‘Revolutionary’ Alumnus Helped Guide, Shape Trent’s Leadership in Indigenous Studies

Trent University Alumni Association honours the work of the late Doug Williams ’69 (Gidigaa Migizi) who saw education as the path to reconciliation

October 3, 2022

On this National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, we take this opportunity to share with the community some of the work of the late Doug Williams '69 (Gidigaa Migizi) – a Trent University professor who was awarded the 2022 Distinguished Alumni Award for his lifelong dedication to teaching Indigenous knowledge, protecting treaty rights and leading the Curve Lake First Nation community.

His influence on Trent’s leadership in Indigenous studies cannot be overstated.

“Although traditional Indigenous knowledge is not innovative or unconventional (as it has been passed from generation to generation since time immemorial), Doug’s guidance on how to incorporate these teachings and knowledges into the classroom, curriculum, and our institutions was not only unconventional but outright revolutionary at the time,” says one of the nominators for his award. “Because of Doug’s work in this area, Trent has been a leader in Indigenous studies for the last 50 years, and only now are other institutions beginning to catch up.”

Gidigaa Migizi, who was known for his gentle wisdom and teachings of kindness, courage and bravery, worked tirelessly to preserve the oral history and traditions of the Michi Saagiig Nishnaabeg.

One of the first graduates of what was then called the Trent Native Studies program, he stayed involved with the University over the years helping to shape academic programs, administrative policies and cultural practices. Gidigaa Migizi was a professor with the Chanie Wenjack School for Indigenous Studies, a member of the University’s Indigenous Education Committee and the Elders & Traditional Knowledge Keepers Council, as well as co-director of the Indigenous Studies Ph.D. program. Through this extensive work, he helped to bridge two world views, bringing Indigenous Traditional Knowledge into the academy through land-based teachings, oral traditions and stories of growing up in Curve Lake.

Beyond the teachings to his own students, Gidigaa Migizi gave his knowledge freely when invited into classes across many disciplines and hosted many public talks at Trent about the lands and cultural heritage of this region.

“If it weren’t for Doug, many of our students here would not have had chance to reconnect with their own culture, learn language, hear the stories of our people but most importantly to learn in a safe and welcoming environment,” the nominator says.

Within his community, Gidigaa Migizi enjoyed a successful political career, serving as chief and a band councilor for many decades. Beyond politics, he held the highest honours within Anishnaabeg spirituality as a pipe-keeper, and a leader of sweat lodges and other spiritual ceremonies.

A champion of the Anishnaabeg nation, Gidigaa Migizi was an active negotiator for formal, legal recognition of treaty rights. His greatest accomplishment in this arena was his advocacy work in the precedent setting case: R v. Taylor and Williams. Working through the court system, he helped bring legal recognition to pre-confederation treaty rights through the interpretation of Treaty 20, 1818. As a result of this landmark case, he defended the right to hunt and fish for signatories to the Williams Treaties.

Gidigaa Migizi inspired all who met him. He dedicated his life’s work to Curve Lake, the Michi Saagiig Anishnaabeg Nation and the University because he believed in the potential of future generations of Indigenous students and saw education as the path to reconciliation.

“His commitment and personal sacrifice go so far above and beyond our expectations, and way beyond what we had any right to ask of an elder,” says the nominator. “His heart was stronger than the Otonabee River and his commitment was unfailing.”

There are events today on both University campuses honouring National Truth and Reconciliation Day. Please click here for a full list of events, as well as to find resources and recommended actions to support Indigenous communities.