Dr. Annette Trimbee

Growing up in a family of eight in Transcona, Dr. Annette Trimbee never imagined she would attend The University of Winnipeg, go on to obtain a PhD in Biology, and come back to campus to lead as President one day. However, she did all that, and more.

Although her Métis grandmother had a huge influence on her, Trimbee says that like many kids growing up in 1960s Winnipeg, she was confused about her heritage. Today that’s different. All undergraduate students at UWinnipeg now have access to increased knowledge about First Nations, Métis and Inuit identity and traditions.

With Trimbee’s support, and the leadership of the University of Winnipeg Students’ Association, UWinnipeg is leading the country by introducing the Indigenous Course Requirement in 2016 — integrating Indigenous perspectives and knowledge into the academy and fulfilling a key recommendation from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada.

Throughout her career as a deputy minister in Alberta, Trimbee helped shape major policy decisions in areas ranging from finance to health to advanced education and technology. She led collaborative teams and focused on the art of the possible. It is a pragmatic and inclusionary talent that translates well to running a diverse and multi-faceted place like UWinnipeg.

She holds a Bachelor of Science from UWinnipeg, a Master of Science from the University of Manitoba, and a PhD from McMaster University in ecology. Trimbee assumed the role of President and Vice-Chancellor at UWinnipeg on August 1, 2014.

“The decision to go to university is more than a practical one. It is a decision of the heart, especially for students that come from families where going to university is not yet a tradition and where going to university can distance you, geographically and emotionally. UWinnipeg gets this and creates a community environment. Time spent at UWinnipeg is life changing” – Dr. Annette Trimbee