Trent University, together with Curve Lake, Hiawatha, and Alderville First Nations, was presented with the Peterborough Historical Society’s J. Hampden Burnham Award, one of seven Heritage Awards given in recognition of outstanding accomplishments in heritage preservation and promotion. 

“Being a leader in Indigenous education means we must start with understanding and honouring the land on which Trent is built,” says Julie Davis, vice-president of External Relations and Development at Trent. “We have worked with the Elders and Traditional Knowledge Keepers Council at Trent to bring visibility to the Michi Saagiig Anishnaabeg and are pleased this work has been recognized with an award.” 

The Treaty Rock installation, unveiled on the inaugural National Truth & Reconciliation Day in 2021, features three limestone boulders bearing the symbols of the dodem (clan totems) carvings of the 1818 Treaty 20 Michi Saagiig signatories. The installation teaches about the treaties of this area, and the Dodemag (clan system) governance system used by the Anishnaabeg before being outlawed under the 1876 Indian Act.  

“Trent University is instrumental in educating both students and the broader community in Indigenous history, traditions, cultures, and Indigenous knowledge,” says Bob Taylor-Vaisey, president of the Peterborough Historical Society. “With this award, we not only recognize Trent’s significant contributions to the broader heritage community but also honour the region’s rich Michi Saagiig Anishnaabeg history and heritage.” 

The Peterborough Historical Society is one of Ontario’s oldest historical societies and plays a leading role in preserving and promoting Peterborough’s rich social, cultural, and architectural history. 

Trent professor also recognized with an award

The lifetime contributions of the late Douglas Williams ‘69 (Gidigaa Migizi), associate professor in the Chanie Wenjack School for Indigenous Studies and director of the Indigenous Studies Ph.D. program at Trent, was honoured by the Peterborough Historical Society with the Thomas H.B. and Christine Symons Heritage Award. The award recognizes his efforts to preserve the oral history and traditions of the Michi Saagiig Anishnaabeg and to educate students and the broader community about Nogojiwanong-Peterborough’s rich cultural heritage. 

Gidigaa Migizi was an Elder, Knowledge Keeper, ceremonialist, author, educator, and former chief of Curve Lake First Nation and was one of the first graduates of Trent’s Indigenous Studies program. He was a strong advocate for and educator on our shared history and Michi Saagiig treaty rights. 

Trent supporters honoured

In recognition of their ongoing support of heritage stewardship at Trent, Bryan Davies and Andra Takacs were presented with the Charlotte Nicholls Award by the Peterborough Historical Society. Long-term supports of Trent, Mr. Davies is a member of the Fraser’s Society, honorary alumnus and Governor Emeritus.

The Charlotte Nicholls award recognizes their efforts to preserve the heritage of the original Ron Thom architecture and furnishings of the University and the buildings and furnishings at Catharine Parr Traill College. They established the Bryan P. Davies Heritage Fund which has supported a renovation of the Senior Common Room in Scott House at Traill College including the refinishing of all wood trim and mid-century modern furniture, restoration of the original paint palette and appropriate window dressings, renewal of hardwood flooring and carpets, conservation of original French doors and heritage fixtures, as well as the addition of a new fireplace and kitchen.