When a mentor invited Crystal Porter to attend her first NAIITS symposium in 2015, Crystal was excited to listen and learn from Indigenous theologians she had only ever had the opportunity to read about.

It didn’t take long before Crystal, who is Mi’kmaq and Euro-Canadian, had enrolled in the Master of Theological Studies program with NAIITS: An Indigenous Learning Community…

And attended iEmergence’s Kids Culture Camp in Saskatchewan…

And found herself leading Indigenous Pathways’ board of directors.

“For me, Indigenous Pathways is about fostering community where Indigenous followers of Jesus can authentically be,” she said. “Whether that is in a classroom learning from amazing Indigenous theologians or sitting with Indigenous communities, it’s about creating space where Indigenous brilliance is the foundation for healing.”

This summer, Crystal stepped into the role of chair of the board of Indigenous Pathways, the family of organizations that includes both NAIITS and iEmergence. She also directed the Celebration of Culture, a partnership between Indigenous Pathways and The Salvation Army, where she is a pastor and territorial Indigenous ministries consultant.

Read on to get to know Crystal and how Indigenous Pathways’ work has impacted her life.


Tell us a little about yourself.

Crystal: Kwe’ (hello)! My name is Crystal. I grew up on the ocean in a little fishing community in Ktaqukuk (Newfoundland). As a child, I spend hours sitting in blueberry bushes and eating my dad’s fried moose steaks. I am a pastor with the Salvation Army, which has brought me to Labrador and Winnipeg. This past summer my family and I moved back to Newfoundland and look forward to spending more time at the ocean, beading, eating more fried moose and connecting with my community. 


Can you talk about your journey toward living more fully and freely as an Indigenous follower of Jesus?

Crystal: When I reflect on my journey I think about little moments when my grandmother would teach me about Jesus through caring for others and creation. I didn’t grew up learning about my Mi’kmaw language or traditional ways of being, but as I began to embrace my Indigeneity I began to see moments throughout my journey where God was preparing me for this path.


How have your studies with NAIITS impacted your reading of the Bible and how you think of yourself as a follower of Jesus?

Crystal: NAIITS has truly been an amazing gift. I had the opportunity to learn from amazing Indigenous theologians who showed me Scripture from a new and exciting perspective, but they also gave me the opportunity to see the Bible through my own experiences and culture. As I learn more about Mi’kmaw language or I sit in community spaces, it informs how I read the Bible and how I live as a follower of Jesus. 


How has it impacted your ministry with The Salvation Army?

Crystal: Recently my ministry within The Salvation Army has focused on the journey of reconciliation and walking with The Salvation Army as they uphold their commitments to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action. NAIITS continues to influence how I walk gently into these sacred conversations and spaces. Whether it is teaching Scripture through from a new perspective or sitting in reconciliation conversations, NAIITS provided me with transformative thinking that continues to be a big part of who I am and how I do ministry.