Building meaningful relationships with local Michi Saagiig communities has been a learning journey for Trent University, resulting in a “gold standard” relationship with Curve Lake First Nation and the opportunity to share key learnings with other organizations.

Trent’s vice-president of External Relations & Development, Julie Davis, together with Emily Whetung, chief of Curve Lake First Nation, recently shared their thoughts and experiences with First Nations educators at the annual First Nations Education Administrators Association (FNEAA) National Gathering. Themed, Champions of Change – Honouring Resiliency, this year’s event focused on sharing insights into resilience, reconciliation, First Nations’ control of First Nations education, and change.

“Trent University has been a leader in incorporating traditional teachings and perspectives into its curricular and extra-curricular programming for more than 50 years,” says VP Davis. “In recent years we realized the need and opportunity to model this leadership in our academic programming, in how we engaged with local First Nations from an institutional perspective. Conferences such as the FNEAA National Gathering present us with the opportunity to share what we have learned, of the steps we have taken together, as well as approaches to support and sustain reconciliation efforts.”

A gold-standard relationship

In her remarks, Chief Whetung described Trent’s work with Curve Lake First Nation as a “gold-standard relationship”.

“Our relationship with Trent University has become the standard we share in our other relationships,” she said. “This is the goal that we set with a variety of partners and projects – to be on the same level as Trent University. We work together to ensure that projects, such as the Elders Care Facility, reflect a mutual vision that answers needs on both sides of the relationship. At every step, Curve Lake now feels like our voice has reached a point of being meaningfully considered and included.”

Championing change

As part of its efforts to include Indigenous voices, values and knowledge into its planning, Trent’s Board of Governors approved nine key initiatives in 2018, including the development of a Michi Saagiig protocol handbook and the establishment of an Elders and Traditional Knowledge Keepers Council to guide the University in Indigenous ways of knowing. Most recently, the University unveiled two new installations paying tribute to the importance of the original treaties (Treaty 20 and Williams Treaty) pertaining to the land upon which its two campuses are built, and honouring the original signatories of the Michi Saagiig Anishnaabeg.

“The most challenging, but ultimately most impactful work, has been in creating a protocol for engagement with Michi Saagiig communities on how Trent stewards and develops its 1400 acre Peterborough campus,” VP Davis adds. “The resulting Trent Lands and Nature Areas Plan now serves as a prime example of how Indigenous Traditional Knowledge, protocol and placemaking can be incorporated in campus planning.”

The Trent Lands and Nature Areas Plan, which was approved by the University’s Board of Governors in February 2021, is a high-level land-use framework aimed at demonstrating leadership in environmental stewardship, respect for Indigenous Traditional Knowledge, and positive engagement with local Michi Saagiig communities, including Curve Lake First Nation. The plan includes Anishnaabeg Nibwaakaawin (Wisdom/ Guiding Principles) and features Indigenous traditional knowledge as part of environmental studies of the lands.

Shared learnings

Presenting to the FNEAA National Gathering served as an opportunity for Trent University and Curve Lake First Nation to inspire others to make reconciliation a priority at the highest levels of their organization, and to share key learnings on the importance of investing in relationships and trust building.

“We believe that our shared experiences can assist others in navigating challenges around reconciliation, the principles of effective relationship building and the benefits of authentic, deep engagement with Indigenous communities,” says VP Davis.

Chief Whetung and VP Davis will be sharing their learnings through various public forums in coming months.