The Laurier Legacy Project

The Laurier Legacy Project is a multi-faceted public history initiative that explores the times and legacy of Sir Wilfrid Laurier, the university’s namesake and former Canadian Prime Minister. This project aims to create a better understanding of his legacy and the institutional history of Wilfrid Laurier University. Initiatives encompassed by the Laurier Legacy Project lead a scholarly examination of Sir Wilfrid Laurier and Wilfrid Laurier University’s institutional history. This scholarship is mobilized towards public engagement and education in the Laurier community and beyond.

Foundations

The research and scholarship components of the Laurier Legacy Project began with two postdoctoral fellows and one visiting Indigenous scholar. From 2022 to 2024, Dr. Katelyn Arac pursued research on Sir Wilfrid Laurier and his legacy while Dr. Tedla Desta embarked on archival institutional research of Wilfrid Laurier University. Justice Gethin Edward joined Laurier in 2024 and delivered three public lectures at Laurier’s Brantford Campus on keystone cases that illustrate the application of Indigenous law, the litigation of Indigenous sovereignty rights, Gladue, and principles of restorative justice. Justice Edward is a member of the Ontario Court of Justice in Brantford who led the creation of Brantford’s Indigenous Persons Court.

Dr. Tedla Desta’s report on his archival institutional research of Wilfrid Laurier University is being prepared for publication and will be added once available.