Gidigaa Migizi College, Trent’s newest college, will be built on the east bank of the Symons Campus in Peterborough.

The building will include as many as 700 new beds for first-year students as well as classrooms, faculty offices, and student spaces.

With an anticipated opening of fall 2028, Trent’s newest college will be an architecturally significant building, purposefully constructed to promote learning, embrace diversity, and foster meaningful connections between students, staff, and faculty.

Monday, February 12, 2024

During a special sold-out feast at the 48^th annual Elders and Traditional Peoples Gathering, Trent unveiled the new crest and colours for the University’s newest college, Gidigaa Migizi College, named in honour of beloved elder and former assistant professor, Doug Williams-ban ’69. 

The crest, intricately designed by First Nations artist Jared Tait using a traditional Anishinaabeg woodland art style, captures the essence of Gidigaa Migizi, whose name means spotted eagle in Anishinaabemowin, and reflects the deep-rooted First Peoples values and knowledge as well as the traditions of Trent and the University’s collegiate communities. Throughout each step of the process, the University consulted with the Elders & Traditional Knowledge Keepers Council to ensure the College name and crest honour both Gidigaa Migizi’s impact, and the treaty and traditional land Trent University sits on. 

“The unveiling of the Gidigaa Migizi College crest, a masterful creation by First Nations artist Jared Tait, marks a significant addition to Trent's vibrant colleges," said Marilyn Burns, vice president of Communications & Enrolment at Trent. "This new emblem is rich in symbolism and deeply connected to the legacy of Gidigaa Migizi, the namesake for our newest college. It reinforces the University’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and dynamic learning environment that especially recognizes the First Nations of this territory and the complexities of our shared history. As Trent grows and evolves, diverse cultures and histories are celebrated and interwoven into the fabric of our university community.” 

The crest features elements deeply symbolic to Gidigaa Migizi, incorporating his colours – deep blue, green and turquoise – and featuring the spotted eagle, related to his name, and a pike, representing his clan, Maashginoozhe. A human profile within the spotted eagle symbolizes ancestral connections, while a portal, an element in First Nations art, represents the link to culture and tradition. Artist Jared Tait drew inspiration from his own heritage and the profound impact of Doug Williams on the local Indigenous community.

Professor Jack Hoggarth, from the Chanie Wenjack School for Indigenous Studies at Trent, commented on the selection of Jared Tait for the project: “An important aspect of selecting Jared Tait for this crest was solidifying that his creative vision aligned with the college's foundational values and embodied the Anishinaabeg's rich traditions. This choice reflects a thoughtful consideration of how art can perpetuate language and culture, ensuring the crest of Gidigaa Migizi College will be a meaningful tribute, honouring its namesake and the broader mission of Trent University.”  

Trent University, with a history spanning 60 years, has a strong collegiate tradition that puts students at the centre of the living and learning experience. Each college’s crest and colours symbolize their unique history and traditions, promoting learning, embracing diversity, and fostering connections within the community. 

In line with Trent's college traditions, a special scarf featuring the new crest was created and presented to the elders and members of Doug Williams' family at the unveiling. This symbolic gesture honours them as the first members of the new college. 

With an anticipated opening of fall 2028, Gidigaa Migizi College will be built on the east bank of Trent’s Symons Campus in Peterborough and will include as many as 700 new beds for first-year students as well as classrooms, faculty offices, and student spaces.