Raymond Currie
We are delighted to announce that Dr. Raymond Currie has been named the 2024 Magis Award Recipient for Peace and Reconciliation. Currie has lived a life dedicated to service, a commitment he attributes to the values he learned at home. Raymond Currie is a distinguished academic, leader, and community advocate with a career marked by a deep commitment to service and social justice.
Born into a religious family and inspired by the teachings of Saint Francis of Assisi, Currie was drawn to the Franciscan order at a young age. His fascination with Saint Francis' humility, love for nature, and dedication to service resonated with Currie, who attended St. Anthony's College in Edmonton, a preparatory school for young men considering the Franciscan order. By age 19, Currie had committed to the priesthood, embracing the Franciscan values of simplicity and community.
Currie continued to nurture his intellectual curiosity, particularly in philosophy, theology, and social issues. In 1967, his religious community encouraged him to pursue graduate studies, and he chose sociology, a field he saw as deeply connected to his theological background. For Currie, sociology was a way to understand how divine revelation could be accepted within human society, making it a natural complement to his religious training.
Currie's academic journey took him to New York, where he studied the sociology of religion, linking theological concepts with social structures. His thesis explored the religious values of young people in Calgary, a comprehensive study involving 750 participants. This research highlighted his commitment to understanding the intersections of faith and society, a theme that would continue throughout his career.
In transitioning from priesthood to academia, Currie did not abandon his commitment to service. As his sister remarked, he merely "changed his focus." Currie eventually became the Dean of the Faculty of Arts at the University of Manitoba, where he applied his principles of service and transparency to academic leadership. His tenure as Dean was marked by challenging times due to budget cuts, but Currie's honesty and collaborative approach won him the respect of his colleagues. He introduced a transparent hiring process, involving 18 department heads in decision-making and establishing clear criteria for hiring based on research, teaching and service needs. This initiative was so successful that it earned a national award for governance in 1994. That same year, Currie also received the Faculty Association's "Administrator of the Year" award, a rare achievement demonstrating his ability to bridge the divide between management and the academic union.
Beyond his work in administration, Currie played a crucial role in advancing social science research in Canada. He was invited to direct the Canadian Research Data Center Network (CRDCN), an innovative initiative that allowed researchers across the country to access confidential Statistics Canada data without having to travel to Ottawa. Under Currie's leadership, the network expanded from nine to 27 centers, and by the time he stepped down, over 3,000 researchers were utilizing the data. The CRDCN is now regarded as one of the most significant advancements in Canadian social sciences, enabling groundbreaking research that informs government policy.
In 2015, after reading the preliminary report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), Currie felt compelled to take action. Inspired by the report's call to contribute to reconciliation efforts, he developed the concept of "circles" — gatherings where Indigenous and non-Indigenous people engage in dialogue to foster understanding and partnership. Over time, the circles' initiative grew far beyond its original scope. While Currie initially envisioned hosting 100 circles in Winnipeg, the project expanded nationwide, reaching over 10,000 people across six provinces. Circles provide a meaningful platform for dialogue and reconciliation, reflecting his enduring belief in the power of community and equality. In 2002, Circles for Reconciliation was recognized for its work towards reconciliation as the recipient of the first annual Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce's Commitment to Opportunities, Diversity, and Equity Award (CODE).
Currie's charitable works have left a lasting impact as he has also been involved in numerous nonprofit boards in Winnipeg, including Special Olympics, New Directions, and Epic Opportunities, which support individuals with mental disabilities. Currie's long tenure at Villa Rosa, a home for expectant new mothers, also reflects his dedication to helping vulnerable communities.
Currie's legacy is one of service, leadership, and social responsibility. Throughout his life, Currie has been guided by a philosophy of service, motivated by the belief that improving the lives of others brings personal fulfillment. In his words, a life of service not only improves society but also provides personal fulfillment and a sense of purpose.
