An intimate ceremony at Beachwood Cemetery, Ottawa, in late August celebrated the life of Dr. Peter Henderson Bryce, a man remembered as a pioneer for public health. During the event, a plaque was unveiled as part of the cemetery’s great Canadian profiles project.
Born in 1853, Bryce was a Presbyterian and, for about 20 years, parishioner at St. Andrew’s, Ottawa. He spoke out for better health care and treatment for children in residential schools. In 1907 he published a devastating report that outlined the abuses and conditions that these children were subject to, alleging that staff and church officials withheld and falsified children’s death records. He followed this in 1922 with a book, The Story of a National Crime, which focused on the high incidence of child mortality in the schools.
Bryce died in 1932. The plaque, which highlights his work, struggles and legacy, was unveiled by his graveside, which is surrounded by a grove of maple trees.
“Maple is a strong tree. It’s sweet, it’s generous and it won’t fall over with the coming of storms,” said Albert Dumont, a human rights activist who spoke at the unveiling.
Marie Wilson, one of the commissioners of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, said Bryce didn’t want to divide people with his work. The commemoration offered a new perspective in the current practice of acknowledging our wrongdoings.
Hearts were planted at Bryce’s grave, much like the ones planted at Rideau Hall during the final TRC event, to show appreciation for his acts of reconciliation.
Bryce’s great-grandson, Andy Bryce, is working on a documentary entitled Finding Peter Bryce. He hopes the film will shed light on his advocacy work and the great man behind those actions.
