Fleming and Trent partner to expand pathways for Indigenous learners

New agreements offering exclusive college-to-university advancement for Indigenous students to graduate with diploma and degree in five years

PETERBOROUGH (February 17, 2022) – Fleming College and Trent University have signed new articulation agreements that allow Fleming students to obtain a Bachelor’s degree through programs offered at Trent’s renowned Chanie Wenjack School for Indigenous Studies.

Eligible graduates from Fleming’s Ecosystem Management Technology, Environmental Technology, and Fish and Wildlife Technology programs will have the opportunity to complete a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Indigenous Environmental Studies at Trent in two additional years of study – graduating with both their diploma and degree credentials in five years.

Eligible graduates of Fleming’s Early Childhood Education and Educational Support programs, who also self-identify as Indigenous, will receive 7.0 and 5.0 credits, respectively, towards Trent’s Indigenous Bachelor of Education degree. These are two new pathways are exclusively for Indigenous students.

“These pathways are another step towards Fleming’s commitment to upholding the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s recommendations for post-secondary institutions,” said Maureen Adamson, President, Fleming College. “The new agreements build on Fleming’s long-standing relationship with Trent University to provide academic programming and research partnerships in areas related to environmental and natural resource studies that value Indigenous teachings.”

The Truth & Reconciliation Commission of Canada and the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous People have both identified addressing the educational gap for Indigenous learners as a priority.

“Creating more opportunity for individuals who identify as Indigenous to access higher education, especially opportunities in both college and university environments, is an important factor in honouring and advancing the teachings and leadership of Indigenous communities,” said Professor David Newhouse, chair of the Chanie Wenjack School of Indigenous Studies at Trent. “The Indigenous-focused degree programs at Trent aim to support generations of Indigenous youth by producing greater numbers of role models. We know these programs are successful in that way as Trent University is ranked first in Canada for promoting Indigenous visibility.”

There are now two Fleming certificate programs and five diploma programs that lead to an Indigenous Bachelor of Education, Bachelor of Arts in Indigenous Environmental Studies, or Bachelor of Science in Indigenous Environmental Science programs for Indigenous students.

The two institutions share a comprehensive offering of pathways, ranging from business to education and computers to law and justice.

About Fleming College
Fleming College respectfully acknowledges that we are situated on Michi Saagiig Anishinaabeg lands and territory. Located in the heart of Central Ontario, Fleming College has campus locations in Peterborough, Lindsay, Cobourg and Haliburton. Named for famous Canadian inventor and engineer Sir Sandford Fleming, the college features more than 100 full-time programs in Arts and Heritage, Business, Environmental and Natural Resource Sciences, General Arts and Sciences, Health and Wellness, Justice and Community Development, Skilled Trades and Technology, and Continuing Education. Fleming College has more than 6,800 full-time and 10,000 part-time students, and 80,000 alumni.

 About Trent University
One of Canada’s top universities, Trent University was founded on the ideal of interactive learning that’s personal, purposeful and transformative. Consistently recognized nationally for leadership in teaching, research and student satisfaction, Trent attracts excellent students from across the country and around the world. Here, undergraduate and graduate students connect and collaborate with faculty, staff and their peers through diverse communities that span residential colleges, classrooms, disciplines, hands-on research, co-curricular and community-based activities. Across all disciplines, Trent brings critical, integrative thinking to life every day. Today, Trent’s unique approach to personal development through supportive, collaborative community engagement is in more demand than ever. Students lead the way by co-creating experiences rooted in dialogue, diverse perspectives and collaboration. In a learning environment that builds life-long passion for inclusion, leadership and social change, Trent’s students, alumni, faculty and staff are engaged global citizens who are catalysts in developing sustainable solutions to complex issues. Trent’s Peterborough campus boasts award-winning architecture in a breathtaking natural setting on the banks of the Otonabee River, just 90 minutes from downtown Toronto, while Trent University Durham Greater Toronto Area, delivers a distinct mix of programming in the east GTA.

For more information, please contact:
Sara O’Halloran
Media Relations Specialist
sara.ohalloran@flemingcollege.ca
705.749.5530 x 1366

Cara Walsh, Communications & Media Relations Officer
carawalsh@trentu.ca
705.748.1011 x 6240