Trent’s highest honour will be awarded to leaders in Indigenous rights, provincial politics, performing arts, geriatric medicine, and the Canadian Armed Forces. The 2023 recipients include: a distinguished member of the Canadian military who advocates for Indigenous rights and awareness training within the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and Department of National Defence (DND); an award-winning Indigenous writer and filmmaker who has played a key role in the Indigenous cultural renaissance since the 1980s; a medical doctor and community leader who has advanced geriatric care and the study of aging across the country; and the former Ontario minister of Health who oversaw the province’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This year’s honorary degree recipients personify Trent’s strengths in Indigenous studies, health, aging, social justice, the liberal arts and sciences,” said Dr. Leo Groarke, president and vice-chancellor at Trent University. “These individuals exemplify the spirit of challenging the way we think to make a difference in our communities, our province, across the country and around the world.”