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What's it like at
Key-Way-Tin ... really?
 Key-Way-Tin
Bible Institute's campus, just outside the town of Lac La Biche,
Alberta, has been home for a dozen students this year (07/08).
Follow them around for a day and you'd see them in class, in chapel,
eating meals in the dining hall (and doing dishes after), studying
in the library or dorm, playing floor hockey or another game in the
gym and, in between, socializing in the student lounge.
None of that should be surprising ...
after all, it's an in-residence school. But there is something
special about this place -- something rather unique about the
students, the staff, and why they're here.
THE PLACE
What happens at KBI has been
happening since 1973. A Bible training ministry did start here on a
smaller scale in the mid-1960s, but it was in the early 1970s, after
a couple other NCEM-operated Bible schools in Manitoba and
Saskatchewan closed their doors, that our Mission started developing
facilities and programs on the Lac La Biche campus.
Located 232 km northeast of Edmonton
on the shore of Lac La Biche, the 55-acre campus can presently
accommodate a maximum of 37 single students and 6 student families,
along with several staff homes. It's close to the town's
conveniences, yet in a rural setting -- students get a good view of
the northern lights, they can hunt (a moose was reported on campus
recently), fish, canoe, snowmobile, or have a quiet time out on the
dock.
But it's the people here that create
the environment. It has to do with KBI's dedication to see Native
Christians discipled with a Biblical foundation for victorious
living, and trained for ministry.
What's it like at KBI? It's intended
to be a place where Native people can feel at home with their own
people, say KBI staff. With First Nations students in the majority,
and a number of Native staff members, there are less cultural
barriers to cross. There's the value of relationship over strict
scheduling. For example, it wouldn't be considered irresponsible for
a student to go home for a longer absence when a relative dies. On
campus, you'll notice some culturally preferred foods, and even the
humor is distinct (recently a First Nations pastor spoke on campus,
and began every session with a "First Nations joke"!).
With a smaller student body size,
there's a family atmosphere. Even so, it's not all easy living and
learning in a small community. As one person put it, "At KBI
you can hide, but not for long!" There are spiritual victories
and, sadly, some defeats. But there is prayer that these would turn
back to the Lord.
THE PEOPLE
Since 1973 over 400 students have
attended KBI. With the exception of a few nonNative students,
they're First Nations from a variety of places -- northern and
urban, with most provinces and six States represented over the
years. One year there were 14 tribes represented.
Seven students came in 1973, then
enrolment increased each year until the early 1980s, when it reached
a high of 52. Enrolment has been lower in past years, though many
potential students still enquire. There are many possible reasons
why they don't make it to KBI, and finances is one of the factors.
Most First Nations people can access
education funding from their Band, but some Bands only approve
degree-granting schools. Also, KBI doesn't allow students to come on
a student loan. This may seem harsh, but the School feels strongly
about students being bogged down by debt, and being free to pursue
ministry after graduation.
KBI does accommodate students in
other ways. At a little above $5000/yr. for room, board and tuition,
it's one of the lowest rates in Canada. There are fewer textbooks,
and students can pay their fees monthly. There is a "Student
Aid" Fund (supplied by gifts to NCEM designated for Student
Aid), and past students tell of many other ways God provided.
One year a family arrived early to
put their children in school. A couple days later there was a knock
on a staff member's door and he was told, "We have nothing to
eat." The Lord provided for that student family for three
years, and they are serving in missions today!
Of course we would like to see our
facilities full. Along with other personal reasons why potential
students don't make it, we believe more would come if they knew
about the School.
Among our students over the years
have been a number who grew up in nonNative homes. They've welcomed
the opportunity to live closer with their own people, and we've seen
it strengthen their confidence. Some of them are in full-time
ministry today.
There have also been a few nonNative
students at KBI. For some of them it was simply KBI's Bible-teaching
and discipleship focus that attracted them. For others it's been an
opportunity to prepare for ministry with First Nations. A few others
had learning English as a reason for attending KBI.
Though it's a missionary-initiated
school, the value of First Nations staff has been emphasized. Though
not a full-time teacher, Bill Jackson, an area Cree pastor, taught
at KBI for over 30 years. He still takes a dozen chapel sessions
annually, and continues to relate very well to the students.
"Culture & Native Spirituality" is one of the courses
presently taught by Frank Ward, also Cree.
In all, there have been over 21
Native people on staff, and presently about one-third of the staff
are Native. In fact, each of these five staff members also spent
three years as a KBI student, so have a special ability to relate.
Most of the other staff have previously lived in Native communities.
THE PURPOSE
The School's handbook says:
"...focusing primarily on the training and discipleship of
Native men and women in a deeper life walk with our Lord Jesus
Christ." KBI is very intentional about this purpose, and the
curriculum supports it. The training is Christ-centred and
Bible-based, so students know the Word, how to live it, and how to
share it with a world that is lost without Christ.
Some of the classes relate
particularly to First Nations issues, addressing traditional
Aboriginal worldviews, and the unique challenges of building the
Native Church. In the Church History class, for example, students
recently learned about Chief Maskipiton (legendary 19th century
Plains Cree chief who led his people following Jesus' example), and
Christian explorer, David Thompson (who established a trading post
at Lac La Biche, resisting trading liquor for furs).
Though strong study habits are
encouraged, at KBI there's less emphasis on academics. No applicant
is turned down because of lack of formal education, and there is
extra help for those with limited literacy skills. There have been
students with university-level education, too, so the staff seek to
work with each student at his or her own level. Several KBI grads
have transferred to accredited colleges and received academic credit
for their KBI courses.
It's possible to focus on the Bible,
but still not live it -- to put facts into our heads, but not make
them a matter of the heart. At KBI students don't have a lot of
extra-biblical reading, but they are challenged regarding their walk
with the Lord. And so with outreach. Learning God's Word but not
sharing it can make a person stagnate pretty fast. KBI students are
involved in outreach to nearby Native communities of Heart Lake and
Kikino, and there is a monthly prison ministry. The prisons
especially appreciate KBIers coming in, because of their rapport
with the Native inmates.
Today there are KBI grads serving as
missionaries and pastors among their own people, several have served
short-term overseas, some are political leaders, others in business
or education, while involved in local and national ministries. We
believe KBI has an important role in building the Native Church
today.
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