Trent University Launches Ggwepnandizamin Stewardship Plan for 900-Acre University Green Network

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

photo courtesy of trent university.

“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 of 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 (gwep-nan-diz-a-min) 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.

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.

“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 at Hiawatha First Nation.

For more information on the Ggwepnandizamin Stewardship Plan, visit the link.

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