Co-chaired by Dr. Barbara Wall and Vice President Julie Davis, a President’s Task Force has been assembled with representatives from across the University. It is important that this work is done by Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples working together in a good way.

Mandate 

The task force will undertake a consultative process within and outside the University to develop a series of recommendations which will serve as the basis for a 10-year Indigenous strategy.

The recommendations should consider Trent’s role in:

• Continuing to be a global leader in Indigenous education
• Developing strategies to incorporate Indigenous pedagogy and knowledge in curriculum development
• Supporting Indigenous-led and informed research
• Attracting and supporting Indigenous students
• Amplifying our institutional contributions to Truth and Reconciliation and TRC Calls to Action
• Advancing relationships and collaborations with the Michi Saagiig Anishinaabeg/Williams Treaty Nations on whose traditional and treaty lands Trent is located, and Indigenous peoples and communities across the country

The task force is responsible for providing high level recommendations to the President on the opportunities to fulfill our responsibilities and enhance relationships in achieving the mandate. To assist in this work, the task force will prepare a summary of the initiatives already underway at Trent relevant to the mandate, including the outcomes of the 2017 Senate Committee on Indigenous Education and the corresponding actions approved by the Board of Governors in 2018, the most recent plans that have charted Trent’s leadership in Indigenous education.

• Dr. Barbara Moktthewenke Wall, co-chair, associate professor, Chanie Wenjack School for Indigenous Studies, director of studies, Indigenous Ph.D. program
• Julie Davis, co-chair, vice president, External Relations & Development
• Melody Crowe ‘98, alumna, Elder, Alderville First Nation
• Dr. Memee (Dawn) Lavell-Harvard, director, First Peoples House of Learning
• Dr. Hugo Lehman, dean, Trent/Fleming School of Nursing
• Christopher Rooney, senior director, Research and Innovation
• Chris Nelan, coordinator, Student Life, Trent Durham
• Dr. Shelley Knott-Fife '19, alumna/recent graduate of PhD program, community member, Curve Lake First Nation
• Gayelyn Heffernan ’82, alumna, community member, Métis Nation, co-chair Indigenous Education Council
• Gabriella DeHass, Trent student, Alderville First Nation
• Dr. Nicole Bell, associate professor, Trent School of Education, coordinator Indigenous Bachelor of Education, Kitigan Zibi First Nation
• Dr. Paul Wilson, professor, Biology, coordinator Conservation Biology program

Membership of the Task Force considered the need for a majority of Indigenous members and embodiement of Trent’s philosophy of Enwayaang - the way we speak together. Membership includes Indigenous and non-Indigenous faculty, staff, students, alumni and members of local First Nations communities. Task Force members are from a range of academic departments, university roles, and seniority, as well as local Knowledge Holders.

Completed: Consultants from Indigenize Consulting and Clearly Then Inc. were retained to conduct listening sessions with the campus community. 55 sessions with more than 500 participants were completed. A survey was also shared with the campus community that attracted more than 300 responses. An Indigenous Alumni Circle was held on April 18 to gather perspectives and lived experience from Indigenous alumni and alumni of Indigenous programs. 

Underway: The Task Force is leading outreach to Indigenous communities and partner organizations. The final report and recommendations are presented first to the President and then will be made available to the campus and community.