Join the Conversation
The story of Canada is a complicated one. As we prepare to mark Canada’s 150th anniversary as a nation, this is a time to celebrate Canada as a country (and Trent as a university) where diverse views thrive, coexist and are challenged and debated. This is why Trent has chosen to commemorate Canada’s sesquicentennial anniversary with “Critical Conversations about Canada.”
Canadian Studies and the interdisciplinary study of Canada have been core components of Trent since it was opened fifty years ago. As the first university in Canada to introduce an Indigenous Studies degree, we are an institution that also understands the importance of confronting Canada’s history and recognizing the heritage, knowledge and culture of Indigenous peoples. We believe that Trent has an important role to play in building a strong Canada by encouraging dialogue and an understanding of what it means to be Canadian through critical examination.
I invite you to engage in dialogue throughout the year. Our discussion will centre on topics that matter in today’s Canada: among them, reconciliation, the north, gender and diversity, multiculturalism, social justice and our natural environment. Whether you attend an upcoming event, or participate in the Canadian Difference project, I hope that you can join me in recognizing Canada’s heritage in a truly “Trent” way – with robust debate and discussion about the past, present and future of our nation.
Best Regards,
Leo Groarke, PhD
President and Vice-Chancellor
Trent University
