Métis Change Advocate in Indigenous, Arctic, and Gender Affairs Named 2023/24 Trent Ashley Fellow
Bridget Larocque to share insights on Indigenous rights, socio-economic challenges, and arctic governance through lectures, roundtables, and classroom visits
Bridget Larocque, a change advocate from the Northwest Territories, will bring expertise in Indigenous knowledge transferring and a distinct worldview from her Arctic upbringing, Métis lifeways and lived experiences in Western Education systems as Trent University’s 2024 Ashley Fellow.
“Traill is honoured to be the host college for this year’s Ashley Fellow,” says Dr. Michael Eamon, principal of Catharine Parr Traill College at Trent. “Bridget Larocque is the embodiment of the ideals on which the fellowship was founded, bringing a wealth of lived experience and her unique northern perspective to Indigenous relations.”
Larocque promotes both her Indigenous worldview and holistic philosophy when addressing circumpolar issues in various roles, such as the network co-lead and chair of the Northern Advisory Board of the North American and Arctic Defence and Security Network (NAADSN). Her impressive career also includes working as a policy advisor and researcher with the Arctic Athabaskan Council (AAC), executive director of Gwich’in Council International (GCI), and managing her consultant business, Weaving Wisdoms.
A strong supporter of Larocque’s application was Dr. Whitney Lackenbauer, Canada Research Chair in the Study of the Canadian North and professor in the School for the Study of Canada. Professor Lackenbauer’s recommendation highlights her tireless advocacy for young leaders, and her holistic worldview that combines traditional knowledge with contemporary research methods, a combination of skills and experience that align well with the values of the fellowship.
During her residency from February 4 – 18, 2024, Larocque will carry out Indigenous knowledge transferring through a North @ Trent lecture at Traill College on socio-economic challenges faced by Métis women, and a roundtable on gender and Arctic security with the NAADSN. She will also be involved in workshops with students at Symons Campus and Traill College, and participate in the Elders’ Gathering at the First Peoples House of Learning, before capping off her residency with a traditional College dinner with students, faculty and community members.
“I am incredibly blessed with knowledge transfer responsibility and nurturing gift,” says Larocque. “This upcoming fellowship provides a wonderful opportunity to enlighten and nurture young scholars about my homeland, lived experiences, and lifeways."
Traill College, known for its interdisciplinary academic departments and vibrant collegiate environment, provides an ideal setting for Larocque's residency. By living at Traill, she will have the unique opportunity to interact with Trent students and faculty alike through enriching and innovative, informal, and educational discussions.
For more information on Bridget Larocque’s event schedule during her residency, visit the Ashley Fellow webpage.
About the Ashley Fellowship
The Ashley Fellowship is administered by the Colleges at Trent University and is awarded to a visiting scholar each year. The fellowship is funded by a bequest from the late Professor C.A. Ashley, long-time friend of Trent University and an enthusiastic proponent of the importance of collegiate life in the academic pursuits of the University.
The Ashley Fellow resides at one of Trent's Colleges during their term, delivering lectures and workshops as well as meeting informally with faculty and students. The 2023/24 Ashley Fellow is hosted by Catharine Parr Traill College where the Canada Research Chair in the Study of the Canadian North and the School for the Study of Canada is based. Previous Ashley Fellows include Chúk Odenigbo, Hamza Khan, and Shelley Tanaka.
About Trent University
One of Canada's top universities, Trent University prioritizes personalized, transformative interactive learning. Nationally recognized for teaching, research, and student satisfaction, Trent draws exceptional students globally. Here, students, faculty, and staff connect in diverse communities, spanning residential colleges, classrooms, research projects, co-curricular activities, and community engagement. Trent fosters critical, integrative thinking across disciplines, and its unique approach to personal development through collaborative community engagement is in high demand. Students lead experiences centred on dialogue, diverse perspectives, and cooperation, fostering lifelong commitments to inclusion, leadership, and societal change. Trent's students, alumni, faculty, and staff are engaged global citizens driving sustainable solutions for complex challenges. Trent's Peterborough campus boasts award-winning architecture in a breathtaking natural setting on the banks of the Otonabee River, just 90 minutes from downtown Toronto, while Trent University Durham Greater Toronto Area, delivers a distinct mix of programming in the east GTA.
For more information contact:
Olivia Flynn, Communications & Media Relations Officer, Trent University, (705) 748-1011 x6180 or oliviaflynn@trentu.ca