The discovery of unmarked burial sites containing the remains of hundreds of children at residential schools in Canada has shocked communities throughout North America. The reporting of horrors of abuse and brutality at residential schools is not new to Indigenous communities, but these burial sites have brought into sharp focus the structural disrespect, cultural violence, and cruelty that has taken place for hundreds of years. A journey is taken one step at a time, and the journey of reconciliation is a lifetime pilgrimage of truth telling, not something quickly done and finished. We are on that journey and we must seek ways to continue and never give up. Come and learn how the Anglican Church is responding to these painful truths and taking steps toward reconciliation, and how the lessons learned can help us move forward in ways that honor renewed relationships with Indigenous communities across North America with renewed determination for healing and restorative justice.

ABOUT OUR GUEST SPEAKER:

Adam Dawkins is a recent graduate of the School of Theology at the University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee where he completed a master of divinity in December 2021. He also holds a bachelor of science degree from the University of South Carolina and a master of business administration from Trinity University in Washington, D.C. Adam is a candidate for holy orders in the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts.

Prior to attending seminary, Adam served as Director of Stewardship at Trinity Church in Boston, Massachusetts, the largest Episcopal parish in New England. There, he directed a $28 million capital campaign to restore Trinity’s iconic church building in the heart of the city. He has directed capital campaigns and fundraising efforts for several parishes, dioceses, and religious organizations. For three years, Adam served as rector's warden at his home parish, Trinity Church in Stoughton, Massachusetts. He also served the Town of Stoughton as Town Moderator. He has a background in youth and young adult ministries, having directed ministries with young people in the Diocese of Nevada and two parishes in South Carolina. 

During summer 2021, Adam was an intern in the Office of Indigenous Justice Ministries in the Diocese of New Westminster. Adam learned histories of Indigenous communities and experiences, and he is deeply interested in seeking restorative justice with indigenous peoples. At Sewanee, Adam is a member of the university’s newly-formed Council on Indigenous/American Indian Engagement.

A native of Greenville, South Carolina, Adam is married to Adam Hartsock. Following commencement, they plan to relocate to British Columbia, where Adam Dawkins will join the clergy staff of Christ Church Cathedral in downtown Vancouver.