ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ

Dominique Clément

Professor & Chair, Department of Sociology

Dominique Clément is one of Canada’s leading experts on human rights and the nonprofit sector and is an advocate for access, community, and belonging. His commitment to community research is exemplified by his collaborations with NGOs to advocate for reforms to human rights law, his leadership role in the development of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, and his dedication to assisting immigrant-serving agencies including the development of training programs that assist 2SLGBTQIA+ newcomers. While Dominique serves on the boards of numerous nonprofit organizations across Canada, his work goes far beyond his duties to the university and involves an immense personal commitment of time and energy. The impact of Dominique’s work is also felt on government policy and public education. He has twice consulted for the Canadian Human Rights Commission and was recently invited to testify before the Senate Committee on Human Rights to discuss anti-Black racism. As a leader in human rights education, Dominique has made numerous contributions to federal and provincial human rights commissions’ education programs throughout Canada. Dominique has spent his entire career translating academic research into community engagement. As an undergraduate student and disability rights advocate, he raised funds for new labs and building renovations; as a graduate student he advocated for accessible campuses and equity in funding; and now, as a professor, he is an unwavering advocate for human rights. 

Trina Harrison

Program Lead, Indigenous Community & Partner Engagement, Alumni Relations

Trina Harrison is described by her Indigenous peers as one who lives the very definition of wahkohtowin - a Cree word that speaks to honouring and acknowledging connectedness in every interaction. For almost two decades, Trina has been a driving force behind building a sense of community amongst the Indigenous students, staff, faculty, and alumni at Augustana Campus. Notable accomplishments include supporting the development and launch of the Certificate in Building Capacity for Reconciliation; planning an honouring ceremony for Indigenous alumni at the 2011 Round Dance and being part of the team that coordinated subsequent Round Dances in 2019 and 2024; liaising with Elders and Knowledge Keepers to raise the tipi at Augustana; and launching the Indigenous Speakers Series. Recently, Trina partnered with the Maskwacîs Education Schools Commission to bring the Indigenous Speaker Series to Maskwacîs where students could learn from world-leading Indigenous scholars, entertainers and writers. As part of her current role, Trina sits with the Indigenous Alumni Advisory Circle where she ensures that Indigenous alumni feel connected and valued within the university. Trina is always present, ready to listen, and willing to connect. She draws on her perseverance, fearlessness, and vision as she guides the U of A towards stronger, more positive relationships with Indigenous people and communities.

Energy Explorers

In a time when conversations about our environment are socially and politically-charged, Energy Explorers are in the community acting as fierce ambassadors for a sustainable, cooperative, and positive energy future. Energy Explorers is composed of graduate students, research associates, and postdoctoral fellows from the faculties across campus. Since 2022, they have shared their knowledge on energy and climate change with over 50,000 members of the ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ community. Representing the U of A, the Explorers partnered with the TELUS World of Science - Edmonton where, in 2024 alone, they made over 50 visits, offering demos and interacting with visitors. They have also hosted booths at Edmonton’s K-Days festival and Canada’s nation-wide Science Rendezvous. In partnership with the Edmonton Public School Board and Inside Education, Explorers have participated in student-focused conferences and teacher professional development days. The popularity of these sessions has led to repeated invitations from educators across the province. In 2024, Explorers presented to MLAs from ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ’s UCP caucus and were able to sign a partnership with the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers that will support Energy Explorer events through 2026. Over the last three years, the Energy Explorers have engaged with members of the community, government, and industry, helping them understand the groundbreaking research taking place at the U of A and answering questions about ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ’s energy future.

Maskwacîs Education Schools Commission 

Curriculum Development Team

Maskwacîs Education Schools Commission (MESC) is the culmination of an ambitious project to unite four Cree First Nations in ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ under a single educational authority. Since its inception in 2022, the MESC Curriculum Development Team has organized nine Indigenous-led workshops at the ºÚÁϲ»´òìÈ’s Augustana Campus providing an invaluable opportunity for U of A students to engage with Indigenous worldviews, histories, and cultural practices. Not only has the MESC Curriculum Development Team shared their knowledge and lived experiences with the U of A community, they also take thoughtful care of the reciprocal relationships that have been formed between members of the Augustana campus community and Maskwacîs. Their efforts are not just educational in nature; they are also deeply impactful in terms of community engagement and decolonizing higher education. The team’s work in bringing Indigenous voices, stories, and teachings into the academic fold helps to challenge conventional narratives that have long dominated university curricula. What the MESC curriculum team is doing at the U of A is a powerful example of honour and respect, leading the way to build a relationship that opens doors for the U of A to exemplify practical and tangible approaches to reconciliation through community networking built around reciprocity and mutual respect.