Gloria Wasacase, 74, a longtime member of the Women’s Missionary Society and a supporter of work with aboriginal people, died suddenly on Oct. 13.
Wasacase worked for many years with first nations communities in Kenora, Ont., and was a teacher at Cecilia Jeffrey Residential School. She was acutely concerned about justice for Canada’s indigenous peoples.
“I knew Gloria to have a great desire for the people of our church to grow in their understanding and knowledge of indigenous peoples and issues, peoples she clearly had developed a great love for,” said Lori Ransom, the church’s healing and reconciliation animator.
Wasacase was a member of Central, Brantford, Ont. She served on the Assembly Council from 2004 to 2007, and on the Healing and Reconciliation Design team in 2005 – the team responsible for creating the church’s national healing and reconciliation program.
“In spite of the negative images circulated about the residential schools, Gloria reminded everyone of the positive outcomes for many aboriginal students,” said Lew Ford, convener of the design team. “Who she was and what she stood for will be a notable part of the history of our denomination.” – A.M.
