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. 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.

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.

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 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.