Ph.D Candidate, University of Divinity, 2021
Ordination, The Salvation Army College for Officer Training, 1999
MA, Providence College and Seminary, 1994
BA, Catherine Booth Bible College, 1992

Biography

Shari Russell is Anishinaabe/Saulteaux (Nahkawininiwak in our language) registered at Yellow Quill First Nation in Saskatchewan. As a young child, two of my siblings and I were removed from our home during the Sixties Scoop. I was reunited with my family in 2002 which embarked a journey of reclaiming my culture and traditions. I am married to Robert, originally from Newfoundland and together we have three adult sons: Charles, Gavin and Brannon. I am currently a PhD candidate through the NAIITS partnership established with the University of Divinity in Melbourne, Australia.

My husband and I were ordained as Salvation Army Officers in 1999 with a variety of pastoral and educational appointments. In 2015, I developed a full-time role as the Territorial Indigenous Ministries Consultant for The Salvation Army. A significant aspect of this role was the development of seminars and educational components for clergy and employees to engage with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the Calls to Action.

I have been part of the NAIITS community since 2003 when I attended the 2nd symposium held in Winnipeg and subsequently became a member of the NAIITS Board of Directors. In 2018, I became the Chairperson for the Indigenous Pathways board which is the governing body for NAIITS: An Indigenous Learning Community and I-Emergence. In 2020, The Salvation Army seconded me to serve part-time as the Associate Director for NAIITS and as of July 2023, I have been seconded full-time to be the Director for NAIITS. I am grateful for this opportunity and am thankful for the leadership and legacy of the founding members, especially my dear brother, Terry LeBlanc.