A LEGACY OF IMPACT

Dr. Annette Trimbee

President and Vice-Chancellor The , 2014–2020 Contents

02 Cultivating relationships and growing leaders 05 Creating a culture of support and inclusion 09 New student spaces — Leatherdale Hall, Merchants Corner 10 A steady hand at the helm 12 Partnerships and research with impact 13 Change on the horizon 14 Reconciliation and Indigenization 18 In her own words

Content: Diane Poulin Design: Marketing & Communications Cover photo by: Cory Aronec

Image 01. Presiding over Autumn 01. Convocation, 2019 02 | The University of Winnipeg Dr. Annette Trimbee — A legacy of impact | 03

CULTIVATING 1977 Graduated from The University RELATIONSHIPS — of Winnipeg with a BSc

GROWING LEADERS 2014 Returned to UWinnipeg as President and Vice-Chancellor by Diane Poulin

2015 Established UWinnipeg’s There is something very specific associated with “One of the most important pieces of work to come out strategic directions Dr. Annette Trimbee that people mention over and of the Board and President’s office was the strategic over — there she is, grabbing a bowl of soup in the directions,” says Johnstone. “Our objective was to cafeteria, and before you know it, you’re sitting with measure what we were trying to accomplish. It helps her and chatting about your day, your research, or to make choices within the context of a framework your thoughts on reconciliation. This is true if you of priorities. Annette really took that to heart. She 2016 are a student, professor, staff member or visitor to respects the role of governance and the strategic Launched the Indigenous campus. She is curious, and she listens. directions came organically out of the relationships Course Requirement that she was building with students and faculty and Trimbee served six years as President and with stakeholders. It has accomplished what we were Vice-Chancellor. Along with her team, she has hoping, which is to help us understand who we are, accomplished many things by fostering collaborative and want to be, and what roads to go down.” partnerships both on- and off-campus. One of the 2018 first challenges she tackled was creating a blueprint, Five key areas became the focus of the University during Reinstated for second a series of strategic directions to guide planning and Trimbee’s tenure: academic excellence and renewal; term at UWinnipeg decisions at all levels of the University. student experience and success; Indigenization; research excellence, knowledge mobilization and Eric Johnstone started his term as Chair of the Board impact; and financial and institutional resilience. of Regents almost to the day that Trimbee walked into the President’s office in Wesley Hall in 2014. They would develop a close working relationship. 2020 Resigned to become President and Vice-Chancellor at MacEwan University

01. Image 01. Shaking hands with a student from the Build from Within – Ozhitoon Onji Peenjiiee program, 2019 04 | The University of Winnipeg Dr. Annette Trimbee — A legacy of impact | 05 “

She wants the University to be a hub of 01. Creating a culture of “My time at UWinnipeg was one Reflections support and inclusion of the best experiences that I have knowledge had because there is an incredible “ She is a powerful, UWinnipeg is comfortable with sense of community from peers aspirational role model. 10,000 full and part-time students, and professors, from everyone For students like me, large enough to offer a wide range there, it is a very welcoming place,” interested in public mobilization. of programs and small enough says recent graduate Janelle Gobin, administration, to see a to feel like a community. Under who arrived from the small rural woman president, and Trimbee’s direction, there is a community of St. Claude in 2015 to with her past experience strong emphasis on broadening the study political science. She earned in government, here diversity of the student population UWinnipeg’s prestigious Walter is someone who has and understanding the supports Leatherdale Entrance Scholarship achieved so much. She they need to succeed. The campus and is now studying law. held a round table with Wellness Centre expanded — home student scholarship to all counselling services for According to Dr. Paul Lawrie, winners, and she was students, and a new Accessibility Associate Professor, History always genuinely Services and Resource Centre and Chair of the Axworthy interested in what opened to assist those students Lecture Series, Trimbee fosters students had to say.” whose academic plans may be collaboration across disciplines, impacted by health or disability. which creates a robust faculty Janelle Gobin community that is willing to Two academic advisors were added Recipient of UWinnipeg’s engage with each other, and with to connect with students at risk of prestigious Walter Leatherdale students. The Axworthy Lecture leaving the University early. Very Entrance Scholarship, graduated Series, which brings high-profile ” importantly, student scholarships, from political science (Honours) speakers to campus such as bursaries, and awards increased in 2019 and is now studying law Image 01. Cornell West, Dr. Jane Goodall, Annette Trimbee, Fiona Green, Axworthy Lecturer Anita Sarkeesian, to $5.7 million. at the Christina Fawcette, Sharanpaul Ruprai, Tracey Whalen, 2018 06 | The University of Winnipeg

“ Annette is from going forward in school, in terms of tenure and promotion. committed to and she helped build the ladders UWinnipeg currently has eight to overcome that wall,” says Research Chairs, and REFLECTIONS supporting the Chartrand. “These students are three are Indigenous women, development of pivotal, they are our brain trust, unprecedented across the country. the next wave and we need to invest in them. “Trimbee has deep respect for of leadership.” They are the next leaders of tomorrow for all of Manitoba.” academic work. There is a feeling “ When Dr. Trimbee first started as president, “ Annette has been a terrific ally to the — Jarita Greyeyes of the institution really breathing Dr. Jaime Cidro is an Associate and being open to a wider, more she went to every department and met Two-Spirit and queer community at the Professor (Anthropology) and diverse community,” says Dr. with everyone. That is a lot of effort. I was UWinnipeg, she has worked with us to Canada Research Chair in Health Catherine Taylor, Professor, Acting struck by how much homework she had make things happen and she has done and Culture and Director of the Chair of sociology, and Director done when she came to the Anthropology it enthusiastically. Her presidency has and Vandana Shiva is an example. Master’s in Development Practice of the RISE. Taylor has led several department for the first time. She knew taken us to a whole other level in terms “Trimbee is instrumental in program. She recently received large-scale national research who I was and my research area, and that of who is actively and enthusiastically helping us build an intellectual UWinnipeg’s largest ever grant of projects focused on helping build made me feel valued as a faculty member. welcomed into the university community. community and bring the broader $3.5 million from the Canadian inclusive school climates for She shows a genuine interest.” We will miss her.” community on to our campus. Institute of Health Research (CIHR) LGBTQ students and staff. She wants to bring in decision to support an Indigenous-led Dr. Jaime Cidro Dr. Catherine Taylor makers from different disciplines health research project. Jarita Greyeyes is the first recipient Associate Professor, Anthropology, Professor and Acting Chair of Sociology, to make us a hub of knowledge of the Weweni Future Scholars The University of Winnipeg, and Canada The University of Winnipeg mobilization, to make us leaders “Trimbee brings pragmatism and Award, and is currently pursuing Research Chair in Health and Culture in that field. She is intimately realism to move things along and a PhD in Education at Stanford involved in helping us shepherd she surrounds herself with lots University in California. these successful events.” of ‘doers’ who can take ideas and make them happen fairly quickly,” Greyeyes is nēhiyaw from the In 2017, Trimbee reached an says Cidro. “So for instance, Muskeg Lake Cree Nation and the historic 10-year agreement we created the Weweni Future Red Pheasant Cree Nation, both with Manitoba Métis Federation located in Treaty Six territory. She Scholars Award, which financially “ I am very grateful to have been able to “ Dr. Trimbee understands that education President David Chartrand, is a graduate of UWinnipeg, and supports an Indigenous UWinnipeg be part of projects that will outlast our is the answer to addressing poverty. We adding $600,000 to enhance the . graduate in their first year of a PhD individual time at UWinnipeg, and that built a relationship based on trust, and in Métis research at UWinnipeg. program. This is important because “California is very expensive speaks to the visions of the projects and our Indigenous culture, that is everything, The new funding supports it highlights that Indigenous and this award is so important leadership. Leadership is about initiating trust and respect. When you have that, post-doctoral fellowships and people can receive advanced in allowing me to focus on my projects that go beyond your tenure, doors open.” visiting scholars, and broadens degrees, and it helps meet the program of study, which is very and Annette has done that.” our knowledge about Métis immediate needs in that critical demanding, and not worry David Chartrand history, culture, and perspectives. first year of a PhD.” about where the money is Jarita Greyeyes President, coming from to live on,” says This builds on the very successful Recently UWinnipeg secured a UWinnipeg alumna, PhD student, and Manitoba Métis Federation Greyeyes. “What is clear to Louis Riel Bursary program, which federal grant for an important former manager at The University of Winnipeg me is Annette is committed to helps approximately 70 Métis Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Wii Chiiwaakanak Learning Centre students every year achieve their initiative. This supports concrete supporting the development dreams. Since 1999, the MMF and programming to tackle the of the next wave of leadership, its educational arm, the Louis Riel challenges encountered by understanding that UWinnipeg Institute, have provided more than underrepresented groups, is a really good incubator for $2.1 million in bursaries to Métis everything from ensuring Indigenous leaders and those students attending UWinnipeg. that professors from diverse leaders go on to do many communities feel welcome and things in society.” “Dr. Trimbee understood the respected, to valuing their work wall that prevents more students Dr. Annette Trimbee — A legacy of impact | 09

New student spaces at North End community-based Reflections — Leatherdale Hall, organizations. It is funded by a generous $500,000 gift, from “ Everything Annette Merchants Corner RBC’s Future Launch. It was does, she does very thoughtfully and carefully, Trimbee oversaw completion initiated by Winnipeg City with tremendous integrity and opening of several important Councillor Brian Mayes in 2017, and heart. She is also new student-oriented buildings with funding of $200,000 fun, with a twinkle in designed to promote scholarship annually in 2017 and 2018. her eye, and all of that and community interactions, For Sherri Walsh, director with contributes to a very both managed by UWinnipeg’s UWinnipeg Foundation, the successful leader.” Community Renewal Corporation. University has a critical role to play Leatherdale Hall is a bright and in promoting social sustainability welcoming space, connected to Sherri Walsh and community capacity-building. Wesley Hall, that encourages Lawyer and Director, conversations and connections, “In the last six years, UWinnipeg UWinnipeg Foundation both for students and the broader has been very much focused on community. It was made possible that inclusivity,” she says. “Annette by the lead gift of $2.5 million is careful to identify and break from Louise and the late Dr. down barriers. Merchants Corner Douglas Leatherdale, and a tireless is geographically not that far from fundraising campaign led by “the main campus, but it is in fact a two Jims” — Dr. Jim MacDonald world away for many people. Many and Dr. Jim Richardson. students who would not think of going to university will enter The Merchants Hotel in Winnipeg’s Merchants Corner, and that is North End has been transformed truly transformative.” into an education hub offering community-based educational Still ahead for campus, Trimbee and cultural programs, thanks to initiated a plan to modernize the the efforts of tireless community library. Students, staff, faculty, the leaders. UWinnipeg’s Urban and Indigenous Advisory Circle, and Inner-City Studies department is the Library Advisory Committee located within Merchants Corner, were consulted on a functional and offers a unique Inner City review, with a fundraising Work Study experiential learning campaign expected to follow. program. Students from diverse Did you know? backgrounds spend time in the classroom and work placements Leatherdale Hall is home to Tony’s Canteen, a revival of the original — named for Tony Kozyra — which opened in Wesley Hall in 1936 when the University was still United College.

Image 01. Grand opening of Downtown Commons, Annette Trimbee, 01. Minister Scott Fielding, Robert-Falcon Ouellette, 2016 10 | The University of Winnipeg Dr. Annette Trimbee — A legacy of impact | 11

Reflections A steady hand to reduce costs, is one of her at the helm greatest accomplishments,” says “ Annette has a balance Chancellor Bob Silver, who has of confidence without In 2016, the Board of Regents more than 35 years of corporate arrogance, she empowers know-how. “She was ahead so “ approved a multi-year budget people and guides them strategy, aimed at increasing whenever the province asked for along the right path and revenues, decreasing expenses, A, B, or C, she had already done it.” she gets the team to work and producing a balanced annual In 2015, the University of well together to achieve budget. Significant progress has Winnipeg Students’ Association what needs to get done. been made during Trimbee’s raised the issue of divestment She listens and facilitates, tenure to curb internal expenses. she does not command.” on campus. Following campus- She empowers According to the Canadian wide consultations led by Association of Business Officers, the President’s office, in 2017 Mike Emslie UWinnipeg is among the top three the University of Winnipeg Vice-President, Finance most efficient universities in Foundation established a new and Administration, people & guides Canada in terms of dollars spent Responsible Investment Policy. The University of Winnipeg on administration, versus dollars It incorporates environmental, dedicated to the academic core. social, and governance factors in the investment process that “We have been very successful them along the align with the duties, vision, and in growing revenue, and we mission of the Foundation, as well reduced senior management by as the values and direction of the 25 percent,” say Mike Emslie, University and the Collegiate. Vice-President, Finance and right path. Administration. “As a result, Creating an environmentally that empowered more front- sustainable campus is also an line people to have impact, to important part of institutional find efficiencies and reduce resilience. UWinnipeg continues unnecessary expenditures, to lead the country with an which were reallocated to assertive target of achieving carbon our core mission.” neutrality by 2035. A biomass heating system was installed, and Trimbee has the deep experience UWinnipeg will soon be home necessary to anticipate and to one of the largest solar panel plan for change. “Her analysis systems inside the city, with 540 Did you know? in dealing with the Manitoba solar panels installed on the roof of government, given the desire the Axworthy Health and Recplex. The University’s biomass across the Manitoba landscape heating system is one of only a handful of biomass projects in Manitoba and the first in an urban area. Biomass is a renewable fuel source that comes from burning wood or other organic materials. ” 12 | The University of Winnipeg Dr. Annette Trimbee — A legacy of impact | 13

Change on the horizon Don Leitch is former President, Reflections Business Council of Manitoba. When Trimbee was leading “Annette brought an excellent “ From my very first meeting the table of post-secondary understanding of how government with Annette, it was clear Presidents (2017–2019), a operates, and its objectives and she had a vision for what reoccurring conversation accountabilities,” says Leitch. could be when you bring focused on demonstrating the “Many provinces are taking a hard together academia and value of working more closely look at post secondaries. We had industry and government. with the business community. a committed and diverse team What was refreshing The challenge was how to better of people coming together for a for me was her keen align what universities and common purpose, and as a result understanding of how all colleges are doing, and what both the province and federal sectors of the economy businesses need today and into governments have shown keen can work together in the future. Employers value interest in Horizon Manitoba, collaboration for a greater critical thinking and teamwork so it is an amazing success story outcome. Annette has and collaboration, what Trimbee that will be transformative. It is been a key influencer of calls the “durable skills” that good public policy that will lead that thinking on our Board, come with a post-secondary to better outcomes for people, and of finding ways to education. At the same time, and the province.” partner and move the 01. students increasingly want work economy ahead.” integrated learning, practicums Paul Vogt, former President of or experiential learning Red River College, participated Ray Bouchard Partnerships and artificial intelligence to a variety Their research team, which opportunities. A collaborative in developing Horizon Manitoba President and CEO of Enns Brothers of sectors in Manitoba, including recently received $2.4 million from effort with the Business Council and agrees that Trimbee’s research with impact Limited, Chair of the Board, The the emerging area of precision Western Economic Diversification, of Manitoba ensued. collaborative approach gets UWinnipeg researchers received agriculture. This has many includes UWinnipeg students who results. “We shared the attitude Enterprise Machine Intelligence just over $12 million in external implications for farmers. gain valuable experience as well The result is a well received report, that this is about providing and Learning Initiative (EMILI) research funding last year, as experts from Red River College, Horizon Manitoba, released in education for the entire The Enterprise Machine the highest level of research the University of Saskatchewan, January 2020 which outlines the province, programming that Intelligence and Learning Initiative revenue in UWinnipeg’s history. Northstar Robotics, Sightline importance of maintaining close is needed for Manitoba as a (EMILI) includes UWinnipeg’s Industrial partnerships have Innovation, the Canola Council linkages between post-secondary whole, not competing institutions. Dr. Christopher Bidinosti (Physics) been an important part of this of Canada, and Manitoba Pulse & and leading employers, and That shared goal helps bring who is leading the research, and rise in activity. Soybean Growers. EMILI’s vision increasing work-integrated learning institutions closer together Dr. Christopher Henry (Applied is to be an accelerator of the opportunities so that students to function better for the sake Trimbee has created a culture that Computer Science). They are in the Manitoba economy. can gain valuable experience, and of students.” values strategic partnerships and weeds. Literally, as it turns out. connections to employers in their collaboration within UWinnipeg (EMILI) is chaired by Ray “Right now farmers blanket spray chosen field of study. Did you know? and beyond campus. The goal is Bouchard, President and CEO of a whole field with herbicides several to take the considerable expertise Enns Brothers Limited. “Right EMILI works with industry times a season to kill weeds,” of UWinnipeg researchers out into out of the gate the two Chris’s had and academia to ensure says Henry. “We are developing the community and apply it in a vision of what they wanted to people are empowered a system that allows a machine build,” says Bouchard. “Having real world situations, in what has to succeed in a digital to recognize and treat individual an academic institution with come to be known as “knowledge economy. Part of this work weeds, which significantly reduces researchers that could put mobilization,” and it’s happening is offering work-integrated the use of herbicides and increases together a public asset that would across faculties. learning opportunities the efficiency of farming. We are be available to private industry for students at innovative As an example, for the past several taking 20,000 images a day as we is a huge catalyst in advancing digital agriculture and years, Trimbee has been central need millions of these images. research, innovation and to an important initiative that is That is what machine learning Image 01. technology organizations. ultimately, commercialization.” David Datzkiw, Dr. Annette Trimbee, bringing machine learning and can accomplish.” and Dr. Tabitha Wood, 2015 14 | The University of Winnipeg

Reconciliation and Lakehead) to implement the Indigenization Indigenous Course Requirement. There are now more than 70 REFLECTIONS UWinnipeg has among the courses students can select strongest rates of Indigenous from ranging from Indigenous student participation in Canada Women’s History to Confronting with 12% of incoming students Racism in the Inner City. 01. self-identifying as First Nations, For Dr. James Hanley, Professor “ In Manitoba we have an advantage in that “ Dr. Trimbee is a highly visible presence Inuit, and Métis. The commitment and Chair of History Department, we are not that big, we can have face to on campus. She has flagged me down to support Indigenous scholarship good process was key. “This face meetings and build relationships. With to have lunch with her, and I cannot The University of and reconciliation has deepened had to be implemented in such Annette it was very easy to get together believe how many times I have seen her Winnipeg is located over the past six years. a way that there is buy in from for lunch or breakfast, and you get to attending our conferences and lectures. in the Heart of the UWinnipeg’s approach to faculty. Trimbee listens and builds know people as they really are. I enjoyed I co-hosted a conference and historians Métis homeland and reconciliation is informed by consensus. I think our history talking things through with her, she is very from across Canada were stunned that has a strong history of the seminal Calls to Action of department and the joint Masters evidence-based. For her it is about trying a president was there in attendance. collaboration with the the Truth and Reconciliation of Arts in History program with to get to the right answer, with no separate That kind of extraordinary commitment Manitoba Métis Federation Commission, released in June University of Manitoba are making agenda. It is a relationship I very much value.” matters. People notice.” (MMF). After returning 2015, many of which are focused a strong contribution in achieving to Manitoba in 2014, on education and the need for all some of the TRC Calls to Action Paul Vogt Dr. James Hanley Trimbee explored her Canadians to better understand around education. It is a defining own Métis roots, and is Former President of Red River College, Chair, History Department, our history and the reciprocal issue of our time. Reconciliation now an official member incoming President and CEO of College of the Rockies The University of Winnipeg relationship with First Nations, with Indigenous people has been of the Manitoba Métis Inuit, and Métis peoples. a long time coming.” Federation and a proud Métis citizen. Student leaders at UWinnipeg Taking that approach to wanted all undergraduates to reconciliation off campus and into be exposed to some Indigenous the broader community, a unique knowledge, across all disciplines. partnership formed between “ Many weekends we see Annette and “ Annette is a mentor and a friend and Peyton Veitch was President of UWinnipeg and Canadian her husband Kevin at Wesmen events. a visionary. I can see myself reflected University of Winnipeg Students’ |Museum for Human Rights That tells our student athletes and in her leadership. ” Association at the time. “I give (CMHR). Together they developed coaches that athletics is an important credit to Indigenous student and launched a new Indigenous part of the University, and that she Dr. Julie Nagam leaders who championed this and Human Rights Executive cares. She is an outstanding leader, Canada Research Chair in Indigenous Arts, idea, Kevin Settee and Sadie Leadership Program in 2018. and to work under her is inspiring.” Collaboration and Digital Media Phoenix Lavoie. I am so proud Designed for executives, it Did you know? of the implementation of the responds to an expressed need Dave Crook Indigenous Course Requirement. from many business leaders for Director of Athletics, The University offers Dr. Trimbee championed it and guidance in shaping inclusive The University of Winnipeg language courses used her position to bring people and respectful workplace in Ininew (Cree) and together to make it a really cultures. Topics explore the Anishnabemowin collaborative process.” (Ojibwe), the two impacts of colonization and the most commonly In September 2016, UWinnipeg multigenerational trauma of spoken Indigenous became one of the first universities residential schools to peoples’ languages in Canada. in the country (along with stories of lived experience.

Image 01. Dr. Annette Trimbee and David Chartrand, 2019 16 | The University of Winnipeg Dr. Annette Trimbee — A legacy of impact | 17

“I think there has been a real shift When Trimbee presides over in consciousness, beginning with Convocation ceremonies, she is the President, to make sure there cloaked within her Métis identity, is a lot of space for Indigenous wearing a stole gifted to her at “ leadership,” says Dr. Julie Nagam, UWinnipeg’s first Spring Feast, Canada Research Chair in which was established to Indigenous Arts, Collaboration honour all who contribute to and Digital Media. Nagam also Indigenization at UWinnipeg. 01. served as Chair in the History of Indigenous Art in North America “A real highlight for me is our Convocation ceremony now, — a joint appointment between Jarita Greyeyes (now where Indigenous teachings are She brought a UWinnipeg and the Winnipeg a PhD student) and incorporated,” says McCluskey. Art Gallery. In that role, she co- Dr. Jaime Cidro surprised “We explain why we give our land curated WAG’s largest exhibition Trimbee with a beautiful acknowledgment, the meaning of of contemporary Indigenous blue stole, adorned with the sash, and the tassels. These confidence & art, the popular INSURGENCE/ bright Manitoba flowers are subtle ways of inclusion that RESURGENCE, a groundbreaking and sacred plants which are important to us.” Stoles are exhibit focused on leading and represent the territory, now an option for all Indigenous emerging Indigenous artists Trimbee’s Métis heritage, graduating students, created by team approach from across Canada. and her family. The stole Anishinaabe designer Destiny was designed by Ryan “I think UWinnipeg is seen as a Seymour. Convocation also and Shannon Gustafson leader in Indigenization across features a star blanket photo with input from Jarita the country. We are known as a booth, and a new podium that will serve and Angeline Nelson. community-oriented university reflective of Indigenous design. Ryan and Shannon are with lots of opportunities for high Anishinaabe and often calibre scholarship,” says Nagam. For outgoing Chancellor Bob Silver, Dr. Annette Trimbee’s six deliver workshops at the University For Andrea McCluskey, the years as UWinnipeg’s President the University. smaller things also matter. She and Vice-Chancellor is best is the welcoming presence that characterized this way: oversees the Aboriginal Student very well. Services Centre, a home away “She brought a confidence, and from home for First Nations, a team approach to UWinnipeg Métis, and Inuit students. that will serve the University very well going forward.” Did you know?

The podium is crafted from reclaimed Manitoba oak representing the importance of the land we stand on, carved with four rivers symbolizing how water binds us all together, and inlaid with ” copper designs to honour Image 01. the history of Indigenous Entering Spring Convocation peoples in Manitoba. wearing Métis stole, 2018 18 | The University of Winnipeg

Q You have had many memorable moments At a special meeting on June 24, 2014, and days during your tenure. What are the The University of Winnipeg’s Board IN HER few that really stand out for you, that you of Regents unanimously appointed will most cherish? Dr. Annette Trimbee as the seventh President and Vice-Chancellor. She was A June 2, 2015 stands out for me. That was reappointed in 2018 for a second term. OWN WORDS the release of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission report, and it was live-streamed She grew up in Transcona and in Riddell Hall. That was such a privilege to graduated with a science degree from gather to share that event and the hope that UWinnipeg in 1977. She would go came from that moment. The people in that on to complete a Master of Science Q I picture you as 19-year-old Annette before in my working adult life did anyone care room, students, faculty staff, the community, at the University of Manitoba, and a strolling across the UWinnipeg campus where I went to elementary school. I was so people of all backgrounds and ages — the PhD at McMaster University in aquatic on your way to a lab, not knowing of happy to share that I attended Wayoata school shared interest in what was happening and ecology, and was a postdoctoral fellow course that one day you will be running with Nick Martin, the Winnipeg Free Press the significance of what was to come. (Now at the where she this place. What advice would you give education reporter at the time. Senator) Murray Sinclair is from Winnipeg researched algae and the nutrient that young woman? Being a university President is a bit Iike being and Winnipeg is such a special place in Canada dynamic of lakes. I absolutely loved being a student at both a Cabinet Minister without a Cabinet and in terms of reconciliation. It felt like we were A Previously, Dr. Trimbee served as UWinnipeg. I loved the lectures, the labs, a Deputy Minister without a department. In the in the right place. Our Senate approval of the Deputy Minister of several departments studying in the library, the opportunity to do role, you have to balance diverse perspectives, student-led initiative to create a mandatory in the Alberta government, including research with my genetics professor and even internally and externally. Or put another Indigenous Course Requirement for all our Finance and Treasury Board, and exams. But I did have doubts about whether I way, I have multiple constituents, governors undergraduates happened shortly after the Advanced Education and Technology. really belonged. I admired Wesley Hall but had and funders, dare I say bosses to serve. Even release of the TRC Calls to Action. Dr. Trimbee currently serves on the never ventured inside when I was a student an obvious statement like “students first” When we talk about Indigenization we can board of Universities Canada, the voice here. I thought the castle was for other people. can get complicated as I need to think about look at various places along a continuum. of Canadian universities at home and So I would say to that young woman: “You serving future as well as current students. I It begins with inclusion and then the next abroad, and is the board of directors’ do belong here. You have the talent to be an report to a 35 member board, chair a 70 plus level is reconciliation and then the next level Chair for USports, which oversees academic and being an academic does not member Senate, get advice from an Indigenous is decolonization. Inclusion is “please come sports at 56 Canadian universities, mean you need to change the essence of who Advisory Circle and serve on the board of the and feel welcome here”. Reconciliation is as well as for the Canadian Research you are.” It means a lot to me that my mother UWinnipeg Foundation. “please come and feel welcome here” and Knowledge Network (CRKN), which is used to say, in her later years, that one of the there is a willingness to include more than a partnership of Canadian universities things she was most proud of me for, was that I had big shoes to fill following Dr. Lloyd one way of knowing and seeing the world. dedicated to expanding digital content even though I had a PhD, I could still talk to Axworthy, and to boot I was an atypical hire And decolonization is about processes and for the academic research and teaching anybody and make them feel comfortable. who had not spent decades working as a faculty member. I am so very grateful that I was decision making. For example we have enterprise in Canada. In August 2020, accepted and allowed to lead. a strong partnership with the Manitoba Dr. Trimbee will become the new Métis Federation to support Métis students, President and Vice-Chancellor at Q Over the course of six years as President, What surprised me was how joyful a role scholarship and research. What I like about Edmonton’s MacEwan University. what surprised you about this job? it is. There is a saying that “the cause and our partnership is that it includes doing policy the company are great”. What an honour to research to questions that the MMF has, so it A My former role was as a Deputy Minister and spend time with incredibly gifted students, is not us deciding what questions are relevant, I often get asked how the two roles compare. faculty and staff at an institution with such it is the other way around. I see that as a What surprised me early in my tenure as a a strong sense of purpose. I love the rituals, decolonized relationship. university President was how much more celebrations, the convocations. political and public a role it is. I joke that never Dr. Annette Trimbee — A legacy of impact | 21

The Board of Regents approval of our the University of Manitoba on more than strategic directions meant a lot to me because one occasion… a little crosstown competition it revealed the next steps for the University is a good thing! going forward. We built on Lloyd Axworthy’s legacy, and the Board, faculty, and staff Every Convocation is so special, as are embraced it wholeheartedly. It’s not just a Convocation dinners, and our Spring Feast document sitting on a shelf. I think most and graduation Pow Wow honouring the faculty could actually name our five strategic hard work of our students and faculty. directions. So it has relevance. I was especially happy to be here for UWinnipeg’s 50th anniversary (in 2017), The opening of Leatherdale Hall and Tony’s and the spectacular dinner in Convocation Canteen is a wonderful new attachment to an Hall where we had such a warm and intimate old building (Wesley Hall), fully paid for by evening. And then we had the “Party Like generous donors and philanthropic support. it is 1967,” and that was so much fun dancing I walk through there daily and I see how much with (alumnus) Rocky Rolletti performing. students use that space and interact with one another. The Collegiate is an important part of My favourite place on campus is Convocation UWinnipeg’s community. My favourite lunch Hall because it has a certain energy that I at Tony’s Canteen is soup! feel when I walk into that space. It is grand. I bumped into (actor) Christopher Walken Merchant’s Corner, UWinnipeg’s satellite filming a movie in Convocation Hall. It looks campus located on Selkirk Avenue, is an so colonial and yet the room was full of people impossible idea that got done because of the from diverse backgrounds, all from Winnipeg. incredible tenacity of champions within the It struck me in that moment that I am leading community and UWinnipeg. I arrived at the a university that started as a colonial institution right time to see that project come to fruition, but is also in a city with a lot of diversity. which adds so many opportunities for students In Convocation Hall, memories seem to and youth in the North End. ooze from the walls.

I am very proud of our strong collaborations with other post-secondaries, industry, and Q When you returned to Manitoba in 2014 the Manitoba Business Council, which has you spoke about wanting to explore your resulted in innovative ways of thinking about own Métis roots and history. What has how to best meet the needs of students and that journey been like for you? employers, and the role we play in the future of our province. We are also really engaged in A Very rewarding. My first year back, I attended what we call knowledge mobilization, moving parts of an evening course on Métis history the expertise of our researchers out into the and culture taught by Sharon Parenteau and community for the benefit of all (details on elder Myra Laramee on campus and like for pages 12 and 13). many other students in the class, it was an awakening. It helped me understand my I love university sports and our Wesmen father’s choice to downplay, even deny his athletes, I think they embody student Métis heritage. I am now an official member excellence. The Duckworth Challenge is of the Manitoba Métis Federation and a proud delightful because it has a long history, and Métis citizen. I was pretty thrilled when I found I was pleased that during my time we beat

Image 01. Dancing at the “Party like it is 1967” to commemorate UW’s 50th 01. anniversary, 2017 (photo credit: Ruth Bonneville,Winnipeg Free Press) 22 | The University of Winnipeg Dr. Annette Trimbee — A legacy of impact | 23

the future. I often get asked by employers if our students will be ready for the future of work. I like to turn that around and say where do you think these disruptions — whether in technology or ways of thinking, come from? Will you be ready for our graduates?

Our faculty are talented educators and researchers who also serve the public good in ways that often go unrecognized. The research

enterprise has grown significantly over the last five years and we 02. now have eight Canada Research Chairs. Our contributions to city building , environmental and social issues are well known. What is lesser known and needs to be celebrated are the very significant Annette Trimbee has contributions to fundamental science and emerging fields such as a strong partner in her precision agriculture. corner. Her husband, Our faculty and support staff are top notch, dedicated and very agile Kevin, who put his career as demonstrated by recent events and their willingness to do what as a flight paramedic on just weeks ago was unimaginable, and finish the winter term using hold in 2014 to come alternate delivery methods. to Manitoba, is a visible and active participant UWinnipeg has changed a lot since my time here as an undergraduate 01. in campus life. Dr. John — more students, faculties and buildings but what is constant is Bulman is Chancellor that UWinnipeg offers a life-changing experience, an experience Emeritus, and the recently based on relationships. retired secretary of the an academic paper on the Métis community Q How would you describe UWinnipeg as it Foundation, with more Pointe a Grouette, which eventually became is today, and the impact our faculty, staff, than 50 years of dedicated St. Agathe. It includes very detailed information students and alumni have in our province Q Is there anything else you would like to reflect upon service to UWinnipeg. on my memere’s family, apparently her and beyond? relating to your time at The University of Winnipeg? grandfather was the mover and shaker in the “ Kevin is a real caretaker, A I would say UWinnipeg is relevant and will play town that started a school. But that’s all history. A I am blown away by how accepting the UWinnipeg community a very helpful person,” an incredibly significant role in Manitoba’s What is most rewarding for me is seeing has been and the many remarkable people I have gotten to know. said Bulman. “His support recovery, what some are calling a reset or a growing numbers of First Nation, Métis, and I want to specifically acknowledge the sage advice I have gotten of Annette is very reboot, from COVID-19. Inuit students enrol and succeed at UWinnipeg from our fantastic Chancellor Bob Silver, and thank the Board important. She was under and our policy research partnership with the UWinnipeg has been graduating leaders of Regents Chairs I have worked with — Eric Johnstone, Albina a lot of pressure and he is Manitoba Métis Federation. for more than 50 years. Our alumni are Morin, and Rohith Mascarenha. And I must single out John very encouraging and that everywhere in this city — prominent writers Bulman, who is in his 90s and still coming to our Convocations, helps her do her job. and storytellers, researchers, educators, artists, full of joy and positivity. Kevin has been a real Q What impact do you think it has for our accountants, athletic therapists, doctors, part of the University, The senior executive team has been incredible, as are my staff, broader community to see First Nations politicians, business owners, public servants. we will miss him very and that is true of all the faculty and staff who are so dedicated and Métis women in leadership positions? And in other Canadian cities too. I sometimes much. My wife Laureen to our students. I feel very good about the capacity of the start public speaking engagements by asking and I have so enjoyed A Hugely important, we have a long way to go. I UWinnipeg community. people in the audience if they or members of our association with still suffer some days from imposter syndrome, their family had attended UWinnipeg and a both Kevin and Annette.” in particular when the people I am with start whole lot of hands usually go up. talking about their parents’ and grandparents’ academic pedigrees and appointments. I care Our graduates have learned how to learn, as much about how I get things done as what I are resilient, and they get jobs. Our graduates get done. I think that is true of many leaders, successfully compete for entry into medical Image 01. in particular women and in particular First Marching with UWinnipeg in the and other professional and graduate programs. Winnipeg Pride Parade, 2018 Nations and Métis women. Our graduates are innovators that are changing Image 02. Kevin and Annette Trimbee, 2017 REFLECTIONS

“ One time I was waiting to write an exam “ Annette is one of the most intelligent and so I went to the RecPlex to pace for a few capable leaders I have ever worked with. minutes. Dr. Trimbee saw me and asked The thing that separates her is the quality if I was okay and then she reassured me by of thought and dedication she applies saying you have worked really hard, you to her work and her expectation that will be just fine. It is that personal touch, others do the same. Whether preparing her taking the time to make that personal for a meeting, developing a report for connection that I was very fortunate to the province or our governance bodies, experience. That is the kind of leadership preparing for convocation or responding I would like to portray as I move forward to a student email, the question isn’t if it’s in my career.” good enough; the question is if it’s ready. Annette inspires all of us to be better and to work harder. She has changed the Evan Podaima culture at UWinnipeg for the better and Graduate, Faculty of Business and Economics (2017), has shown us what leadership excellence currently studying law at the University of Manitoba looks like, both in pursuit of our academic mission and in providing service to all the people who make up our beautiful, inclusive, and diverse community.”

Chris Minaker Senior Executive Officer, External Engagement, The University of Winnipeg

Image 01. Shaking hands with Mayor Brian Bowman 01. at launch of Duckworth Classic, 2019 uwinnipeg.ca