Trent University Mourns the Passing of Professor Emerita Shirley Williams (Migizi ow-Kwe) ’79
Scholar, elder, and friend, Professor Williams will be remembered for lifelong dedication to preserving Anishinaabemowin and advancing Indigenous Knowledge
The Trent University community is saddened to learn of the passing of Elder and Professor Emerita Shirley Williams (Migizi ow-Kwe), ’79 (Traill College) of the Bird Clan from the Wikwemikong Unceded Territory on Manitoulin Island. A language keeper, educator, scholar, residential school survivor, and advocate, Professor Williams dedicated her life to preserving and revitalizing Anishinaabemowin and sharing Indigenous Knowledge through teaching, research, and community engagement.
After earning her B.A. in Native Studies at Trent, she joined the University’s Department of Indigenous Studies (then Native Studies) in 1986 as an Ojibway language teacher. In 2003, she achieved a historic milestone as the first Indigenous woman in Canada to attain the rank of full professor based on traditional knowledge. Guided by her traditional approach to learning, she often reminded students: “The Nishinaabe do not say, ‘This is what you must learn.’ We ask: ‘What is it you would like to learn?’” Upon her retirement from Trent in 2004, she was named professor emerita, a recognition of her profound impact on students, colleagues, and the field of Indigenous language education.
“Professor Williams embodied what it means to be a wise teacher in the fullest sense,” said Dr. Cathy Bruce, president and vice-chancellor of Trent University. “She carried knowledge with care and purpose, and she shared it generously, always grounded in respect, kindness, and lived experience. Her contributions to Trent and Indigenous language revitalization in Canada will continue through generations."
Prof. Williams’ journey began in Wiikwemkoong unceded territory on Manitoulin Island, where she grew up speaking her language before being sent to St. Joseph’s Residential School in Spanish, Ontario at age 10. Those six years profoundly shaped her resolve to protect and revitalize Anishinaabemowin - a commitment that became her life’s work. That dedication lives on through her signature initiative, the Revitalization of the Nishinaabemwin Language Project, which reflects decades of effort to preserve language and culture for generations to come.
Prof. Williams authored several language books, including a seminal introductory textbook for Anishinaabemowin instruction, filling a gap she once noted when recalling that such a textbook didn’t exist when she began teaching. Her publications remain foundational resources for learners and educators committed to language revitalization.
She earned diplomas from the Native Languages Instructor Program at Lakehead University and the Curriculum Development Program at the University of Oklahoma, and a master's in environmental studies from York University. In recognition of her contributions, she received the Distinguished Alumni Award from Trent in 2006 and an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Ontario Tech University (then the University of Ontario Institute of Technology) in 2017.
She served as an advisor to the Chiefs of Ontario and the Aboriginal Physicians of Canada, guiding health programming to better reflect Indigenous perspectives and needs. Through this work, Prof. Williams helped bring about meaningful improvements in service delivery at major regional health-care centres in Sudbury and at Toronto General Hospital, advancing culturally informed care for Indigenous communities.
Prof. Williams lectured widely, served as an Elder for cultural councils, and contributed translation services for various organizations including the Ontario Ministry of Education. She inspired countless students and colleagues with teachings rooted in kindness, collaboration, and often good humour. Her legacy lives on in every word spoken in Nishinaabemowin and in every learner who carries the language forward.
The University extends heartfelt sympathies to the family and friends of Prof. Williams and to all who knew her at Trent.
As part of a 10 day feast for Elder Shirley-Ba, all are welcome at the Curve Lake Community Centre on Monday, December 29 at 4:30 p.m.