She is a Trudeau Scholar and received her L.L.M. from the University of Toronto where she is currently working on her S.J.D.. Kennedy is an Ojibwe Marten Clan woman from Roseau River Anishinabe First Nation and a first degree Midewiwin of the Three Fires Lodge. Her recent research in oral history and culture explores the Shinwauk Covenant, the World Indigenous Nations Higher Education and elementary treaty education in Manitoba. Dawnis is also an active participant in the Mother Earth Water Walk and is the main contact person for the Western portion of the Water Walk.