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New Tipi Serves as Powerful Symbol at Oshawa Campus

Elder Harold Ashkewe of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation
Elder Harold Ashkewe of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation

As part of this year’s orientation activities, over 100 faculty and students came together on September 2, 2014 to take part in a poignant ceremony at the Oshawa campus. It was an unforgettable event that reflects many things that Trent is famous for: the celebration of Indigenous culture through education, respect and diversity.  The raising of a new tipi on the Oshawa campus symbolizes some of Trent’s most treasured ideals in a powerful way.

Adam Hopkins is the acting director of Trent’s First Peoples House of Learning (FPHL). He believes the new tipi is a welcoming beacon. He said, “We want to make sure that our Indigenous students feel that this is a place they can call home and their culture is recognized.”

Following in Trent tradition, Trent Oshawa is proud to demonstrate how Indigenous culture and academia go hand-in-hand. Elder Harold Ashkewe of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation conducted the sacred smudging ceremony to bless the tipi and all those who attended, including Trent University’s new president, Dr. Leo Groarke.  In conjunction with the tipi already in place on the Peterborough campus which is used for feasts and Indigenous ceremonies, the impressive tipi in Oshawa will serve as a meaningful social and ceremonial space for students.

The ceremony reflects Trent’s strong relationships with First Nations communities. The Baagwating Community Association which is part of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation raised funds and worked with Trent’s First Peoples House of Learning (FPHL) to facilitate the project.  In addition to working with students to ensure academic success the FPHL works closely with local First Nation communities both through Trent’s Aboriginal Education Council and local community services agencies.  

To all who see it, the tipi demonstrates Trent’s unwavering dedication to Indigenous peoples.

Posted on Thursday, September 11, 2014.

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