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Shari Russell
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.