**[Click HERE to go to the new Sandy-Saulteaux Spiritual Centre website at http://sandysaulteaux.ca ]**

History

The Dr. Jessie Saulteaux Resource Centre became an incorporated body in 1984, realizing the vision of elders from the North and from the Prairies who had longed to see their people train and serve as ministers in their own communities. The Centre was named in honour of one such elder, Dr. Jessie Saulteaux of Carry-the-Kettle Reserve, Saskatchewan.

The initial course of studies was designed to meet both the needs of the Aboriginal students for ministry and for the Aboriginal communities they would serve. Originally approved as an experimental program by the United Church of Canada, the program was accredited in 1991 and DJSRC became a United Church theological college. The Centre was given authority to grant testamur, signifying the completion of the educational requirements for both ordination and commissioning in the United Church.

Originally, the Centre was housed in the Prairie Christian Training Centre at Fort Qu'Appelle, Saskatchewan, but since many of the students came from Northern Manitoba and North-western Ontario, it was later moved to Winnipeg. The Centre now resides on thirty-six acres of wooded parkland beside the Brokenhead River near Beausejour, Manitoba.

The Centre's training program is ecumenical in structure and has had enrollment of students from numerous denominations, including Anglican, Christian Reformed, Lutheran, Mennonite, Presbyterian and, of course, United Church. At present there is one learning circle, with space for 20 - 25 students. Staff complement includes Keeper of the Centre, Keeper of the Circle (Keeper of the Lodge), Program Staff Registrar, Receptionist, Bookkeeper, Cook and (part time) Janitorial Staff.