Contact Us

For general inquiries, please contact us at: fphl@trentu.ca

Dr. Dawn Lavell-Harvard, Director

Email: dawnlavellharvard@trentu.ca

Dr. Dawn Lavell Harvard, Ph.D., is a proud member of the Wiikwemkoong First Nation, on Manitoulin Island, the first Aboriginal Trudeau Scholar, and has worked to advance the rights of Aboriginal women as the President of the Ontario Native Women's Association since 2003. After serving as Vice-president of the Native Women’s Association of Canada for three years, Dawn was elected National President at the 41st Annual General Assembly, July 11, 2015 in Montreal, Quebec. After fulfilling her promise to see the MMIWG Inquiry initiated, in October 2016, Dawn left her role as National Leader and took on the role of Director at the First Peoples House of Learning at Trent University.

Madisyn Brownlee, Indigenous Student Therapist

Email: fphlcounsellor@trentu.ca

Madisyn (Maddy) Brownlee (MSW, RSW), is a Metis, Registered Social Worker who is available to navigate a variety of mental health concerns with Indigenous Students at both the Trent University Symons, and Durham campuses. Confidential, individual counselling sessions, as well as group workshops and sharing circles are accessible to all Indigenous students at no cost. With the goal of helping students create balance and participate fully within the Trent community, services are short-term in nature and may include virtual or in-person talk-therapy sessions, safety planning, skill building and participating in culturally centered, holistic mental health support. Maddy completed a Bachelor of Social Work at here Trent University, and holds a Master of Social Work degree from University of Toronto where she specialized her studies in the fields of mental health and health. In her free time, Maddy can be found spending time outdoors, or on the rugby pitch, either as a player or as a coach!

To book an appointment visit: https://www.trentu.ca/wellness/counselling and identify that you would like to meet with the Indigenous Student Therapist, or for more information please contact fphlcounsellor@trentu.ca

Ashley Lamothe Indigenous Student Success Coordinator

Email: fphlstudentsuccess@trentu.ca

Ashley Lamothe, B.H.Sc.,M.Ed Candidate is a proud Anishnaabekwe/Métis mother to two tiny humans. She holds a bachelor's degree in Health Sciences, Certifications in Facilitation, Indigenous Women's Leadership, and Digital Media.  Ashley started her own business Creative Kwe and loves combining Indigenous ways of knowing with creativity to create safe spaces for Indigenous people to thrive.  In her role at FPHL, Ashley supports students in exploring their beliefs about themselves as learners, their university experience, and their world; providing Academic, Financial, and Housing Supports. To book an appointment with Ashley, please follow this link: Student Success Booking

Lorenzo Whetung, Cultural Advisor

Email: lorenzowhetung@trentu.ca

Lorenzo Whetung (BA Hons, B.Ed) is an Elder and Knowledge Keeper who takes great pleasure in sharing his culture and teachings with others. Lorenzo has worked in the field of education for all his adult life, including the Curve Lake Day Care Center and Kawartha Pine Ridge School Board. Lorenzo attended Trent University where he participated in school life including as president of TUNA. During Lorenzo’s time as a public-school teacher, he built a strong understanding of the needs of Indigenous students. He supported non-Indigenous students and educators alike in their desire to learn about Indigenous culture. Over the years Lorenzo has recognized the need to work for and with his community so he devoted his time as Education Manager for Curve Lake First Nation and as an elected Council member. Lorenzo owns and operates his own business, Gabeshiwin: A Place to Gather by The Fire, where people can participate in Indigenous Reconciliatory Experiences.  Lorenzo feels lucky to have grown up in Curve Lake at a time when he and his twelve siblings could experience life on the land, where they were raised to be respectful of their environment and in awe of all they had around them. It is with great pride and pleasure that Lorenzo is now able to help shape the understanding of people about Indigenous culture through his work as the Cultural Advisor in the First Peoples House of Learning, Trent University.

Kelli Marshall, Indigenous Enrolment Advisor
Email: kellimarshall@trentu.ca

Kelli Marshall is an Anishinabe Kwe from the Miichi Saagiig territory of Hiawatha First Nation. She represents the Pike Clan. She is an activist, dancer, and storyteller, mother, daughter, sister and Auntie. She is a proud graduate of PCVS's Integrated Arts Program and Fleming College. She has been dancing pow-wow for ten years. Kelli has travelled to many communities across Turtle Island, learning, sharing and teaching different dance styles.  Dancing has taken her to many places from The Main Stage at The Junos to tiny villages in Nova Scotia and she loved each and every opportunity she was given.

As the Indigenous Enrolment Advisor for First People House of Learning at Trent University. Kelli travels to communities all over Ontario to recruit brilliant Indigenous youth to Trent University. She knows that every student deserves to be in post-secondary. That education is part of reclaiming. When you have Indigenous Knowledge combined with the best in Western Education, there is nothing our students can’t do. 

Ashley Thompson, Indigenous Access and Mentorship Coordinator 

Email: ashthompson@trentu.ca

Ashley Thompson, Hons. BA, is a proud Kanien'kehaka (Bear Clan) from the Akwesasne Mohawk Territory. She holds an Honours Bachelor's degree in Indigenous Studies from Trent University and an Associate's degree in Interior Design from the Art Institute of New York City. Ashley is the founder of Kahionhatatie Beadwork, a business specializing in Haudenosaunee raised beadwork and moccasins. Passionate about sharing her expertise, she enjoys teaching eager learners about the art of beadwork.

In her role at FPHL, Ashley supports first and second-year FNMI students in their transition to university through the Ishkodehwin Program and works to develop leadership opportunities for upper-year undergraduate and graduate students.