) Educational Consultant and Culture Educator at Chief Leschi Schools
- Cynthia Savini (Makah), Director of the Suquamish tribe’s Marion Forsman Boushie Early Learning Center. PLU alumna.
- Jennifer Vasilez (Puyallup), Kapowsin Elementary School Principal
2:45-3:40pm – Open Time: Interactive Kiosks, Resources and Native Plant walk with Dr. Romey Haberle, PLU Biology Department
3:45-4:15pm – Presentations in Honor of Cecelia Svinth Carpenter
Conferral of Posthumous Honorary Doctorate for Cecelia Svinth Carpenter, portrait, and updates on PLU’s native and indigenous history website and more.
- Joanna Gregson, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, PLU
- Lace Smith, Associate Vice President of Marketing & Communications, PLU
4:15-5:15pm – Keynote Lecture
The Legacy and Work of Cecelia Svinth Carpenter and Her Activism — Cynthia Iyall, Nisqually Tribal Administrator and Councilmember
5:30-7:00pm – Buffet Dinner
Hosted by PLU Lutheran Studies and local Tribes
6:30-8:00pm – Jam session: drumming, song and dance
Offered by Nisqually and Puyallup tribal members and Chief Leshi students