We are excited to announce a new member to our Network! Dr. Melissa Tremblay, a longstanding expert in the field of FASD, has accepted the position of CanFASD’s Indigenous Liaison.

This is a new position, designed to assist our organization in meeting our commitment to Indigenous partnerships, reconciliatory research and action. CanFASD is committed to aligning our research priorities and actions with those guided by the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and Truth & Reconciliation Calls to Action.

The role of the Indigenous Liasion is to provide perspective to develop inclusive FASD research projects and to manage research data with Indigenous stakeholders. This role is highly collaborative. With her ability to connect and build relationships with individuals and organizations, Dr. Tremblay will be a great asset to our team in this position.

Dr. Melissa Tremblay is a member of the Métis Nation of Alberta and was born and raised in rural Alberta. Melissa is a Registered Psychologist in the province of Alberta, and an Assistant Professor in both the School and Clinical Child Psychology Program and the Counselling Psychology Program at the University of Alberta. As the mother of three young children, Melissa is acutely aware of the need to strengthen opportunities for Indigenous children and youth to deepen understandings of their cultures and histories.

With her earliest frontline work in the area of forensic counselling, Melissa has a long-standing interest in walking alongside structurally marginalized young people on their journeys toward health and wellness. Her research work takes a relational, community-based participatory approach and has allowed her the privilege of working in partnership with Indigenous peoples, communities, schools, and agencies across the country. Melissa’s work also maintains a strong focus on advocating for transformative, community-grounded approaches to supporting Indigenous children, youth, and families to access their strengths and wisdom.

Please join us in welcoming Dr. Tremblay to the CanFASD Network!

Dr. Melissa Tremblay, Indigenous Liaison, Canada FASD Research Network