Howard Munroe
Biography
Howard Munroe, Red River Métis from Winnipeg, Manitoba, is an Assistant Professor in Industrial Design at the Ontario College of Art and Design University. He holds a Master’s degree in Urban Aboriginal Education from York University, a Bachelor in Technological Education from Brock University, a Bachelor in Industrial Design from the Ontario College of Art and Design University (Distinction) and a 3-year advanced Diploma in Furniture Design from Sheridan College.
His academic research focuses on introducing Indigenous ways of knowing into current Industrial Design research pedagogies to help establish protocols that inform systems, sustainability and manufacturing processes. Using an urban Indigenous lens, he explores how Indigenous knowledge can foster productive relationships between Indigenous peoples and the design community by introducing research methodologies that are bounded by Indigenous guidelines and protocols. He uses this approach in education to continually explore how Indigenous design principles can inform the constructs of design curriculum and how it is delivered.
In practice, Howard has lectured to Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada on Innovation, Indigenization and Appropriation and sits on the Indigenous advisory council to the Toronto District School board. His Industrial Design practice focuses on designing custom furniture, lighting and custom designed projects for the home and is a self-taught luthier. Prior to academia, Howard was well established in the performing arts as a lighting designer, technical director, project manager and set fabricator for many major theatrical, television, dance, display and film projects and continues to consult in these industries.