معرفی
Brenda Vellino serves as an Associate Professor of English at Carleton University's Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, cross-appointed to the Human Rights and Social Justice program within the Institute of Interdisciplinary Studies. Her scholarship bridges literary studies, Indigenous resurgence, and human rights advocacy through cultural production on unceded Algonquin territory, where she actively contributes to decolonial academic frameworks.
Her academic foundation includes:
- B.A. Honours from Evangel College
- M.A. from Northeastern University
- Ph.D. from Western University
Dr. Vellino's research centers on Indigenous–Settler Relations, Contemporary Indigenous Literatures and Cultures, and environmental humanities, examining how poetry and theatre function as performative interventions in social justice. Her current projects address MMIWG2S honouring practices, Indigenous counter-genocidal theatre, and ecological justice through story mapping and kinship restoration, reflecting deep engagement with Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action.
Her publications reveal consistent thematic evolution toward Indigenous sovereignty and resurgence, analyzing how cultural forms like Marie Clements' theatre and Leanne Simpson's storytelling challenge settler colonial narratives while advancing ecological and social justice. This trajectory demonstrates increasing focus on land-based methodologies and Indigenous women's leadership.
She has received significant recognition:
- Carleton University Teaching Award (2020)
- CURO Development Grant (2013-2015)
- SSHRC 4A Grants (2006-2007, 2008-2009)
Dr. Vellino has supervised numerous graduate students including PhD candidates Hong Nguyen-Sears (ongoing, Queer Games Studies), Steve McLeod (2019, Indigenous-non-Indigenous relationship analyses), and Sarah Waisvisz (2014, Dissident Diasporas), alongside Master's students researching Canadian poetry and fiction. Her collaborative projects with scholars like Sarah Waisvisz advance redress theatre methodologies.
As a core member of CIRICLE (Centre for Indigenous Research, Culture, Language, and Education), she develops ethical research frameworks with Indigenous communities, emphasizing place-based relationships and embodied sovereignty in academic practice.
