Métis Change Advocate Named 2024 Trent Ashley Fellow Visiting Scholar

Bridget Larocque, a change advocate from the Northwest Territories, is bringing expertise in Indigenous knowledge to Trent University as the school’s 2024 Ashley Fellow as a visiting scholar, announced on Thrusday morning.

The Ashley Fellow is a visiting scholar hosted each year by one of Trent University’s Colleges. 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 role that informal contacts of college life can play in the academic pursuits of the University. Photo courtesy of Trent University.

Larocque has a distinct worldview from her Arctic upbringing, Métis lifeways and lived experiences in Western Education systems according to a press release.

“Traill is honoured to be the host college for this year’s Ashley Fellow,” says Dr. Michael Eamon, Trent principal of Catharine Parr Traill College. “Bridget Larocque is the embodiment of the ideals on which the fellowship was founded upon, 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 career also includes working as a policy advisor and researcher with the Arctic Athabaskan Council (ACC), executive director of Gwich’in Council International (GCI) and managing her consultant business, Weaving Wisdoms as stated by Trent.

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 Feb. 4 to 18, 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,” said Larocque. “This upcoming fellowship provides a wonderful opportunity to enlighten and nurture young scholars about my homeland, lived experiences, and lifeways.” 

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