We are thankful to be welcome on these lands in friendship. The lands we are situated on are covered by the Williams Treaties and are the traditional territory of the Mississaugas, a branch of the greater Anishinaabeg Nation, including Algonquin, Ojibway, Odawa and Pottawatomi. These lands remain home to many Indigenous nations and peoples.

We acknowledge this land out of respect for the Indigenous nations who have cared for Turtle Island, also called North America, from before the arrival of settler peoples until this day. Most importantly, we acknowledge that the history of these lands has been tainted by poor treatment and a lack of friendship with the First Nations who call them home.

This history is something we are all affected by because we are all treaty people in Canada. We all have a shared history to reflect on, and each of us is affected by this history in different ways. Our past defines our present, but if we move forward as friends and allies, then it does not have to define our future.

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Perseverance leads to postgraduate studies

Massimo Narini | Class of 2013
Bachelor of Science, Biological Sciences

Sometimes, academic struggles can lead to future success. Massimo had challenges with his grades during his second year at the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT). "However, this experience opened my eyes to what I actually wanted to do with my degree and led me to the path I'm following today," he says.

After graduation, he took a year of study at Trent University, returning to UOIT in 2014 to begin a Master of Science in Applied Bioscience. Eventually, he plans to earn a PhD and contribute to the growing field of knowledge about the local environment.

“I never thought I would be accepted into the master’s program and here I am - and it’s mostly due to my positive experiences at UOIT,” he says.

Massimo worked closely with his professors and benefited from small class sizes. His professional relationship with his supervising professor on his fourth-year thesis crystallized his desire to focus on the environmental sector of biology.

Forming a friendship with a fellow hard-working student also kept him on track. “My friend Dan and I would spend hundreds of hours working on the thesis in the same spot in the library, but it was great to be able to spend that time working with a good friend," he says.

In retrospect, Massimo feels his time at university has gone by quickly. He advises incoming students to take maximum advantage of the time at school.

"Hard work and perseverance are two important qualities that will benefit you extremely well," he says. "To succeed at UOIT and get the best experience possible, connect with your professors. This will open doors that will benefit you in the future and it will enrich your education in ways you can't get at other universities."