Reverend Louis Gaffney, S.J. Chair

The Reverend Louis Gaffney, S.J. Chair in the College of Arts and Sciences, which is made possible by the Jesuit community at Seattle University, promotes issues germane to the Jesuit mission and identity of the faith that does justice and supports the Jesuit ideal of teaching.

The Reverend Louis Gaffney, S.J. Chair 2010-12: Professor Ted Fortier, Ph.D.

Professor Ted Fortier, Associate Professor of Anthropology in the Department of Anthropology, Sociology and Social Work, has explored the cultural identities of indigenous peoples throughout the world. Focusing on spiritual elements, cultural adaptation, and historic events, he has conducted field research that addressed cultural memory, resistance, environmental justice, faith, and identity. His anthropological studies have involved work with tribes in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Alaska; Mayans in Chiapas, Mexico; and peoples of the First Nations in Canada.

In addition to receiving numerous awards and grants for his research and scholarship, students selected him for the Outstanding Faculty Member award in 1999. He currently teaches courses in cultural anthropology, Indians of the Pacific Northwest, psychological anthropology, shamanism, anthropological theory, linguistics, religions of the oppressed, and experiences of the sacred across cultures. He recently published “Cultural Memory: Religion, Resistance and Identity” (co-authored with Professor Jeanette Rodriguez).

Fortier received his Ph.D. in Anthropology from Washington State University, Th.M. and M.Div. from the Jesuit School of Theology, M.A. from Gonzaga University, and B.A. from Simon Fraser University.  He joined the College of Arts and Sciences faculty in 1997. In addition to teaching in the Department of Anthropology, Social Work and Sociology, he has served as an Adjunct Professor in the School of Theology and Ministry.