Trent University

Accompanied by Peterborough MPP Jeff Leal, Minister Milloy enjoyed a brief chat with Liam Mooney, president of the Trent Central Student Association, followed by a tour of the Worsfold Water Quality Centre (WWQC) and First Peoples House of Learning. In the WWQC, Minister Milloy had a chance to observe some of the world’s most sophisticated measuring instruments in the study of heavy metals and other aquatic pollutants. Dr. Peter Dillon, director of the WWQC, introduced him to several graduate students who were conducting numerous experiments in both organic and inorganic contaminants. Professor Dillon explained how biological material, sediments, soils, fly ash, industrial by-products, and municipal wastewaters are also investigated in the Centre with respect to their potential impact on the water quality.

Minister Milloy then visited the First Peoples House of Learning, where he learned about Trent’s Indigenous Studies Ph.D. program (Canada’s first), Nozhem – First Peoples Performance Space, and met Trent’s new chair in Indigenous Knowledge, Skahendowaneh Swamp. Dr. David Newhouse, chair of Trent’s Indigenous Studies Department, spoke with Minister Milloy about another unique program at Trent, the Indigenous Environmental Program. The program uses Indigenous knowledge systems, science and information from the social and environmental sciences to explore local, regional, national and international environmental issues impacting Indigenous People.

“I’m impressed with what a positive student experience you have here at Trent, and it looks like it’s going to be a great fall on campus,” said Minister Milloy as he ended his campus tour. “Trent’s focus on Indigenous Studies adds a really unique aspect for all students at the University.”