By Laura Ranieri Roy
As we celebrate Canada Dayit is appropriate to look beyond our borders and recognize some of the extraordinary Canadians who have made lasting contributions to the Egyptian sector. Through archaeological work, complex documents, museum building, artistic or linguistic talents… and ground discoveries, these individuals have deepened the world’s understanding of ancient Egypt. His legacy reaches from the sand reaching the museum halls of Deir Al-Bari, Abydos, Karnak, and Mendes…Toronto and Niagara Falls.
Here are ten notable Canadians — and a bonus historical duo — whose work in Egypt deserves special recognition.
Charles Creeley Rome founder c. Wikipedia
- Charles Creeley (1876–1957): Founder of Rome and explorer of Egypt
Often called the “Father of Rome,” Charles Creeley was not only its founding director Royal Ontario Museumbut also an Egyptologist in the early 20th century. Born in Exeter, Ontario, Creeley was educated at University of Toronto Before engaging under the famous archeologist Flyders Petrie In Egypt
He took part in the excavation Abydos, Deir Al-Bariand Cenaand became known for his keen eye for antiquities and his dedication to the preservation of Egypt’s ancient heritage. Through his efforts, thousands of Egyptian artifacts — including coffins, stelae, ceremonial objects and everyday objects — have been included in Canada. With “a little help from his friends” and impeccable and impeccable timing, this remarkable museum builder established Rome’s very fine Egyptian collection – the beating heart of the museum. Even his most surprising “discovery” can be spectacular Shrine of the Hathor cow 15th century BC is now a jewel of the Cairo Egyptian Museum.
Creeley’s 1956 memoir I brought Omar home A vivid and inspiring account of his adventure and vision to bring the ancient world to Canadians.
- Ames Calverley (1896–1954): Epigrapher extraordinaire from Oakville
Although born in London, Ames Calverley settled in Oakville, Ontarioand became one of the most important illustrations of the 20th century. With no formal training in Egyptology, her artistic talents led her to Egypt in the late 1920s, where she became involved in a project that documented the wall’s intricate reliefs. Temple of Seti I at Abydos.
His precision and artistry in capturing carved scenes – before photography could match such detail. The published volumes of his work are important scholarly resources today. Working in a remote desert environment at a time when few women were accepted into the field, Calverley overcame challenges with grace, professionalism and flair.
His legacy lives on in the walls of every temple still studied through his remarkable documents.
- Dr. Donald Radford (1934–2024): Scholar, teacher, and excavator of Egypt’s Forgotten Cities
A formidable figure in modern Egypt, Dr. Donald B. Redford Received his BA, MA and Ph.D. from McGill University And University of Torontowhere he taught from 1962 to 1998. Trained in Semitic languages under Wilfred Lambert and Abraham Sachs, and in Egyptian with Hans Jacob Poltsky and Ricardo Caminos, Radford brought a classical rigor to his scholarship. He participated in Excavations of Old Jerusalem (1964–67) under Kathleen Kenyon, but it was in Egypt that he made his greatest mark. together with his wife Susan Redfordhe led it Akhenaten Temple Projecta decades-long excavation initiative Karnakfor , for , for , . Mendesfor , for , for , . Tell Kidwaand Thebes. His work at Karnak helped uncover the foundations of Akhenaten’s revolutionary temples and was featured in a 1980 NFB documentary. The Lost Pharaohs: The Search for Akhenaten. At Mendes, Radford uncovered an extensive temple complex, now detailed in his book The city of Ramman. His historical publications include Akhenaten: Religious Kingfor , for , for , . Ancient Egypt, Canaan and Israel (winner of the 1993 Biblical Archeology Society Award), and his roles as editor The Oxford Encyclopedia of Ancient Egyptamery A reference standard that won the American Library Association’s Dartmouth Medal. He retired from Penn State in July 2024 and died later that year, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of fieldwork, mentorship, and scholarship.
- Dr. Peter Brand: Voice of the Ramesside Kings
A Canadian native and graduate University of Torontofor , for , for , . Dr. Peter Brand The 19th dynasty of Egypt is most famous for its expertise, especially the reign seti i And Remus II. Now based University of MemphisBrand has spent decades documenting temple inscriptions Karnakfor , for , for , . Luxorand other sites.
He directs Great hypostyle hall projectwhere his intricate work on carved reliefs and hieroglyphs illustrates the royal lineage, historical events and temple construction during the Ramesside period. His scholarship, involving both fieldwork and translation, makes the world of Egypt’s warrior pharaohs accessible and vivid.
- Dr. Mary Ann Polus Wagner: Discoveries at Abydos
Professor and Head of Graduate Department University of Torontofor , for , for , . Dr. Mary Ann Polus Wagner Directs North Abydos Votive Zone Project. In 2011, his team revealed a previously unknown structure released by Hats offwith a rarity, one of Egypt’s few female pharaohs A wooden sculpture Queen’s Dr. Wagner was born in New Mexico, but his work and career spanned decades at the University of Toronto.
His work at Abydos has shed new light on royal ceremonial architecture, kingship, and voting practices in ancient Upper Egypt. A respected scholar and field leader, she continues to mentor students and contribute to our understanding of Egypt’s religious and political landscape.
- Ted Brook (1951–2015): Royal tomb specialist and restorer
Ted Brook began his work with him in Egypt in 1981 University of Toronto’s Tamilat Valley Projectlater on involved in larger excavations Eastern Karnakfor , for , for , . Entrance Oasisfor , for , for , . Memphisand Lawhon. From 1983 to 1994, he served as director Canadian Institute in Egyptsupporting Canadian-led research across the country. Like Dr. Wagner, Brock was born in the States, but his education and career were firmly embedded in Toronto monoculture.
He co-directed Amensi Project (KV 10) and spent many years documenting and photographing New Kingdom Royal Sarcophagi. It was his crowning achievement Reconstruction of the fragmented sarcophagus of the pharaoh Merenptah In the Valley of the Kings, an extraordinary feat of restoration. His legacy lives on through his contributions and the ongoing work of his wife and partner, Lila Chutki Brook.
- Dr Meredith Brand: Archaeologist and ceramic expert
based in Cairo, Dr. Meredith Brand I teach Egypt American University in Cairo. She also works Co-director of Wadi Al Hudi campaign and ceramic expertwhich investigates ancient amethyst mines and settlements in Egypt’s Eastern Desert. His work combines the science of archeology with material culture, providing insight into life and labor in the far-flung industrial landscapes of Phryonic Egypt.
- Dr. Ronald J. Leprohn: The Voice of Ancient Egyptian
One of Canada’s most beloved and respected teachers of Ancient Egyptian, Dr. Ronald J. Leprohn (b. 1947) taught at University of Torontowhere he influenced generations of students in Middle Egyptian and hieroglyphs. His book Noble Name: Ancient Egyptian Royal Titulary Fraunic is a cornerstone for understanding royal titles and theory. Known for his clarity, wit, and warmth, Leprohan’s legacy lives on in classrooms and publications across the country.
- Dr. Andrew Bednarsky: Egyptologist and historian of the field
With a Ph.D University of Cambridgefor , for , for , . Dr. Andrew Bednarski More than a decade has been spent in excavations Karnakfor , for , for , . Abydosand Amarna With Ars he currently works as Assistant to the Director for Special Projects In and associated with Ars American University in Cairo. He edited it A History of World Egyptology And it has been widely published Manuscripts of Frederic Cailliaudrevealing how early explorers shaped the field. A bridge between fieldwork and scholarship, Bednarski elevates Canada’s reputation in global Egypt.
- Dr. Casey Kirkpatrick: The Tombs of Discovery at Luxor
An Assistant Professor Simon Fraser Universityfor , for , for , . Dr. Casey Kirkpatrick I played a key role 2025 Discovery of Three New Kingdom Tombs At the Dra Abu al-Naga Necropolis in Luxor. As a bioarchaeologist and osteologist, he helped document human remains, painted walls, and inscriptions from the 18th-19th dynasties.
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Bonus: Sidney and Thomas Barnett – Canada’s first connection to Pharaoh
In the 1860s, Sydney Barnettson Niagara Falls Museum Founder Thomas Barnettsailed up the Nile and collected Egyptian mummies and artifacts — including one that turned out to be this Mother of Remus ifounder of the 19th dynasty of Egypt. The collection formed one of the first Egyptian displays in North America.
Rediscovered and authenticated in the 1990s, the mummy at Ramesses was returned to Egypt in 2003 after making international headlines. This is one of the most interesting chapters of an unlikely relationship with Canada’s fraunic royalty.
Remus’ Mother: Our Canadian Pharaoh!
A proud legacy
Of course there are many more: Violet LeFleur, Nicolas Joar, Krzysztof Grzemski, Kei Yamamoto, Rexene Hummel, Sally Catery, Winifred Needle, Gayle Gibson, and the list goes on, from the dusty affairs of Niagara Falls to Luxor, to exploring, preserving and interpreting the wonders of ancient Egypt. Their contributions continue to shape the field and influence future scholars.
On this Canada Daywe celebrate not only our national heritage, but also the global impact of Canadian curiosity, dedication and scholarship.
Laura Ranieri Opinion: 
Championing adversity at home and abroad
This article was written Laura Ranieri Roya proud Canadian Egyptologist who has spent more than a decade promoting ancient Egypt through public talks, courses, museum collaborations and immersive travel experiences. While he has lectured and excavated in Egypt, his greatest passion lies in celebrating and elevating the work of Canadians who have made lasting contributions to the field. Laura is the founder Ancient Egypt Alivethrough which she leads expertly guided, small-group tours to Egypt, created by Canada, for the curious and culturally engaged traveler.
To learn more or join an upcoming tour, visit: ancientegyptalive.com/egypt-tours
