Julian Tennent-Riddell '10, B.A., Honours, Indigenous Environmental Studies, Minor Hispanic Studies, Peterborough/Nogojiwanong, ON

Julian arrived at Trent University deeply concerned about protecting the environment and tackling climate change. After four years in the Indigenous Environmental Studies program, the Symons Medal winner is leaving Trent with an activist’s passion, and a broader understanding of pressing legal issues as they relate to the environment and Indigenous peoples. He has gained a more holistic approach to the environment and an unshakeable devotion to issues such as food justice and fossil fuel divestment. In turn, Julian values his highly interdisciplinary education at Trent that played a role in leading him to where he is today.  

“I took courses in a wide variety of subjects in addition to my core three disciplines, from English Literature to International Development Studies to Politics,” said Julian. “Being exposed to different subject matter, analytical frameworks, and pedagogies enhanced my overall learning, and I was able to make important connections between the disciplines.”

In addition to receiving the Symons Medal, awarded to students in the Honours program who achieve high overall standing on graduation, Julian also received the Free Tuition Scholarship at Trent and the Queen Elizabeth Aiming for the Top Scholarship. Throughout his successful career, Julian discovered many outlets such as workshops, lectures and events to support the social and environmental justice causes he believes in both at Trent and within the community.  “My experiences have had a profound impact on my personal development and learning,” Julian said. “I learned about a diversity of important issues and how they are interconnected.”  

Julian was also a main coordinator of the student group Sustainable Trent. Through this role he learned about finances, logistics and campaign building. Most importantly he learned how to inspire change. Julian also believes his professors helped him grow personally and academically. He appreciates the interactive and inclusive dialogue found within Dr. Lynne Davis’s teachings and the tireless wisdom shared by Dr. Dan Longboat, Director of the Indigenous Environmental Studies Department.

Julian is currently working for the Peterborough Community Garden Network to engage youth in community gardening projects. In the fall, he will attend the Common Law JD Program at the University of Ottawa’s Faculty of Law, specializing in Environmental Law and Aboriginal Law & Indigenous Legal Traditions. He plans to pursue a non-profit public interest legal career, and to advocate for environmental justice and the protection of Indigenous rights and sovereignty.

“I will attempt to bring the concepts from Indigenous Environmental Studies into the legal world, and will strive toward justice for Indigenous peoples and for the environment using the law as a tool,” said Julian. “I will bring what I learned at Trent into my life, work, and activism as I continue forward on a journey of lifelong learning.”

Awards and Scholarships received at Trent University:

• Free Tuition Scholarship (2010-2014)
• Queen Elizabeth Aiming for the Top Scholarship (2010-2014)
• Indigenous Environmental Studies Award (2012)
• Otonabee College Scholar (2012)