Wiishkobi-mitigomizh (White Oak Tree): Indigenous Survivance Stories at Western University
Starting with Land and Indigenous Peoples
The land upon which Western University is located, rests in the Great Lakes region of Turtle Island, a place that is the home of the Anishnabek, Haudenosaunee and Lenapewak Peoples. The Chonnocton also once lived in this Territory long before settlers colonized and renamed it London Ontario Canada, and founded Huron University College and the University of Western Ontario in 1863 and 1878. The Deskhan Zibi (Antler River in the Anishnabemowin language) continues to flow through the arteries of the main campus today. This ancient tributary has long connected many different Nations, Peoples and ways of knowing. After Europeans arrived, the Anishnaabek and British (and later Canada) negotiated Treaties. There are several Treaties relevant to this particular region: Treaty 6 London Township, Treaty 7 Sombra Township, and Treaty 21 Longwoods. The three Nations in closest proximity to Western University’s campus today are: the Chippewas of the Thames First Nation, the Oneida Nation of the Thames and the Munsee Delaware Nation. Each Nation has their own history and relationship to this area. Each Nation is critical in the journey of decolonizing the University.
