Lakehead University’s In Conversation series returning to the Thunder Bay Public Library
Oct. 1, 2014 – Thunder Bay, ON
Lakehead University’s In Conversation speaker series returns to the Thunder Bay Public Library this year with talks scheduled from October until April.
Experts from Lakehead University will give free presentations about dementia, Aboriginal People’s legal rights, climate change, Indigenous children and adoption, and the development of Lakehead University during its first 50 years.
“In Conversation introduces the general public to the world of academia,” said Barb Philp, Head of Adult Services at the Thunder Bay Public Library. “We’re excited that In Conversation is returning for a second year.”
Lakehead President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Brian Stevenson said this is an excellent opportunity for the community to learn more about interesting topics presented by members of the university faculty.
“The In Conversation series is an exceptional way for our community and University to come together; where faculty can share knowledge and anyone is free to ask questions about a wide variety of subjects and issues,” says Dr. Stevenson. “I have no doubt that this year’s In Conversation speakers will be as successful as last year.”
The free presentations will be held on the days, times and locations below:
What I’ve Learned from People Living with Dementia
Presenter: Dr. Elaine Wiersma, Department of Health Sciences
Saturday, Oct. 4, 2014
Mary J.L. Black Branch Library – 901 S. Edward St.
2-4 pm
People living with dementia often are stigmatized, avoided, and defined solely by their diagnosis of dementia. But in fact, when we see beyond labels and stigma, people living with dementia have significant contributions to make. This presentation will focus on what Professor Elaine Wiersma and her research team have learned from people living with dementia.
Should Aboriginal Peoples have Special Legal Rights?
Presenter: Professor Karen Drake, Faculty of Law
Saturday, Oct. 25, 2014
Waverley Resource Library – 285 Red River Rd.
2-4 pm
Many Canadians wonder why Aboriginal peoples have special legal rights that are not available to other Canadians. They believe equality requires one law for all. In her talk, Professor Karen Drake will show why the history of colonialism still matters today and why true equality requires that Aboriginal peoples be entitled to special legal rights.
Climate Change: Is Thunder Bay Ready?
Presenter: Professor Jason MacLean, Faculty of Law
Saturday, Nov. 15, 2014
Waverley Resource Library - 285 Red River Rd.
2-4 pm
What does climate change hold in store for Thunder Bay? Will climate change be a boon for Thunder Bay, or does it pose very serious risks to the community? And if so, what are those risks, and how will Thunder Bay adapt and respond? In his talk, Professor Jason MacLean will discuss the critical importance of local community participation in environmental protection and climate change adaptation.
Indigenous Children and Adoption
Presenter: Dr. Lori Chambers, Department of Women’s Studies
Saturday, Jan. 24, 2015
Waverley Resource Library - 285 Red River Rd.
2-4 pm
The formal adoption of Indigenous children by white families, which came to be known as the “sixties scoop,” is an emotional issue that has given rise to a class action suit in Ontario challenging the legality of adoptions between 1965 and 1984. In this talk, Professor Lori Chambers will review recent history and shed light on some of the main issues surrounding indigenous children and adoption.
Celebrating 50 Years: The Development of Lakehead University
Presenter: Professor Peter Raffo, Department of History
Saturday, April 18, 2015
Mary J.L. Black Branch Library - 901 S. Edward St.
2-4 pm
Lakehead’s motto “Achievement through Effort” is encapsulated in this discussion by Professor Peter Raffo as he leads the audience through some of the major milestones of the institution. Find out why the Lakehead Technical Institute was established in the 1940s, how it evolved into a university in 1965, and some of the challenges it has faced in becoming an innovative comprehensive university.
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Media: For more information or to arrange interviews, please contact Brandon Walker, Media Relations Officer, at (807) 343-8177, or mediarelations@lakeheadu.ca.
In 2015, Lakehead University will celebrate 50 years of exceptional education. Guided by a new Strategic Plan (2013-2018), our University is known for providing an education focused on independent thinking, unconventional scholarship, and a close sense of community. About 9,700 students and 2,000 faculty and staff learn and work in ten faculties at two campuses, in Orillia and Thunder Bay, Ontario. Lakehead University is a fully comprehensive university: home to Ontario’s first new Faculty of Law in 44 years, the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, and Faculties of Engineering, Business Administration, Health and Behavioural Sciences, Social Sciences and Humanities, Science and Environmental Studies, Natural Resources Management, Education and Graduate Studies. Lakehead is among Canada’s Top 10 undergraduate universities (2014 Maclean’s University Rankings), as well as 1st in Ontario and 2nd in Canada for its innovative research (Re$earch Infosource). Visit http://www.lakeheadu.ca.