The biblical interpretation of missionary and residential school founder Edward F Wilson

Edward F Wilson (1844–1915) was a British settler missionary who founded Shingwauk Indian Residential School (Sault Ste Marie, Ontario) and Elkhorn Indian Residential School (Elkhorn, Manitoba). Despite the growing body of literature that addresses the residential schools, little attention has been paid to the biblical interpretation of those who envisioned and founded the schools. This article demonstrates the influence of Wilson’s biblical interpretation on his missionary work and residential school operations, and identifies the cultural and philosophical framework that informed his interpretations. The article draws on decolonial thinkers to identify and critique the colonial ideas that informed Wilson’s biblical interpretation.