Staff
Director
Nathalie Kermoal, PhD
Dr. Nathalie Kermoal is a proud Breton (a people living on the west coast of France). She is a full professor in the Faculty of Native Studies and a bilingual specialist (French and English) in Canadian history and more specifically in Métis history. She did her MA in contemporary history at the University of Nantes (France) and her PhD in Canadian history at the University of Ottawa. She has published books as well as numerous articles on the Métis, urban Indigenous issues, contemporary Aboriginal art as well as the Calgary School. In 2011-12, she served as interim dean of the Faculty of Native Studies and as acting dean in 2022-23. In 2013 and 2014, she was special advisor on Aboriginal academic programs with the Provost’s Office of the University of Alberta. From 2009 to 2022, Professor Kermoal was the associate dean academic of the Faculty of Native Studies. Since January 2016, she is the director of the Rupertsland Centre for Métis Research.
Administrator
Rhonda Ashmore
With a background in physical therapy, Rhonda returned to further learning and enrolled in Native Studies and History classes in 2020 as an after-degree student. Her decision to return to university has been a significant step in deepening her education on Métis People and her Métis family's connection to Lac Ste. Anne. Over the years, in addition to being a student, she has held different casual positions at the University of Alberta as a grader, a research assistant, and as a teaching assistant. She is a Métis citizen of Alberta and is grateful to be part of the RCMR team. As the RCMR administrator, she continues to learn more about Métis community engagement and enjoys working collaboratively. She believes that supporting the positive work that RCMR is doing is consistent with her values.