It is with deep sadness that Tyndale grieves alongside the NAIITS community over the loss of Wendy Lynn Beauchemin Peterson. Dr. Peterson passed away on September 28 in Paris, France. "This is a devastating loss for the NAIITS community. As partners and colleagues with NAITTS, Tyndale extends our condolences to Dr. Peterson's family and to all who knew and loved this remarkable leader and woman of God," shares Dr. Janet Clark, Senior Vice President Academic & Dean of the Seminary.
As the founder and member of the board of directors, Dr. Peterson was pivotal in the formation and vision of NAIITS. In 2017, Tyndale and NAIITS renewed their partnership towards supporting the education of Native North Americans in the area of theological education and development.
Dr. Peterson’s Ph.D. dissertation, A Gifting of Sweetgrass: The Reclamation of Culture Movement and NAIITS: An Indigenous Learning Community was defended this past May. She also contributed as the editor of the NAITTS journal bringing this publication up to be indexed with the American Theological Libraries Association (ATLA).
“Wendy’s heart for people was obvious to all who met her. She was a combination of deep compassion, boldness in speech (wrapped in her inimitable humour), accompanied by actions that consistently named discrimination wherever she saw it. She was passionate about justice for all people but especially for Indigenous peoples at home and around the globe. As a Red River Métis woman, she was a role model to all who met her and came to know her, but she was especially concerned for the nurture and development of Indigenous women, of all ages.” – noted from the NAIITS website of Dr. Peterson’s passing.
We ask that you join us in prayer for her loved ones as we grieve the loss of a valued colleague and friend, and celebrate her life in Christ.