Trent University Launches Traditional Handcrafted Birchbark Canoe On the Otonabee River

Trent University has launched its traditional handcrafted birchbark canoe which was done on campus on the Otonobee River and showcased to the public on Monday.

Alex Labelle's canoe sit on the banks of the Otonabee River at Trent University. Photo courtesy of Trent University.

The month-long project marks the culmination of a project that has increased the visibility of and engagement in Indigenous culture among the campus community. Named Enheh, the canoe was officially launched by Métis canoe builder Alex Labelle. This name is an affirmative response that complements the expression of gratitude in Miigwech and honours the connections made during the building and the profound appreciation for the gifts and lessons provided by the people involved, nature, and the Creator according to Trent University.

“The birchbark canoe is more than a vessel – it is a vital piece of technology that has sustained Indigenous peoples for generations,” said Dr. Dawn Memee Lavell-Harvard, director of First Peoples House of Learning at Trent. “It enables trade, travel, hunting, and the gathering of food and medicine. By bringing together people from across the University and the community, this project has demonstrated what reconciliation looks like in action: doing hands-on work, thinking about knowledge holders in a different way, and showing that these knowledges are just as important now as they ever were.”

Labelle constructed the canoe from scratch in the atrium of Trent’s Bata Library. Students, faculty, and visitors had the opportunity to engage directly with the project by trimming roots, splitting cedar and forming ribs, gaining insight into the artistry and skill behind traditional canoe-building.

“Part of reconciliation is creating space for Indigenous knowledge in places, like libraries, which have long marginalized it,” said Emily Tufts, Trent librarian. “Over the past month, Alex has shared his knowledge in a way that is physical, embodied, and deeply meaningful. This project brought the work of reconciliation out of the theoretical and into the practical and material, giving students and staff a chance to connect with Indigenous traditional knowledge firsthand.”

Following the naming, Labelle launched Enheh from the west bank of the Otonabee River and paddled the canoe to the east bank of campus. It was carried to the Gathering Space in Trent’s First Peoples House of Learning for a celebratory feast to be displayed permanently.

“It’s great to know that FPHL and Trent students will put this canoe to use. Often people will put them up as museum pieces, but we're trying to bring canoes like this out of museums and back to into life,” said Labelle. “My time at Trent has been great—great people and lots of interest in the project. I hope this has shown people that you can go into the bush and find all the materials you need to build a canoe.”

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Clarington Trustee Re-elected for Third Term As PVNC Catholic Board Chairperson

Clarington trustee Kevin MacKenzie has been re-elected as chairperson of the Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington (PVNC) Catholic District School Board for the 2024-2025 term during their annual meeting at the Catholic Education Centre on Tuesday.

Photo courtesy of PVNCCDSB.

MacKenzie has been a trustee since 2018. He previously served as vice-chairperson from 2021 to 2022 before being appointed chairperson for the 2022-2023 term.

Peterborough County trustee Jenny Leahy was also re-elected vice-chairperson for a third consecutive year. Leahy joined the Board in May 2022 as an appointee and was later elected in the October 2022 municipal election.

For Peterborough trustee Loretta Durst, the meeting marked three years since her November 2021 appointment to the Board. Durst was re-elected during the October 2022 municipal election.

Tuesday’s annual meeting marked the two-year milestone for trustees Joshua Glover (Clarington), Mary Ann Martin (Kawartha Lakes), and Kathleen Tanguay (Northumberland), all of whom were elected in 2022. 

This annual meeting also marked the second for trustee John Connolly (Peterborough), appointed to the Board in September 2023.

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St. Joseph Catholic Elementary School Unveils New Accessible Playground

It’s been a long time coming for everyone at St. Joseph Catholic Elementary School in Douro but they finally have a new accessible playground to play, announced on Thursday.

Photo courtesy of PVNCCDSB.

Construction began in the late summer for the playground. It was made possible after years of fundraising, securing grants and community support to secure its costs for $154,000, according to Sarah Bass, St. Joesph’s School Council parent and member.

“In 2021, after our existing structures started having age-related safety concerns, the children at the school implored the staff at the school and their parents to look at options for replacement,” she said. “Our parents, local businesses and people who call Douro home, raised funds through a community yard sale, sponsorships, Fresh from Farm, quilt raffles and Christmas craft sales.”

There was $8,000 raised from a community yard sale as well as sponsorships from local businesses. The project also received a federal grant for enabling accessibility totaling $70,000 and $10,000 from the AgriSpirit Fund.

“The excitement was palpable when construction began in August, and the joy is still on full display at recess and beyond. Thank you to everyone who supported this project,” said Bass.

The playground can be enjoyed year round.

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New Students With 95 Per Cent Average Can Earn Trent University Full Tuition Scholarship

Trent University has introduced full-tuition scholarships for new domestic students entering with an average of 95 percent or higher for their first year, announced on Thursday.

File Photo.

“Rewarding academic excellence of our students is a top priority at Trent,” said Dr. Cathy Bruce, Trent president and vice-chancellor. “When students work hard and demonstrate a strong commitment to their studies, we must recognize and nurture that dedication, especially in a way that has meaningful material benefit to their life on campus and their life outside of academics. By increasing renewable entrance scholarships, we hope to inspire our students toward even greater achievements here at Trent and beyond.”

Trent also offers increased and renewable scholarships of up to $30,000 over four years to recognize top scholars' academic and community achievements.

The scholarship is renewable up to $4,000 yearly at Trent, with a maximum potential of over $18,000. Trent also increased guaranteed and automatic entrance scholarships for students entering with 80 per cent or above with renewable scholarships that can total between $6,000 to $12,000 over four years.

The University has also boosted its prestigious scholarships: 15 annual awards with potential funding up to $30,000 over four years. One application can permit students to be considered for all major awards including the Champlain Scholarship, Board of Governors Scholarship, Special Admissions Scholarships, Canada Wide Science Fair Scholarship and the Michael Treadwell Scholarship.

Trent University has also increased scholarship support for international students, introducing renewable entrance scholarships for top international scholars. International students also have access to International Prestigious Scholarships, nine awards recognizing students for academic excellence, community service, leadership, and many other qualities and some valued up to $136,000 over four years.

“We are thrilled to be able to support our international students who travel far from home and benefit greatly from a range of supports and services,” said Glennice Burns, associate vice president of Trent International. “Enhancing our international entrance scholarships will help ease the transition to university life in Canada and support students as they excel in their studies here.”

For both domestic and international students at Trent, no application is required for Trent's entrance scholarships. Scholars with an average of 80 per cent or higher automatically receive an entrance scholarship and are automatically considered for renewable scholarships as they complete their studies.

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CUPE and Trent University Reach Tentative Agreement

CUPE Local 3908 Unit 2 and Trent University reached a tentative settlement on a new Collective Agreement, pending ratification, effective Sept. 1.

CUPE represents over 550 part-time academic workers registered undergraduate and graduate students at Trent University. File Photo.

Both teams have agreed to recommend the tentative settlement to their respective parties. CUPE will provide details regarding a meeting for members to ratify the agreement. The settlement is also subject to ratification by the University’s Board of Governors.

Details of the tentative agreement will be released through a joint communique after ratification.

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Seven Community Garden Boxes Rebuilt For Prince Of Wales Public School Through Partnership With BWXT

To help students continue their hands-on learning experience of gardening and sustainability, seven new community garden boxes have been installed by BWXT volunteers for Prince of Wales Public School through a community initiative project on Wednesday morning.

All photos by David Tuan Bui.

BWXT purchased the materials and assembled the boxes, They were brought over by hand to be installed by BWXT volunteers.

“We've been looking to revitalize our gardens through the parent council school community and that was a perfect start,” said Brad Conlin, Price of Wales vice-principal. “The original boxes were constructed by GE Peterborough so it was a great connection to bring that back together as our new opportunity.”

GE Peterborough made the original boxes and have been in place since 2014. They typically hold flowers and plants and plan to add vegetables soon. According to Conlin, the gardens allow the students to learn about gardening, sustainability, and teamwork as they are responsible for their maintenance.

“We have a garden club within the school so they work to learn about new plant species and learn how to have sustainable gardening,” explained Conlin. “We do have classes come out, often in the spring, to learn about how to start planting right from seed and gives them the opportunity to do that right on site and see the progress that's made here.”

The gardens also help revitalize the school so students can be educated in a pleasant atmosphere and take pride in their institution, said Conlin.

“What we like about it too is that it's showcasing the beauty of our awesome school and having pride in it in making it so nice out here,” he explained. “They like to have that experience to be out here doing that.”

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Arts Advocate Made Honorary Fellow of Traill College

David Goyette was made an Honorary Fellow of Catharine Parr Traill College at a ceremony at Trent University's downtown Peterborough campus.

One of the founding colleges of Trent University, Traill College is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year. Photo courtesy of Victoria Pearce.

Traill Principal Dr. Michael Eamon inducted Goyette as part of the annual Traill College Scarf Ceremony and was the only person to be inducted this year. An Honorary Fellow carries the status of College faculty and is recognized for exemplary service to the College or the community.

Goyette was recognized for his community service and long-standing support for the arts. In 2021, he was inducted into the Peterborough and District Pathway of Fame and named a Paul Harris Fellow by Rotary International in 2023.

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Fleming College Alumni Nominated For Premier’s Awards

Six Fleming College alumni have been selected as nominees for the this year’s Premier’s Awards.

The Premier Awards were founded in 1992. Photo courtesy of Fleming College.

Colleges Ontario administers the Premier’s Awards, the advocacy voice for Ontario’s 24 colleges.

This annual celebration recognizes college graduates' significant social and economic contributions on a provincial and global scale.

Colleges can nominate alumni in seven categories: Skilled Trades, Business, Community Services, Creative Arts and Design, Health Sciences, Recent Graduate and Science, Technology and Engineering.

The Fleming College nominees for 2024 are:

Skilled Trades
Dylan Stadtke: Mechanical Techniques Plumbing (2016), HVAC Technician (2018)
The co-owner of Pristine Plumbing Peterborough, Dylan’s business is thriving, reflecting his dedication to high professional standards and community involvement. In addition to two Fleming diplomas, Dylan completed the Construction Leadership Program at Fleming in 2022, demonstrating his commitment to leadership and excellence in his field. Beyond his professional achievements, Dylan is deeply committed to men’s mental health and is a strong proponent of promoting women in trades. His dedication to these important issues underscores his role as a leader and innovator in his industry.

Health Sciences
Francine Sam: Practical Nursing (2024)
Francine Sam began her nursing career while living in Australia where she was enrolled in university for nursing. She ended up moving to a rural village in northern Uganda where she did humanitarian work for seven years alongside her young family, caring for vulnerable children and their communities. It was through her experiences there that compelled her to further her education at Fleming College. Francine recently graduated as a Practical Nurse and was the Valedictorian of the School of Health and Community Services and is now working as a Registered Practical Nurse in the Emergency Department at her local hospital.

Community Services
Heather George: Museum Management and Curatorship (2008)
Heather George is an influential leader in the Canadian museum sector. As Executive Director of the Woodland Cultural Centre, she advocates for Indigenous perspectives and creates opportunities for Indigenous artists and curators. As the Past President of the Canadian Museum Association and current Vice President for the Indigenous Heritage Circle, Heather advances the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action #67, urging museums to engage in reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. In 2021, she led a national review of museum policies in relation to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). This review involved Indigenous communities and museum professionals, culminating in recommendations to change sector standards and develop federal repatriation laws.

Science, Technology and Engineering
Matthew Wilson: Conservation Biology (2024)
In 2022, Matthew Wilson made a significant decision to leave his career in the shipping industry and return to school. He was driven by a desire to pursue a more meaningful path, he chose to focus on addressing the pressing environmental and natural world challenges facing our planet today. Matt has always had a deep passion for animals and nature. Over the years, he has worn many hats, including biologist, arboricultural field technician, and research assistant. Recently, Matt enrolled in the Conservation Biology Program at Fleming College, where he graduated as Valedictorian of the School of Environmental and Natural Resources. Driven by a strong desire to make a positive impact on our climate, Matt is committed to preserving our natural legacy for future generations.

Recent Graduate
Jacques Graveline: Business Administration-Marketing (2022)
Jacques Graveline was a Student Ambassador for Fleming Indigenous Student Services and Fleming Student Administrative Council. He graduated from Fleming College with an Advanced Diploma in Marketing in 2022 and has been extremely involved in the College since. Elected as Board Chair at Fleming SAC in 2023, he passionately advocates for students to ensure an exceptional college experience. Jacques is a leader in the Peterborough community, supporting the United Way homeless initiative and Dragon Boat Races for Breast Cancer, while creating and implementing marketing strategies as the Marketing Assistant at Bridges Peterborough. Jacques is currently the Governance and Advocacy Coordinator with the Fleming Student Administrative Council.

Creative Arts and Design
Aaron Robitaille: Graphic Design-Visual Communication Advanced Diploma (2020)
A 2020 graduate of Fleming College’s Graphic Design (GDV) program and recipient of the Muriel Cooper Award for Design Excellence, Aaron launched “Aaron Robitaille Design” and developed notable branding for Haven Brewing Company. Her expertise spans large-scope murals, websites, and mentoring local artists, with work featured across Ontario. She is currently an instructor at Fleming College and acts as Vice Chair and member on Artspace’s Board of Directors, Peterborough’s only artist-run centre. The GDV program’s comprehensive training and community partnerships were pivotal in her success, fostering a blend of art and design that continues to drive her career and contributions to the local arts community.

The Premier’s Award nominees will be recognized at a gala event in Toronto on Nov. 25 where the winners will be announced.

To nominate a deserving Fleming graduate for a 2025 Premier’s Award, please contact the Advancement and Alumni Relations Office at 705-749-5530 ext. 1197 or email alumni@flemingcollege.ca.

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Trent University Reappoints Chancellor To One-Year Term

Trent University has reappointed Dr. Stephen Stohn as chancellor for a one-year term extension following a six-year tenure.

Beyond his role at Trent, Dr. Stohn’s distinguished career continues to earn national acclaim, highlighted by his 2023 appointment to the Order of Canada, and induction into the Canada Walk of Fame for his visionary contributions to the iconic Degrassi franchise. Photo courtesy of TRent University.

“Stephen has been an incredibly engaged chancellor, and I am looking forward to continuing our work together,” said Dr. Cathy Bruce, Trent president and vice-chancellor. “Over his last two terms, he has been a part of nearly every aspect of Trent life — welcoming students at Orientation Week, serving as judge in mock trial competitions, supporting philanthropic efforts, and of course, conferring degrees for thousands of students at convocation. In his extended term, I know Stephen will find new ways to support our students and continue to do great things for Trent.”

Stohn’s extended appointment begins July 2025 and will extend his term as chancellor until June 2026.

The award-winning producer and esteemed entertainment lawyer was recognized with an honorary doctorate from Trent in 2015. He was first sworn-in as Trent’s twelfth chancellor in June 2019.

“When you get to this point in your life and career, after you’ve had some personal and professional success, it just feels right to give back and help the generation who are just starting out and looking at fulfilling their aspirations,” said Stohn. “I’m really enjoying the role of chancellor and having opportunities to collaborate with amazing students, faculty, and staff, supporting their success and the work Trent continues to do to make a difference for our communities.”

He has served as an ambassador for Trent’s Momentous Campaign, contributing to the award-winning gratitude video according to a press release. Stohn has been involved in alumni engagement, attending chapter events across the country, hosting reunions and fostering connections with graduates and the community at events like Head of the Trent and Trent Day.

At Traill College, Stohn involvement was notable according to Trent by attending college dinners, opening new facilities including the Jalynn Bennett Amphitheatre, and serving as a judge in mock trials for the Dual Law Degree program and the Three Minute Thesis competition for graduate students.

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Fleming College Receives $360,000 to Fight "Canada's Worst Invasive Plant"

The money will go to fighting a highly prevalent aggressive reed commonly known as invasive phragmites.

FLEMING COLLEGE PHOTO

Fleming is getting the funding from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada’s (NSERC) College and Community Social Innovation Fund (CCSIF).

Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of National Revenue, on behalf of François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry made the announcement last week.  

Fleming will partner with Nature Conservancy Canada, Ducks Unlimited Canada, and Saiwa Inc. to innovate the fight against what’s being billed as “Canada’s worst invasive plant”.

“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to help Nature Conservancy of Canada and Ducks Unlimited Canada with their important conservation work,” said Fleming president Maureen Adamson. “Together, we will provide conservationists and resource managers with valuable tools to effectively combat the spread of invasive plants that threaten our native vegetation.” 

The 3 year project is led by the researchers from Fleming’s Centre for Applied Machine Intelligence and Integration Technologies (CAMIIT) and School of Environmental & Natural Resource Sciences (SENRS).

It aims to advance automation in the detection and surveillance of the invasive plant using machine vision algorithms, remote sensing data, and innovative drone technologies.

CAMIIT’s Dr. Fereydoon Diba, in collaboration with Saiwa Inc., will develop a specialized drone with machine vision capability to recognize the invasive plant.

SENRS professor, Dr. Josh Feltham, along with Nature Conservancy Canada and Ducks Unlimited Canada will collect drone surveillance data.

Fleming students will assist with the project’s data collection and hardware development.

“This collaboration highlights the capabilities that technology and innovation can bring to natural resources, and the real-world problems that can be solved through applied research,” added Adamson. “It’s promising to see CAMIIT and SENRS combining forces with such highly respected national conservation organizations.”

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