She is Cree-Anishinabe and a member of the Sagkeeng First Nation in Manitoba, Canada. She is an Associate Professor in the Department of Indigenous Studies. Her research includes Indigenous language rights, linguicide and the legacy of the residential schools. Since 2003, Dr. Fontaine has been an advocate for Indigenous Residential School Survivors as well as their descendants. She was a task force member and contributor to the Assembly of First Nations’ Report on Canada's Dispute Resolution Plan to compensate for abuses in Indian Residential Schools. Dr. Fontaine also acted as a legal consultant to the Toronto law firm Thomson Rogers in a National Class Action on Indigenous Residential Schools.