Traditions
As one of Trent University’s youngest colleges, Gzowski College likes to encourage new ideas and stay flexible, while also hosting some traditional annual programming designed to connect current students to each other and to our staff and faculty.
ENWAYAANG
A Series of Extraordinary Talks
Enwayaang is the Anishinaabemowin word for "the way we speak together.”
Each year, Gzowski hosts engaging guests "speaking together" with us about their passions, their interests and their ideas.
The series typically begins in the fall term with in-person and virtual talks happening monthly through until the end of the winter term.
TIPI TIMES
with FPHL Firekeepers
The FPHL Traditional Area is is located just south of the Enwayaang building at Trent University's Peterborough Campus. Known as Mnidoowag A'Kiing (The Spirit Lands) in the Michi Saagiig dialect of Anishinaabemowin, it is comprised of a Tipi, Wigwam, Medicine Garden, and Sweat Lodge.
For those who love the smell and sound of the crackling fire, this is a great opportunity to get acquainted with the space, or to visit a tipi for the first time.
FURRY THERAPY
Ducks, Bunnies, and Puppies
The aim of this program is to offer students the opportunity of finding time to unwind, breathe fresh air and connect with the present.
The College organizes visits to the Alpaca pen, and offers yoga sessions in the company of the alpacas during the summer and fall. In the Spring, baby ducks are fostered for two weeks at the College office.
All theses experiences are great stress relievers and help students make friends and engage with faculty and staff members.
COMMUNITY LUNCHES
Students, Staff & Faculty Meetups
Gzowski College hosts community lunches for students, staff and faculty. Our most popular lunch is the Three Sisters Community Lunch on September 30, on the National Day of Truth and Reconciliation.
Community lunches are free for students! Dates and details will be posted on the Trent Calendar and through our social media.
POW WOW
Start of the School Year Celebration
Pow Wow means gathering or celebration. Traditionally, a Pow Wow was an annual event held after the winter snows had melted. It was a time to celebrate the renewal of life, renew old friendships and form new ones. It was an opportunity to hold naming ceremonies and other traditional honouring ceremonies.
Pow Wows are still an important part of the lives of many Anishnaabeg.
BAKING COMPETITIONS
Apple Week & Pi Day
Always eager to enjoy the simple things in life, Gzowski students love baking - and eating!
The start of the school year is marked by the harvesting of the apples that grow on campus, and followed by a baking contest.
At the end of the school year, Gzowski College and the Deparment of Mathematics celebrate the mathematical constant Pi (3.14159...) with a creative baking competition.
These events build community in a fun and relaxed way.
OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
BIPOC-focused Events
Venturing into the wild can be a fun relaxing experience if it is shared with peers and local guides.
This program, coordinated by the College Office in partnership with Patricia Wilson founder of Diverse Nature Collective, consists of a series of nature-based events created specifically for BIPOC students to enhance and build lasting connections while also introducing some amazing outdoor activities on campus and in our surroundings.
These events are a way to create an inclusive and positive space for racialized students to connect, explore and learn more about our natural environment.
SOCIAL FIRES
S'mores, Music and Sunsets
Gzowski students and fellows enjoy nature and outdoor plans. Social Fires are very popular events where students from all years get to know each other and make friends.
Social Fires are mostly run through the Spring, Summer and Fall.
During the winter, this program shifts indoors. The College office hosts tea events to give students a space to interact with their peers, faculty and staff. Creating these spaces does not only serve a social purpose: it is also an opportunity to receive information on different resources and services across campus.
To find information on specific events and be able to register, visit our events calendar here.
If you are a current student, you can also find our events on the Student Experience Portal.
ON THE SHORES OF THE ODOONABII-ZIIBI
Anishinaabe Art from the Trent University Collection, Enwayaang, Gzowski College
Curator Jonathan Lockyer will take you on a journey to learn about Anishinaabe Art and the collection within the building.
The tour ends just outside of the Peter Robinson Dining Hall, level 2, where mural artist Tia Cavanagh talks about her work.