Past Gzowksi Event Recordings
2021-2022 Gzowski College Enwayaang Talks
Patricia Wilson is a nature lover at heart, and passionate about increasing diversity and inclusion within the conservation and environmental world. She created the Diverse Nature Collective, which came from the idea that diverse and racialized voices need to be heard and supported within the environmental sector to successfully move towards meaningful change and protection of our natural assets. Patricia works with Kawartha Land Trust as their Community Conservation Coordinator. She holds a BSc from Trent University in Conservation Biology as well as a diploma in Ecosystem Management from Fleming College. Please join us for an amazing conversation, and the finale to a successful 2021-2022 speaker series!
Saga Williams is a lawyer from Curve Lake, who has worked in First Nations communities, in government and corporate roles. Within these roles she has worked as legal counsel, negotiator, governance and strategy advisor. In addition, she is principle of her consulting firm, AS Williams Consulting. Saga teaches at Osgoode Hall Law School as a professor and supports student led negotiations, focusing on Indigenous rights and reconciliation.
Nadège Compaoré is an Assistant Professor in the Political Science Department at the University of Toronto Mississauga. Her research is concerned with claims of sovereignty by states and communities affected by natural resource extraction in Africa.
Chris Buddle is Associate Provost (Teaching and Academic Programs) at McGill University. His home unit is the Department of Natural Resource Sciences at Macdonald Campus. He is an award-winning teacher (at McGill and nationally) recognized for innovations when using technology in classrooms. Professor Buddle has an active research program, focused on the biodiversity and community ecology of Arctic insects and spiders. He has been involved in administration at McGill for many years, as Associate Dean (Student Affairs) in his Faculty, and as Dean of Students (2016 to 2019). He is also the younger brother of Gzowski College Principal Melanie Buddle.
Mehrangiz Monsef is a first-generation Afghan on Turtle Island (North America) with lived experience as a refugee in Iran. She moved to Nogojiwanong with her mom and two sisters and knows first-hand what the integration process into a new world and culture looks and feels like. She has lived on the ‘Canadian’ side of Turtle Island for over 26 years as a guest.
Mary Smith is proof that a passion for grass roots activism and community volunteerism can turn into a long and successful political career. She has been a dedicated community volunteer and municipal politician, serving in positions that have included Lakefield Councillor, Deputy Reeve, Deputy Warden for Peterborough County, and Mayor of Selwyn. She retired in 2018, having never lost an election she ran in, and having served in municipal politics for over 20 years. She received an Honorary Alumni Member Award from the Trent University Alumni Association in January 2021. Mary has three grown children and lives in Lakefield with her husband Al. She has great advice for students who have an interest in being change-makers. Start small. Get engaged. And these steps can lead to a long career in community service and leadership.
Artist George Campana speaks about his piece, on display in September 2021 at Trent University as part of the Spark Photo Festival, Peterborough/Nogojiwanong, Ontario. George’s talk deals with important subject matter that may be difficult for some viewers to hear. The Indian Residential Schools Resolution Health Support Program has a National Indian Residential Schools Crisis Line (1-866-925-4419) that provides immediate emotional support for former Indian Residential School students. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Ron is an accomplished senior news anchor and communications strategist with 30 years of cross-platform media expertise, ten of them served as an army communications strategist. He is well-versed in securing sources, conducting interviews and facilitating collaboration between industry professionals across the globe. Ron moved to Peterborough in March of 2018 to assume his current role of Manager of News and Television Operations, CHEX TV, Global Peterborough, part of Corus Entertainment.
Hamza Khan is a multi-award winning marketer and entrepreneur, a best-selling author and global keynote speaker. He’s the Managing Director of Student Life Network, Canada’s most comprehensive resource hub dedicated to helping and empowering millions of students across the country. He is an instructor at Seneca College and Ryerson University, teaching courses on digital marketing and social media. Through his consulting, writing, teaching and speaking, Hamza empowers people and businesses to transform ideas into action. A respected thought leader, his insights have been featured by notable media outlets such as VICE, Business Insider, and The Globe and Mail. Hamza will visit Trent University in January 2022 as the Ashley Fellow, a distinguished visiting fellowship offered through the Trent Colleges.