Administration
Rick Fehr, Director
Rick Fehr has been involved with Indigenous Education for more than twenty-years. As a non-Indigenous ally, Rick dedicates his life to enhancing the academic journey of Indigenous learners.
Originally from Wallaceburg, Ontario, Rick recognizes the land he was raised on as Treaty no. 7 land, also known as the Chenail Ecarté Tract. These lands were to be settled by the Anishinaabeg and other Indigenous allies.
He has been an Educational Development Officer for the Anishinabek Educational Institute, he developed a summer transitional program for Indigenous students at Nipissing University, and he was a former Acting Director of Indigenous Studies at Western.
Rick is married to Dr. Renee Bedard, an Anishinaabe-kwe scholar at Western, and he has two daughters, Willow and Juniper. He earned his undergraduate degree in Native Studies from Trent University and has a PhD in Environmental Studies from York University.
As the Acting Director, Rick’s goal is to create academic programming that serves Indigenous communities and responds in a meaningful way to the recommendations in the Truth and Reconciliation Commissions 94 calls to action.
Rick can be found in room 3209 (just around the corner from the Indigenous Studies main office), or contacted by e-mail at rfehr@uwo.ca.
Charlie MacDonald, Program Assistant
Charlie is a settler, who was born and raised in Anishinabek Territory. She is a mother of one son (Mason, 11), and a dog (Willow). Charlie has worked at Western University for 15 years.
Charlie wishes to educate herself and those around her about the history and ongoing issues that impact Indigenous community. Through her work in Indigenous Studies, she hopes to support action and responsibility for her personal role with reconciliation.
In Indigenous Studies, Charlie is the academic advisor, first point of contact for students, faculty and staff. She provides office administration, including management of the budget allocations, making and tracking faculty appointment and organizing special events. She works closely with the Director and with the students in Indigenous Studies program.
Charlie brings a wealth of experience and empathy to this role, and she looks forward to supporting you.
Charlie can be reached at 519-661-2111 Ext. 86429 or by email at Charlie.macdonald@uwo.ca. Her office is located in Social Sciences Centre, Room 3207.
