Melanie Belmore is an Anishinaabe member of Whitesand First Nation in Northwestern Ontario. She holds a four-year Bachelor of Arts (double major in Aboriginal & Northern Studies and English) from University College of the North and a Master of Arts in English from Lakehead University. With 12 years at UCN, Melanie has served in Enrolment Services, the Faculty of Arts, Business, and Science, and Academic Development. She is currently Associate Dean of Mihcet Meskanawah Teaching and Learning. Passionate about student success, Melanie empowers learners to build confidence and academic independence.
Lorie Henderson
University College of the North
Lorie Henderson is the Dean of Students at the University College of the North. Prior to taking on the role in January 2026, she was an instructor for the Kenanow Bachelor of Education program. Lorie has 30 years of K-12 public school education experience with the last 15 years as the Co-Superintendent for the School District of Mystery Lake in Thompson. Her portfolio was Educational Services and Programming with an emphasis on Indigenous inclusion and equity for students, staff and community. She held membership on several provincial councils including the Manitoba Association of School Superintendents, Manitoba’s Premier Advisory Council, Community Schools Advisory Committee and the Indigenous Education Directorate Advisory Council. She holds two master’s degrees in education, is a member of the Opaskwayak Cree Nation and is a proud northern Manitoban. Her most precious gifts are her five grandchildren.