معرفی
Denise Baxter serves as the Vice-Provost of Indigenous Initiatives at Lakehead University, a position she assumed on October 30, 2017. Additionally, she holds a sessional or contract role in Indigenous Learning, where she co-instructs the Principal Qualification Program. As a member of Marten Falls First Nation, she actively preserves cultural traditions and ceremonies, which informs her work in building relationships with Indigenous communities.
Her educational background includes completing her PhD in Equity and Indigenous Education at York University, with master's research focused on building relationships with Indigenous parents and caregivers. This research led to the creation of "Aboriginal Presence In our Schools – A Cultural Resource for Staff", adopted by several public and Catholic school boards across Ontario.
Baxter's research interests are deeply rooted in Indigenous Education, Decolonizing Education, Equity in Education, Indigenous Community Engagement, Educational Leadership, and School Improvement. Her work has significantly impacted educational outcomes in marginalized communities, including achieving the highest provincial assessment scores in a high-need inner-city school and fostering collaborative inquiries between English and French Immersion students.
In her administrative and community roles, she has managed a budget exceeding one million dollars for Adult and Continuing Education, resulting in the opening of four new sites and an annual expansion of 600K. Her mentorship in First Nations communities under the Paul Martin Initiative led to exceptional results in provincial assessments, surpassing the 75% standard.
