Dr. Brenda Macdougall, a leading expert in the history of Métis and First Nations, has been appointed the Chair in Métis Studies at the University of Ottawa.

The Ontario government, through the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities, provided a $3 million endowment to support the establishment of the Chair. The University of Ottawa, selected through an arms-length competition administered by the Council of Ontario Universities (COU), has committed an additional $1 million to the endowment. The work of the Chair will increase our understanding of Métis history, culture, language and current issues in Ontario.

“Dr. Brenda Macdougall brings a wealth of experience and insight to her role as the Chair of Métis Studies at the University of Ottawa. We are proud to support her work. Through her leadership, the University will help ensure that more Ontarians learn about the vibrant Métis culture,” said John Milloy, Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities.

“I am pleased that COU was able to play a role in establishing Ontario’s first Chair in Métis Studies,” said Bonnie M. Patterson, President of COU. “I want to thank the Ontario Research Chairs Selection Panel, chaired by David Strangway, for adjudicating this competition, and the Métis Nation of Ontario for its ongoing support in the process. Congratulations to Dr. Macdougall on her appointment as Chair.”

Before taking up her position as the Chair in Métis Studies, Dr. Macdougall was a professor in the Department of Native Studies at the University of Saskatchewan.

For more information, visit the University of Ottawa’s website at: http://www.media.uottawa.ca/mediaroom/news-details_1901.html.

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