Since 2017, Denise Baxter has been the Vice Provost of Indigenous Initiatives at Lakehead University. She is currently completing her PhD in Equity and Indigenous Education at York University.

With nearly 30 years of experience in education, Baxter is a leader in the community, where she works to establish and strengthen relationships with Indigenous communities and governments, and build capacity between Indigenous, public, and private partners. As a Marten Falls First Nation member, Baxter believes in preserving and practicing cultural traditions and ceremonies to help stay connected to the community.

Baxter is currently serving a two-year term as a community representative on the Thunder Bay Police Services Board Governance Committee.