Victoria University to Confer Honorary Degree on Rev. Andrew Wesley
PRESS RELEASE
Victoria University in the University of Toronto will confer an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree on the Rev. Canon Andrew Wesley during the Victoria University Convocation of Emmanuel College graduates on May 14, 2026. Wesley will be honoured for his lifelong commitment to Indigenous communities, spiritual leadership and reconciliation.
An Omushkego Cree Elder from Fort Albany First Nation on James Bay, Wesley is a retired Anglican priest, fluent Cree speaker and survivor of the residential school system. For decades, he has served Indigenous communities across northern Ontario and Toronto through ministry, cultural leadership and pastoral care.
After completing a Master of Divinity at Wycliffe College, University of Toronto, Wesley was ordained in the Anglican Church of Canada. He served for more than 20 years with the Toronto Urban Native Ministry at the Toronto Council Fire Native Cultural Centre, providing spiritual care to Indigenous people experiencing homelessness and to Residential School survivors.
Wesley served as Elder-in-Residence at First Nations House at the University of Toronto, beginning in 2015, offering cultural teachings, mentorship and counsel to students and staff. He was a founding member of the Elders Circle supporting the Council of Aboriginal Initiatives and served as an Elder for U of T’s Truth and Reconciliation Steering Committee. He gifted the Cree name Wecheehetowin, meaning “working together,” to the committee’s final report responding to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action.
“Andrew Wesley’s life of service, leadership and care for others is deeply deserving of recognition,” said Victoria University President Rhonda N. McEwen. “Guided by his faith and lived experience, he has worked with humility and purpose across many communities. His service to Victoria University, including as a member of the Emmanuel College Indigenous Garden Advisory Committee, reflects the generosity with which he shares his time and wisdom. We are proud to confer this honorary degree in recognition of his many contributions.”
Victoria University has a long tradition of awarding honorary degrees to individuals whose lives reflect exceptional achievement and service. Past recipients include former U.N. ambassador Bob Rae, journalist Tanya Talaga Vic 9T3, social worker Alia Hogben, interfaith leader Hanny Hassan, Archbishop Desmond Tutu and author Margaret Atwood Vic 6T1.