University expands

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PETERBOROUGH-The official opening of the Peter Gzowski College, Enweying building and the First Peoples House of Learning takes place at Trent University on Oct. 16, expanding multiple student services and education supports for both Native and non-Native students.

The Enweying building-Enweying being an Anishinaabe word for "the way we speak together"-houses both the Peter Gzowski College and the First Peoples House of Learning.

The new First People's House of Learning includes performance space, gathering space, ceremonial space, an atrium, a lecture hall and the Native studies department.

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Popular journalist and CBC broadcaster Peter Gzowski, who became chancellor of Trent three years before he died in 2002, was known for his interest in Aboriginal people and environmental causes. The college named after him includes a 250-bed residence, dining hall and academic office space.

The vision statement of First Peoples House of learning influenced the design of the Enweying building. Trent describes that vision as honouring the land and "creating a respectful community as a beacon." By distributing aspects of First Peoples House throughout the college, students and visitors are reminded that Aboriginal people live throughout Canada and may be met anywhere and everywhere.

President and vice-chancellor Bonnie Patterson, Chancellor Roberta Bondar, head of Peter Gzowski College David Newhouse, and Curve lake First Nation Chief Keith Knott will welcome many distinguished guests, including drum groups, Elder Edna Manitowabi, the Otonaabe Women's Handdrum Singers, the Chippewa Travellers who will perform an honour song, representatives of the Gzowski family, government officials and many others to the celebration. The day will begin with a sunrise ceremony and fire at the tipi on site. Public tours of the Enweying building will be ongoing throughout the day.