Acceptance Speech by the Rev. Canon Andrew Wesley
From left, Jonathan Hamilton-Diabo, June Callwood Professor in Social Justice, Teaching Stream at Victoria College, the Rev. Canon Andrew Wesley and Nick Saul, chancellor, Victoria University. (Photo by Neil Gaikwad)
Victoria University in the University of Toronto conferred 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 was honoured for his lifelong commitment to Indigenous communities, spiritual leadership and reconciliation.
Read his acceptance speech below:
Chancellor Nick Saul and Dr. Rhonda McEwen, Vice-President, faculty, staff, and—most importantly—the graduating class.
Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen.
I am deeply honoured to be with you today and grateful to Victoria University for bestowing this honorary degree upon me. to be included in a community with such a distinguished history is a privilege, I do not take it for granted. When I first received the call about this award, my first thought was, are they sure they have the right person?
I am very aware that I am standing here today not just to accept an honour, but to celebrate a life time of learning – much of which came from trial and error, rather than the renowned halls of a university. It is particularly humbling to stand before a group of graduates who have earned their degree through intense dedication and hard work. while my path here may have been different from yours, it is wonderful to share this moment of achievement with you.
I spent my early life in the bush, learning the Muskegowuk way of life and the Christian faith from my parents and grandparents. Looking back, I realize those experiences were preparing me for a mission of serving and caring for others.
Life hasn't always been easy. Like many of my people, I’ve known confusion, frustration, anger, and struggle - much of it rooted in the lasting legacy of colonization and my own residential school experience. But I have also known joy and happiness, and I’ve learned to balance my traditional teachings with my Christian faith.
There has been much dialogue on reconciliation within the last 30 years. In that time, I have learned that reconciliation begins with a disagreement—one that acknowledges the harm and different realities of lived experiences. Only then can true reconciliation begin, ending in a handshake and the shared understanding that we will walk side by side. Walking side by side with one person at a time.
No one achieves anything alone. I share this award with my wife, Esther, and my immediate family, whose unwavering support allowed me to take risks. I also share it with the mentors who gave me chances, the colleagues who push me to be better, and the many Indigenous and non-Indigenous people—including children and youth—for their visions and teachings. All have helped me find the spiritual balance and faith central to my life.
Graduates, today you gain the power to shape your future and the lives of others. Though the world is complex, it is full of potential. Use your achievements to build a more just and compassionate society.
"While working with my brothers and sisters living on the streets, I was always reminded of the Johnny Reid song, 'Today I’m gonna try and change the world.' It inspired me to brighten someone's life—even for just a day—and to always treat others with kindness and love."
Keep in mind, your degree is a tool. Make sure you use it to do good in your community and the world. As you leave here today, I hope you too will choose to walk side by side with others."
Thank you again, Victoria University, for this incredible honour. (mama skatch).
Congratulations to the class of 2026.
Nin na nasko mon. Aa ko shii