Our History of Indigenization
"We foster an environment where Indigenous knowledges are respected and recognized as a valid means by which to understand the world."
The university’s commitment to Indigenization dates back to our beginnings, when Trent became the first Canadian university to establish an academic department dedicated to the study of Indigenous peoples and Indigenous knowledges.
Trent was also the first university in Canada to create unique Indigenous spaces, to hire Indigenous student support staff, to recruit and admit Indigenous students through special entry programs, and to teach Indigenous languages and Indigenous knowledge with Elders and Traditional peoples.
Indigenizing Teaching and Learning
Our next steps involve expanding upon this institutional commitment, specifically in regards to Indigenizing curricula, with the goal of eventually decolonizing the academy.
The Trent Teaching Commons is currently redeveloping its programming to both address the growing needs of faculty in this latest era of reconciliation and to ensure that Trent remains a leader in Indigenous education.
Teaching Resources
At the TTC, we recognize and support the positive transformation occurring across our institution through Indigenization. If you are an educator interested in contributing to this systemic change, but don’t know where to begin, there are many paths available to you here.
Below you will find informational resources designed to assist faculty in taking their first steps toward developing an Indigenized teaching practice: