The Land on Which Trent Sits
Trent University, in Peterborough and Durham, is located on the treaty and traditional territory of the Mississauga (Michi Saagiig) Anishnaabeg, which includes Curve Lake First Nation, Alderville First Nation, Hiawatha First Nation, and the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation. Specific to this region, Treaty 20 was signed in 1818, followed by the Williams Treaties in 1923.
We respectfully acknowledge that we are on the treaty and traditional territory of the Mississauga Anishnaabeg. We offer our gratitude to the First Nations for their care for, and teachings about, our earth and our relations. May we honour those teachings.
Land Acknowledgement
A land acknowledgement recognizes the traditional lands of Indigenous peoples and is an appropriate way to show respect for Indigenous people, their ancestors, and communities. It recognizes the significance of the land and the importance of our individual relationships to the land.
ACCESS TREATY AND TRADITIONAL TERRITORY RESOURCES
Indigenous Pedagogy
For more than 50 years, Trent has incorporated traditional teachings and perspectives into its curricular and extra-curricular programming. In fact, Trent’s groundbreaking leadership in Indigenous Studies dates back to our beginnings, when we became the first university in Canada, and only the second in North America, to establish an academic department dedicated to the study of Indigenous peoples and Indigenous knowledges. It’s just one of the ways we think differently, and inspire our students to do the same.
"We foster an environment where Indigenous knowledges are respected and recognized as a valid means by which to understand the world."
Trent was also the first university in Canada to create unique Indigenous spaces, to hire Indigenous student support staff, to recruit and admit Indigenous students through special entry programs, and to teach Indigenous languages and Indigenous knowledge with Elders and Traditional peoples.
Learn more about Indigenous Pedagogy at Trent
Statement of Affirmation and Support
Trent University honours the land upon which it is built, and its traditional occupants. It celebrates the imaginations of Indigenous peoples, their survival throughout the centuries, their knowledge developed over generations and their strength to endure.
Trent University has a long and distinguished history in the education of Indigenous peoples and in the education of others about Indigenous peoples. Trent’s efforts and initiatives since its founding have demonstrated leadership and commitment to the creation of places of dignity and respect for Indigenous peoples and their knowledge and to the fostering of dialogue and discussion about Indigenous issues.
Trent intends to continue to lead by example and to remain at the forefront of higher education with respect to Indigenous peoples, by fostering their development, their cultures and their knowledge within the University and in society.
Trent expresses pride in the achievements of Indigenous graduates. It seeks to attract Indigenous students, staff and faculty, supporting them in their studies and their paths to their chosen careers. The University encourages them to recognize the contribution that they in turn can make to their communities, to Canada and the world.
Trent University established the Indigenous Education Council in 1993 to provide guidance and advice in these undertakings.
Our Leadership in Indigenous Studies: An Interactive Timeline
We invite you to explore our history of leadership, and join our extraordinary community of scholars to continue this legacy and make a difference in our world.