Unique Indigenous B.Ed. Program Welcomes First Cohort of Students at Special Celebration
Gifts to Trent's School of Education in support of Indigenous learners also celebrated
The first cohort of students in the Indigenous Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) program were joined by faculty members from the School of Education at Trent University in a paddle up the Otonabee River today to officially launch the unique new program at Trent University, which puts Indigenous knowledge and perspectives at the forefront of teacher training.
During the celebration of the groundbreaking new program, which provides self-identified First Nations, Métis, Inuit, and Indigenous students from around the world with the opportunity to become Indigenous teachers, two generous gifts to Trent's School of Education and Professional Learning were also celebrated.
The first gift, a voyageur canoe, was used to mark the special occasion as students, staff, and faculty members paddled into the event. The canoe was generously donated to the School by Bonnie Greer ’69 in memory of her parents, Meredith and Evelyn Greer. Ms. Greer commented on her donation by saying, “The voyageur canoe donation is a way of honouring the Indigenous youth I have worked with over the years.”
Building upon previous transformational gifts made to support students, a second gift from Justin Chiu ’76 was also announced at the program launch. The gift of $250,000 will establish an award for students in the new Indigenous B.Ed. program. In learning about the new program, Mr. Chiu eagerly expressed his support, wishing to establish a fund that supports Indigenous students to celebrate their identity and heritage. To honour his sister-in-law who supported him in a variety of ways while he was an international student at Trent, Mr. Chiu named the scholarship the Catherine Chiu Indigenous Bachelor of Education Award. The award is intended to support students in the program with financial need, with an emphasis on those in years three, four or five of the program. Each year, five students will receive $2,000 each. Both gifts are part of the University’s current campaign, $50 Million Campaign: Unleash the Potential.
“Dr. Chiu is a committed and caring alumnus,” said Julie Davis, vice-president External Relations and Advancement at Trent. “His ongoing generosity to Trent University, through his philanthropy and his leadership, helps us continue to be a vibrant institution of learning, discovery and action.”
"The support we’ve seen in developing this unique new program has been incredible," said Dr. Cathy Bruce, dean of the School of Education and Professional Learning at Trent, and the director of the
Centre for Teaching and Learning. “The gifts from both these Trent alumni will support Indigenous students and allow us to offer more learning opportunities on the land and water.”
Reflecting Trent's groundbreaking leadership in Indigenous Studies, the new programming for the concurrent Indigenous Bachelor of Education will be integrated in its nature and encompass three years of general studies and two years of professional studies. Offered in partnership by Trent's School of Education and the department of Indigenous Studies, the program offers entry from high school or through transfer agreements with local community colleges or First Nations Education Institutes, and gives eligible students credit for their past educational experiences.
"A critical factor in improving Indigenous students' academic success is the presence of teachers who understand how Indigenous students learn and the challenges that they face," says Professor David Newhouse, chair of Indigenous Studies at Trent. "This new program provides an opportunity for those who are interested in teaching in Indigenous environments, both off and on-reserve, to develop the skills and knowledge to be effective teachers of Indigenous students."
About Trent University
One of Canada's top universities, Trent University was founded on the ideal of interactive learning that's personal, purposeful and transformative. Consistently recognized nationally for leadership in teaching, research and student satisfaction, Trent attracts excellent students from across the country and around the world. Here, undergraduate and graduate students connect and collaborate with faculty, staff and their peers through diverse communities that span residential colleges, classrooms, disciplines, hands-on research, co-curricular and community-based activities. Across all disciplines, Trent brings critical, integrative thinking to life every day. Today, Trent's unique approach to personal development through supportive, collaborative community engagement is in more demand than ever. Students lead the way by co-creating experiences rooted in dialogue, diverse perspectives and collaboration. In a learning environment that builds life-long passion for inclusion, leadership and social change, Trent's students, alumni, faculty and staff are engaged global citizens who are catalysts in developing sustainable solutions to complex issues. Trent's Peterborough campus boasts award-winning architecture in a breathtaking natural setting on the banks of the Otonabee River, just 90 minutes from downtown Toronto, while Trent University Durham delivers a distinct mix of programming in the east GTA.
For more information, or arrange to an interview, please contact: Kate Weersink, media relations & strategic communications officer, Trent University, 705-748-1011 x6180 or kateweersink@trentu.ca