Trent University professor Dr. Barbara Moktthewenkwe Wall ‘11 (Gzowski College) is a 2026 recipient of the Teaching and Academic Librarianship Award from the Ontario Confederation of University Faculty Associations (OCUFA), one of Ontario's most prestigious honours for university educators.

"Dr. Wall’s teaching transforms how students understand their relationship with the land and community," says Dr. Cathy Bruce, president and vice-chancellor of Trent University. "Interdisciplinarity is a cornerstone of a Trent education, and Barbara embodies that work wholly. Students who are fortunate enough to learn from her develop an understanding of care for the environment through their academic and cultural experiences."

The award recognizes the Chanie Wenjack School for Indigenous Studies scholar, Knowledge Holder of mixed-ancestry Bodwewaadmii Anishinaabekwe and geotechnical engineer for her commitment to land-based learning and bringing Anishinaabe ways of knowing, being and doing into Indigenous and environmental studies classrooms. Prof. Wall’s relational and inclusive pedagogy draws on lived experience and different knowledge systems to foster curiosity, critical inquiry and a sense of belonging, ultimately creating transformative learning environments. Her thoughtful course design, including space for student reflection and dialogue, encourages meaningful connection and engagement.

“Dr. Barbara Wall's classrooms are inherently different than students’ other classrooms. She teaches in a reflective, compassionate, intellectual way that breaks down barriers,” wrote Heléna Mauti, a colleague in the Indigenous Environmental Studies and Sciences program. “Her lecture 'Trees As Knowledge Holders' brings students into a world where they see the power of trees from the perspective of Anishinaabe knowledges. In the students learning reflections year after year, they write about how unique of an experience this is.”

“I am honoured to receive the OCUFA award,” said Prof. Wall. “This is my life’s work and passion. Working alongside learners, practitioners and Indigenous communities to care for our lands and waters is the path forward to sustainability and the protection of biodiversity and all of life. This work brings hope in the midst of the global environmental polycrisis.”

Student lessons become legacy practice

Prof. Wall, who is also a recent recipient of Trent’s Decanal Award for Teaching Excellence in the Humanities and Social Sciences, has influenced hundreds of students as a co-instructor of Foundations of Indigenous Environmental Studies and Sciences (INDG1001). Prof. Wall has also supervised and mentored a number of Indigenous Studies and Environmental & Life Sciences graduate students, who have adopted her approach to collaborative environmental practice.

A handful of Prof. Wall’s current and former students at Trent are credited authors in Prof. Wall’s new book, Power With: Indigenous Knowledges, Environmental Practice, and the Strength of Collaboration, co-edited with forensic scientist and Trent School of Environment professor Dr. Mary-Claire Buell. Ruth Duncan (Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation) and Jessica Pauze (Garden River First Nation), both former students of Prof. Wall’s and nominators for her OCUFA award, contributed to chapters in the book based on their current Indigenous environmental practice.

“She has been one of the professors who has had the greatest impact on me,” Ruth wrote in her nomination letter for Prof. Wall. “She has cared for me, taught me, and guided me through my journey as a student, both inside and outside the classroom. She has shown me how to carry myself with respect, how to approach challenges with courage, and how to ground myself in both knowledge and community.”

Learn more about the Chanie Wenjack School of Indigenous Studies, and the Indigenous Environmental Science and Studies program.