Historical plaques are a common feature in communities throughout Ontario, yet many present a limited perspective, often centered on settler histories. For several years, students in Indigenous Studies 1001: Foundations for Reconciliation at Trent University have participated in an assignment that challenges these dominant narratives. This exercise encourages students to critically examine the stories told in their home territories and to compose an alternative plaque that foregrounds Indigenous histories and contemporary perspectives, while highlighting stories of agency, advocacy, resistance, and resurgence.
This website showcases some historical plaque submissions created by students in INDG 1001. As part of an ongoing partnership with the Ontario Heritage Trust, these plaques are student-led explorations into Indigenous histories, relationships, and acts of resistance, remembrance, and resurgence across Turtle Island.
Each plaque represents a thoughtful engagement with place, memory, and storytelling. Students were encouraged to research local histories, critically reflect on narratives of colonialism, and propose new or reimagined plaques that honour Indigenous perspectives, voices, and knowledge systems.
Please note that these plaques are student submissions and works in progress. They are not official public commemorations but are inspired by programs like the Ontario Heritage Trust’s Provincial Plaque Program, promoting a sense of belonging, place, and a focus on inclusive and representative heritage work. The content shared here reflects student learning at a particular moment in time and may evolve through further research, feedback, and community dialogue. Additional student plaques will be added over time, telling stories of other places, people, and events.
We welcome and encourage feedback, corrections, or suggestions for improvement. The goal of this project is not only to educate but to build respectful relationships with communities and enhance historical understanding.
Together, we are committed to learning, unlearning, and sharing stories that contribute to truth and reconciliation.
Jackson Pind (jacksonpind@trentu.ca) and Phil Abbott (pabbott@trentu.ca) with any questions or concerns.