Recognizing the Michi Saagiig Anishnaabeg as the traditional inhabitants of the territory on which Trent University sits, and Anishnaabemowin as the original language of this land, a new cornerstone has been installed at Champlain College on the University’s Symons Campus in Peterborough.

The cornerstone was unveiled by president and vice-chancellor Dr. Cathy Bruce and Dr. Keith Knott ’18 (hon), chief of Curve Lake First Nation, at a special event held on campus. Additional guests included Trent chancellor Dr. Stephen Stohn, members of the Elders and Knowledge Keepers Council, and Trent faculty and staff.

“Supporting truth, reconciliation, and resurgence is a priority of the University,” said President Bruce. “The addition of this cornerstone creates opportunities to foster ongoing learning and dialogue about the shared history that defines our region. It also honours Curve Lake First Nation and the wider Michi Saagiig Anishnaabeg Nation for their care for this territory and their friendship with Trent over the past 60 years.”

Carved in local granite and featuring text in both Anishnaabemowin and English, the new cornerstone was initiated following recommendations from the Report of the Champlain Committee, which looked at ways to contextualize and teach about the University’s history while furthering reconciliation on campus.

“The new cornerstone at Trent symbolizes the relationship between two identities; one where a rock-solid foundation is built upon, and one as the symbols of the Petroglyphs which gives us knowledge and respect for each other in the betterment of education,” said Chief Knott.

The cornerstone is adjacent to two others placed at Champlain College in the 1960s by the then-premiers of Quebec and Ontario in recognition of the 350th anniversary of Samuel de Champlain’s journey through the territory.

“The addition of the Michi Saagiig cornerstone to Champlain College is symbolic of Trent’s motto ‘nunc cognosco ex parte,’ meaning ‘now I know in part’ and serves as a reminder of continued learning in our pursuit of knowledge,” said Marilyn Burns, vice president of Communications & Enrolment and chair of the Champlain Committee. “The placement of the cornerstone is a key step forward as we implement the recommendations from the Champlain Report and the colleges are an ideal environment to advance greater awareness, understanding and new ways of moving forward together.”

Building on Trent’s academic leadership in Indigenous Studies, the cornerstone joins a celebrated list of initiatives the University has undertaken to build strong relationships with the Michi Saagiig Anishnaabeg First Nations, and to foster Indigenous space- and placemaking on campus. Other examples include the Treaty Rock outside Bata Library, Treaty displays at both campuses, the annual Elders & Traditional Peoples Gathering, and a number of educational resources including protocol guidebooks and videos.