A Different Lens with Dr. Rev Hillstrom

We regularly ask a BIPOC and/or queer person, often faith leaders, to come and speak to us, sharing what wisdom they might have about the ancient text we read, and how that reading might offer something new or different to our understanding of what God is up to and who God is for. “Rev” has been around Spirit Garage for a lot of years; most recently you see him playing with Jason on Native Flute, bass, or drums. 

Beyond his music in their band, here’s some stuff you probably don’t know about Rev. Dr. Rev Hillstrom is one of this country’s foremost Indigenous scholars leading systemic change for educational excellence and equity. Through the pillars of the CLEAR model (Culture, Learning, Equitable, Achievement and Responsive) he guides systems in generating the equity consciousness needed for conceptual, behavioral and structural transformation.  

Dr. Rev Hillstrom’s undergraduate studies in Music and American Indian Studies at Augsburg University gave rise to his Masters’ studies at Bethel University in Ethnomusicology which eventually led to a Doctorate in Teaching and Learning from the University of Minnesota. 

We’re honored to have Rev share his wisdom with us during Indigenous People’s Month, even as we know that if history were taught properly, there wouldn’t be a need for a special month because knowledge about Indigenous people would be a part of all kinds of study throughout the year.