The University of Toronto Mississauga has announced the official name of its newest building that acknowledges both the Indigenous history of the land and the future of the campus.
The new building, erected in place of the original 1967 North Building, unofficially opened its doors in September 2018. While construction crews completed landscaping and interior finishes, a university committee reviewed name suggestions - more than 700 in total - for the new structure.
An overwhelming number of submissions focused on Indigenous themes, leading to a collaboration with the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation (MCFN) on whose traditional territory the campus now stands. Following careful consideration, MCFN recommended Maanjiwe nendamowinan (pronounced Mahn-ji-way nen-da-mow-in-ahn), a formally endorsed Anishinaabemowin name meaning "gathering of minds."
The university will celebrate the new name at an upcoming opening ceremony.
"On behalf of the entire U of T community, I would like to thank and congratulate all those involved in the naming of this key building on the UTM campus, including the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation," said President Meric Gertler. "It reflects our commitment to engagement with Indigenous communities as we work together to lead the process of reconciliation."
