SWRC Retiree Gathering

You’re invited to our latest gathering where we welcome the Rev. Dr. Peter Wyatt, former principal of Emmanuel College, who will speak on the topic: “Egerton Ryerson and Residential Schools: A Reconsideration.” 

The word “reconsideration” is important.  On the one hand, Ryerson, has been blamed as the architect of the Indian Residential School system and by extension its deplorable abuses.  On the other hand, Ryerson’s plan for “industrial boarding schools” arose out of his own historical context, and on account of his personal engagement with Indigenous people.  If Ryerson has been made a scapegoat for the sins of many, then a reconsideration could be timely. (See Touchstone, October 2024, p.63).  Your attendance will allow you to judge for yourself the timeliness of a reconsideration.  Prof. Jonathan Hamilton-Diabo, also of Emmanuel College, and Special Advisor on Indigenous Issues, will offer a response.

You are invited to gather in person at St. Andrew’s United Church, located at 117 Bloor St. East, in Toronto. (MAP).  If you are using TTC, get off at Yonge Street, walk west on the South side. OR…. use the drop off and underground parking available off Hayden Street.

We hope to see you soon.

Blessings,

Wenh-In Ng, Ross Carson, Dale Young and Robin Wardlaw – planning team

Our Special Guest Speaker

Rev. Dr. Peter Wyatt –  After graduating from Victora College and Union Theological Seminary, Peter was ordained by Hamilton Conference. For over a quarter century he served in congregational ministry, After service in Bay of Quinte, Hamilton, and Toronto Conferences, Peter became General Council Secretary for Theology, Faith and Ecumenism, 1995-2001. In 2001 Peter became principal of Emmanuel College until his retirement in 2009. 

During his tenure he met Indigenous leaders and elders at the University of Toronto and used the Crossley Hunter Lectureship on Evangelism to enable a colloquium of evangelical and mainline Indigenous leaders at Emmanuel.

Peter’s interest in Egerton Ryerson’s history was sparked by the accusation that he was “architect of the Indian Residential Schools.” The destruction of his statue and the actions of the governing bodies of Ryerson and Victoria Universities pushed him to find out whether the accusation was justified. He looks forward to sharing some of what he has learned with fellow retirees and pensioners of the Shining Waters Region and to hearing the response of Prof. Hamilton-Diabo, one of the Indigenous leaders whom he met as principal of Emmanuel College.

Read Peter’s full biographical sketch here..

Registration

While this event is free, registration is required. Deadline to register is Friday, March 14, 2025 – REGISTRATION FOR THIS EVENT IS NOW CLOSED. We hope you can join us next time!