Trent University professors Dr. Barbara Moktthewenkwe Wall ‘11 (Gzowski College) and Dr. Mary-Claire Buell ‘12 (Gzowski College) are helping reshape how environmental challenges are addressed around the world. Their new book, Power With: Indigenous Knowledges, Environmental Practice, and the Strength of Collaboration, is a roadmap for environmental practitioners, offering successful examples of Indigenous and Western knowledge systems working together on solutions, including their own collaborative work. 

The duo has been working together for several years. They co-taught Foundations of Indigenous Environmental Studies and Sciences (INDG1001) and currently co-lead the Indigenous Great Lakes Network to support and enhance First Nation and Tribal Nations leadership and capacity in environmental research across the Great Lakes Basin. 

"Much of what we do, we do together. We strive to model knowledge system equity and collaboration, relational accountability, authenticity, and reconciliation," said Prof. Wall, a mixed-ancestry Bodwewaadmii Anishinaabekwe and professor in the Chanie Wenjack School for Indigenous Studies. “Our work together brings hope in the midst of the global environmental polycrisis.” 

Their leadership in the space is also clear. Prof. Wall was recently honoured with the 2026 Teaching and Academic Librarianship Award from the Ontario Confederation of University Faculty Associations (OCUFA), one of Ontario's most prestigious honours for university educators. The award recognizes her leadership on land-based learning and bringing Anishnaabe ways of being, knowing and doing into classrooms at Trent. Professor Buell earned the Large Lake Champion Award in 2025 from the International Association of Great Lakes Research for significant contributions to sharing the social, economic, and ecological understanding of large lakes of the world. 

A practical tool for environmental change

Co-editing Power With is their latest collaboration and offers timely, expert and practical insights for navigating some of the most urgent sustainability challenges—climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. Their aim is to transform the colonial paradigm of environmental practice. 

"This book has definitely evolved to be useful to a broad audience. Originally, we wanted to develop a comprehensive text to use for Indigenous environmental studies courses, but it evolved into a practical guide for anyone working in an environmental sector,” said Prof. Buell. 

The book has examples for specific topics such as wildfires, resource extraction, water sciences, policy, Indigenous rights and species conservation. Prof. Buell’s research through her TRACE Lab (TRansdisciplinary Action confronting Contaminants in the Environment) with the Michipicoten First Nation is featured in a chapter focused on resource extraction activities, for example. The collaboration acts as a model for how to ensure the mining industry follows regulations and meets environmental standards, while also respecting Michipicoten rights. 

Elevating new voices in the ecosystem

There are 43 contributing authors on Power With who are advancing collaborative approaches to land and water care, including emerging scholars, Indigenous youth, Indigenous Nations, government ministries, universities and environmental organizations. 

“The book focuses on people and stories that are living and breathing the change needed to better care for people and planet,” said Prof. Buell.  

Student lessons become legacy work

A handful of Prof. Wall’s and Prof. Buell’s former and current students at Trent are credited authors who are working in the field. Ruth Duncan (Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation), a current Environmental & Life Sciences (ENLS) master’s student of Prof. Buell’s and a former student of Prof. Wall’s, contributed to a chapter on fisheries. Gracie Crafts (Wasauksing First Nation), graduate of Trent’s Indigenous Environmental Science program, co-authored the chapter Indigenous Kinship with Fire. 

Artwork by alumni also appears throughout the book. The cover, as well as chapter and section illustrations, were created by Jessica Pauze (Garden River First Nation). Jessica is a former student of Prof. Wall and is currently an ENLS master’s student working with Prof. Buell as well. She is also working as an ecological restoration practitioner within her home community, testing fish to support safer harvesting and consumption. 

"Visual art is one method of transmitting Indigenous knowledge," says Prof. Wall. "Including artwork throughout the book is another way of uplifting Indigenous youth voices and our ways of knowing, being and doing. Working alongside learners, practitioners and Indigenous communities to care for our lands and waters is the path forward to sustainability and the protection of biodiversity and all of life.” 

Learn more about the Chanie Wenjack School of Indigenous Studies, the Trent School of the Environment and the Indigenous Environmental Science and Studies program.  

Learn more about Trent Alumni Reads.