Residence

The Indigenous Elder in Residence is a co-sponsored position between the Harvard University Native American Program and the Memorial Church. This inaugural role was established to provide guidance and support to students, faculty, and staff, while also contributing to public programming that promotes the education and understanding of American Indian histories, cultures, and contemporary issues. The Elder in Residence also helps foster meaningful connections with regional Native Nations. Dr. Tink Tinker was the Elder in Residence for the 2024-2025 academic year. 

About Dr. Tinker: A member of the Iliff School of Theology faculty since 1985, Tink Tinker teaches courses in American Indian cultures, history, and religious traditions; cross-cultural and Third-World theologies; and justice and peace studies and is a frequent speaker on these topics both in the U.S. and internationally. His publications include American Indian Liberation: A Theology of Sovereignty (2008); Spirit and Resistance: Political Theology and American Indian Liberation(2004); and Missionary Conquest: The Gospel and Native American Genocide (1993). He co-authored A Native American Theology (2001); and he is co-editor of Native Voices: American Indian Identity and Resistance (2003), and Fortress Press’ Peoples’ Bible (2008). Dr. Tinker has volunteered in the Indian community as (non-stipendiary) director of Four Winds American Indian Survival Project in Denver for two decades. In that capacity he functions in the urban Indian community as a traditional American Indian spiritual leader. He is past president of the Native American Theological Association and a member of the Ecumenical Association of Third World Theologians. Firmly committed to the ecumenical movement, he has been active in volunteer capacities with several denominations at the national level, the National Council of Churches and the World Council of Churches. He currently serves as an “Honorary Advisor” to IMADR, the International Movement against all Forms of Discrimination and Racism; and he also serves locally on the Leadership Council of the American Indian Movement of Colorado. Tinker works closely both with students of color and with Lutheran students.