Kelly Harrison

Moncton, New Brunswick
Ph.D. in Indigenous Studies
Kelly Harrison is the first non-Aboriginal woman to graduate with a Ph.D. in Indigenous Studies. Her research was on Indigenous knowledge and storytelling on APTN.

Why did you choose Trent?

Trent had the only PhD program of its kind in Canada at the time.

How would you describe yourself? How would others describe you? What are your passions in life?

I would like to think that others describe me as a kind and funny person --- funny ha ha and not funny strange although I am sure that there are some who might find that I fit in both categories!

Have you been involved in any clubs, groups, and/or sports at Trent? If so, which ones?

During my time at Trent, I was involved in many departmental administrative committees and was the chair of the In.Visible Aboriginal Arts Workshops, the Chair of the Cinema Creation and Conversation film Festival and the Chair of the TALKS Program (Trent’s Aboriginal Learning & Knowledge Seminars).

Where did you complete your undergrad/other graduate work?

BA 1999 Saint Thomas University (Fredericton)
MA 2000 Wilfrid Laurier University (Waterloo)

Describe your graduate studies research? Which faculty members did you work with?

My PhD dissertation is titled You’ll Never Believe What Happened: Indigenous Knowledge, Storytelling and the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network.  My supervisory team was lead by Dr Mark Dockstator, David Newhouse and Gordon Johnston.

What has your time at Trent meant to you? What are some of your favourite memories? What will you take with you from Trent?

The most interesting things about being at Trent are the people.  The memories that you  make with the people on Campus during your time in Peterborough are supplemented by the other people you meet in life who have also been associated with Trent.  The reach that such a small school has is pretty phenomenal.

What are your future plans and aspirations? What do you hope to accomplish?

I hope to continue with the work that I have started at Trent.  As the first non-Indigenous woman graduating from the PhD in Indigenous Studies Program, I have a lot to share with others but I also still have a lot to learn.  My goal is to give back the gifts I have been blessed with to the community, both Indigenous and otherwise.