Showcasing Trent University’s reputation for developing and nurturing strong student leaders, the Society of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education and 3M Canada has named Erin Hayward, an Environmental and Life Sciences graduate student, one of ten 3M national student fellows.

The 3M Fellow recognizes students in Canada who have demonstrated qualities of outstanding leadership and embrace a vision where the quality of their educational experience can be enhanced in academia and beyond. Ms. Hayward, a master’s student, is being honoured for her many contributions to developing healthy and vibrant communities at Trent University and in the Peterborough region.

Ms. Hayward is Kanien’keha:ka, turtle clan, born and raised in Scarborough, Ontario. Her family is traditionally from Six Nations of the Grand River Territory, Germany, Ireland, and Britain. She is a ceremonial helper, hand drummer, and youth mentor. In addition to many roles that Ms. Hayward currently holds, she is the youth director of the Nogojiwanong Friendship Centre (NFC), the chair of the NFC youth council, the graduate student representative with the Trent University Native Association, a senior program facilitator for the Trent Aboriginal Cultural Knowledge and Science (TRACKS) Youth Program, and a member of the Peterborough youth constituency council.

Ms. Hayward believes that by bridging the gap between the academic post-secondary community and the general community surrounding post-secondary institutions, a traditional Indigenous framework of a healthy community can be achieved.

“Erin is a skilled community-builder and inspired youth leader, and a passionate scientist, cultural knowledge holder, and educator who weaves her Haudenosaunee teachings and knowledge with her rigorous scientific skills,” said Ms. Hayward’s nominator. “Erin’s approach is inclusive, and her energy contagious – she possesses deep knowledge and understanding of a wide range of subjects and is excited to share her culture in a respectful and engaging way with a wide range of audiences including learners of all ages. Erin brings her perspective and approach to every teaching and learning opportunity both academic as well as community-based.”

Having also completed her B.Sc. at Trent University in Biology and Geography, with an emphasis in Geographical Information Systems, Ms. Hayward’s graduate work focuses on a community-based research project in two Anishinaabek communities, where she hopes to identify if ozonation pre-treatment will decrease adverse impacts on freshwater mussel species living downstream of wastewater treatment facilities.

“Ms. Hayward’s work in the area of environmental science, and her passion and dedication to Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities working together and learning from each other are just a few of the reasons why she is very deserving of this prestigious award, held by only a few students nationally,” said Dr. Cathy Bruce, director of the Centre for Teaching and Learning at Trent. “Erin exemplifies the values of Trent University and the kind of student Trent aims to develop and support.”

Speaking of the honour, Ms. Hayward said: "I would not be receiving the title of a 2017 3M National Student Fellow if it wasn't for the mentorship I have received from my family, friends, community members, aunties, and elders. This is an honour that will take some time to get used to, but I am extremely grateful to all those who believe in me and have given me opportunities which have become part of my journey in life. I'm really excited to meet the other fellows in Halifax this June, and ensure that Indigenous peoples and our voices are represented in the Society for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education. Niawen'ko:wa."

The ten 2017 3M National Student Fellows will jointly deliver the final plenary address at the national conference of the Society for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education (STLHE) in Halifax, N.S. this coming June. Together with the other student fellows selected from across the country, Ms. Hayward will have the opportunity to develop a national collaborative project with the goal of enhancing teaching and learning at the postsecondary level. The student fellows will then implement that project over the course of 2017/18, with the support of STLHE.