Trent University has unveiled the Ggwepnandizamin Stewardship Plan, a seven-year roadmap to care the University Green Network (UGN) - nearly 900 acres of wetlands, woodlands, farmland, and naturalized green space that make up 60 per cent of Trent University’s Symons Campus.  

“Ggwepnandizamin, means ‘Together, putting our best effort forward towards something important.’ This name, gifted by the Michi Saagiig Elders and Knowledge Keepers Council at Trent, reflects our responsibility to care for our campus lands in a way that honours both their ecological significance and cultural meaning,” said Julie Davis, vice-president, External Relations & Development. “Created through engagements with Michi Saagiig First Nations, local organizations, nature focused community groups, and our campus community, the plan is a key implementation step of the award-winning Trent Lands and Nature Areas Plan.” 

Recently approved by the Trent Board of Governors, the Ggwepnandizamin Stewardship Plan establishes a systems-level approach to caring for the land, recognizing diverse green spaces across the campus as an interconnected landscape. This holistic framework considers the relationships between ecological systems and the University’s academic, research, and operational priorities to promote long-term resilience and sustainability. The plan also acknowledges the importance of these lands for Indigenous ceremony and placemaking and will include ongoing engagement with knowledge holders to ensure continued knowledge exchange. 

“These lands have carried our stories, our ancestors, and our teachings since time immemorial. Through Ggwepnandizamin, we walk forward together with Trent University to ensure the land continues to teach, to heal, and to guide future generations,” said Tom Cowie, consultation Indigenous Knowledge lead, Hiawatha First Nation. 

Expanding opportunities for land-based learning 
The UGN has long served as an important site for experiential learning and research at Trent for students and faculty studying in the School of the Environment, biology, chemistry, water sciences and Indigenous studies, to name a few. Ggwepnandizamin protects this vital setting and resource and embeds land stewardship into academic planning and operations. The plan also advances Indigenous education and scholarship through collaboration with Michi Saagiig Anishnaabeg communities and by integrating Indigenous teachings into land-based learning.  

“Students who apply their learning in the UGN are gaining direct experience in restoration, monitoring, and conservation planning that prepares them for careers in environment-related fields,” said Ali Giroux, land stewardship coordinator at Trent University. “They are putting theory into practice and developing technical skills using scientific tools and protocols, integrated with Michi Saagiig Knowledge Systems. The recognition of both distinct knowledge systems gives them a comprehensive understanding of collaborative land care practices.” 

“Our young people learn best when the land is their teacher,” added Cowie. “Ggwepnandizamin ensures that Indigenous knowledge and Western science walk together, giving students a deeper understanding of what it means to care for the land today and for generations yet to come.” 

Implementing Ggwepnandizamin
Implementation will be carried out through a detailed work plan, currently in development, and supported by integrated monitoring and ongoing engagement with the Trent Elders and Knowledge Holders Council and Michi Saagiig land consultation officers. 

Development of the plan has been supported by philanthropic contributions to Trent University’s Momentous Campaign, including grant funding from TD Ready Commitment, as well as the Echo Foundation, D.M. Wills Associates Ltd. and the Estate of Jon Grant. 

For updates on these and other campus lands initiatives, visit trentlands.ca.