Harvey McCue (Waubageshig) '66 (Champlain College)
My journey began at Trent in 1966 when I began year two of what became a four-year degree. The following year I served as the President of the Champlain College Cabinet when several meetings with President Tom Symons early in my term sparked the creation of Canada’s first Indigenous Studies program. That moment shaped my path in Indigenous education and advocacy. Today, I’m deeply honoured to receive the Indspire Lifetime Achievement Award - recognition from Indigenous peers across the country. It’s a humbling milestone that reflects decades of work advancing the well-being and education of Indigenous youth. Trent laid the foundation in 1969, and I’m proud to see its legacy continue through the Chanie Wenjack School. This award is not just mine - it belongs to all who’ve walked this path with me.
Related Class Notes
-
My journey from Trent University rower to chairman of Row Ontario’s Board of Directors reflects a lifelong dedication to the sport. A native of Brockville, Ontario, I began rowing at the Brockville Rowing Club in high school and competed at Trent University, where I earned a Business degree and won medals for Canada at the Under-23 World Championships twice. My experience as an athlete and coach - spanning Brock University, Ridley Graduate Boat Club, St. Catharines Rowing Club, Team Ontario and Rowing Canada - has equipped me with a broad perspective on rowing development and competition.
-
Two years ago, my life expanded when I met Carolee Custus working in an Inuit Art Gallery, we immediately bonded and realized we attended the same high school. We married on June 29, 2024, the first time for either of us. Newlyweds at 55! My milestones since Trent include working for law firms on major Aboriginal Treaty and Title Ligation as Advisor, Researcher, and Database Manager. My graduate work resulted in a settlement of 1.2 billion for Williams Treaties First Nations. Currently, I am a College Professor in Indigenous Studies and Reconciliation and continue my work on Aboriginal Treaty and Title Litigation.
-
Throughout my career, I’m proud to have reached a number of milestones, including being named a Leading Lawyer by both Lexpert and Who's Who Legal as well as most recently being recognized by The Best Lawyers in Canada™ (2025). Since graduating from Trent University, I earned my law degree and have counseled some of Toronto’s major companies as they navigate an ever-evolving employment landscape. The latest step of my professional journey has led me to the world’s largest labour and employment law firm, Littler.
