(November 11, 2010 " Thunder Bay, Ontario) Two researchers from Lakehead University's Centre for Northern Studies, Dr. Martha Dowsley and Dr. Harvey Lemelin, recently attended a workshop proposing to develop a Polar Bear Recovery Strategy in Ontario.

The meeting, held in Timmins from October 28 to 29, was hosted jointly by the Nature Conservancy of Canada and the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. First Nations representatives from communities located along the Hudson and James Bay coasts, agency personnel, and researchers from across Canada were invited to the two-day workshop which aimed to developing a recovery plan for the species which was recently listed as threatened in Ontario. The plan is expected to be released to the public by early next year, with the entire process wrapping up by fall 2011.

The workshop came several months after the release of the research report Giving Voice to Bear: Cree Observations and Documentation of Wabusk in Ontario, co-written and co-published by researchers from the Fort Severn First Nation, the Keewaytinook Okimakanak Research Institute (KORI), and the Centre for Northern Studies at Lakehead Univeristy, as well as a recently accepted journal article by the same research team entitled Wabusk of the Omushkegouk: Cree Interactions with Polar Bears (Ursus maritimus) in the muskeg of Northern Ontario in the interdisciplinary journal of Human Ecology. Both the report and journal publication document Cree knowledge of polar bears in Ontario from multi-disciplinary perspectives.

For Dr. Dowsley, this workshop represented an opportunity to showcase and possibly implement findings from a partner-based, two-year, SSHRC-funded research project of which she is the principal investigator. Alongside Dr. Dowsley, research partners involved in the project include Fort Severn First Nation, KORI, and Dr. Lemelin. Using a Participatory Action Research model, the team is documenting Swampy Cree interactions with polar bears, and historic interactions between the Cree and the Ontario government regarding the species. "Polar bears are one of several species with very high subsistence and cultural value to the people of Fort Severn and Weenusk. The goal of our project is to build capacity in the communities to manage these resources," says Dr. Dowsley.

Dr. Lemelin attended the workshop as a representative of the Fort Severn First Nation and co-investigator on Dr. Dowsley's SSHRC project. The workshop culminated more than a decade of his research which examines human-polar bear interactions in Northern Canada and Northern Ontario. According to Dr. Lemelin, "Instead of inventing a brand-new polar bear management strategy, we now have the chance to build on the proposed Wabusk Co-Management Agreement drafted in the 1990s, which was pro-active and insightful though never ratified. We can now re-examine and update the agreement and incorporate some of the findings and recommendations from the research in Fort Severn and Weenusk," Dr. Lemelin explains.

Director of the Centre for Northern Studies, Dr. Michel S. Beaulieu, notes, "The research by Drs. Dowsley and Lemelin highlights the important and cutting-edge work being done at the Centre for Northern Studies, which contributes substantially to northern communities."

Media: Dr. Dowsley and Dr. Lemelin are available for media interview until 4:00 p.m. today, and Dr. Lemelin can speak to both French and English media. To arrange interviews, please contact them directly at 807-343-8430/mdowsley@lakeheadu.ca, or 807-343-8745/harvey.lemelin@lakeheadu.ca respectively.

About Lakehead
Lakehead is a comprehensive university with a reputation for innovative programs and cutting-edge research. With a main campus located in Thunder Bay, Ontario and a campus in Orillia, Ontario, Lakehead has over 8,280 students and 2,250 faculty and staff, and is home to the west campus of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine. In 2006, Research Infosource Inc. named Lakehead University Canada's Research University of the Year in the undergraduate category. For more information on Lakehead University, visit www.lakeheadu.ca

November is Woman Abuse Prevention Month and a group of students from Lakehead - Orillia's post-degree social work program (HBSW) decided to kick off the month with an Empowerment through Education community project.

The project involved setting up a one-day booth at Georgian Mall to share information about community resources. I met Tess Buchanan and Heather Weinberg, two of the students who initiated the project, at the booth last Friday. They promoted their information service by wearing custom-designed t-shirts that boldly ask the questions "Where can I go?" and "Who can I call?"

Describing themselves as having strong feminist sensibilities, both Buchanan and Weinberg realize that suffering by women in abusive situations is often due to a lack of knowledge about what they can do and where they can go for assistance.

"The most effective way to empower women is to have resources at their fingertips and quick access to information," says Weinberg. "There are so many services out there, so we decided to bring them together for the public," adds Buchanan. "We're offering a one-stop shop for resources."

The student group, which also includes HBSW students Karrie Semple and Melissa Martinson, approached the Simcoe County Violence against Women Coordinating Committee with their idea for the information booth, and the committee couldn't have been more helpful or cooperative. The organization's support enabled the students to set up the booth in the mall under the auspices of the Women and Children's Shelter of Barrie, a member of the Committee.

"We've been amazed at how many people have approached us," exclaims Weinberg. "We have encountered a lot of people who want to tell us their stories and because of our training and skills, we have been able to talk to people in a way that makes them comfortable. "They are happy to realize we don't want a donation; we just want a conversation," says Buchanan, adding that, "we have even had a few men asking questions and picking up some of the literature we have about community services. Empowerment through education is for everyone, including men."

The students' Empowerment through Education project is just one of the community projects initiated by students enrolled in the Social Work program. Working with community agencies is one of the objectives of the program's Macro Social Work course. Created by Lakehead Social Work professor, Dr. Anne-Marie Walsh, the course prepares students for working in the community. As the course name implies, the students learn about how social work fits into the overall wellness of a community. "The Macro course was a fantastic idea," says Program Chair Dr. Susan Scott. "It not only gives our students practical experience, but also benefits the agency and supports a positive, ongoing relationship between the University and the community," she adds.

To complete the Empowerment through Education project, the students will make a presentation to their class, during which they will discuss how the event was organized and the results achieved.

"This has been such a valuable experience. We've learned about the many organizations in the community that provide resources to women and families, and now we can share this information with our classmates," says Buchanan.

Buchanan and Weinberg are quick to express how pleased they both are with the Macro course experience and the entire one-year specialized program. "I think the program has been very well thought-out," says Weinberg. "It covers all areas of the field. We feel like we're ready for whatever job we get."

Both students agree that if one word could describe the program and their experience, it would be inspiration. "I'm inspired by my professors and my classes," says Weinberg. "When I leave, my head is spinning and I can't wait to get out and work."

Scott notes that students from the HBSW program have been involved with dozens of projects with agencies throughout the community. "We have likely touched almost every agency in Orillia," says Scott.

This weekend, Social Work students are involved in Orillia's first Transition Community Fair, which takes place at St. Paul's United Church, in conjunction with the 10,000 Villages Festival Sale. On Friday, November 19, another group of Social Work students will host a 30-Hour Famine event in collaboration with World Vision. The event takes place at the 500 University Avenue campus and will help raise funds to support impoverished children and families all over the world.

Tess Buchanan (left) and Heather Weinberg share community resource information at the Georgian Mall booth they set up as part of their Empowerment through Education school project during Woman Abuse Prevention Month.

Lakehead University's new varsity rowing team recently completed a successful competitive season, including impressive accomplishments at three major regattas.

With only six weeks of training, the six-member Lakehead - Orillia rowing team raced at the Brock Invitational regatta, held at the St. Catharines Henley course on October 16, the Guelph Invitational on October 23, and finally, the Ontario University Athletics (OUA) Championships in St. Catharines on October 29.

"Considering the limited training time, along with the fact that all but one of the rowers were new to the sport, the team did extremely well," says coach Ron Pidgen. "With each regatta experience the crews were closing in on the field. They were able to shave a full minute off their times between the first race at Brock and the second competition in Guelph two weeks later."

Given the limited number of rowers on the team, the crews were faced with entering the more challenging smaller boat categories, namely the double (two-person sculling shell) and the single scull. "Compared to the larger four- and eight-person boats, these shells are the most difficult and unforgiving boats to row," explains Pidgen.

Lakehead University partnered with the Orillia Rowing Club (ORC) in order to offer rowing as a varsity sport to its students. "We couldn't have accomplished this without the Club," says Liz Ross, Lakehead - Orillia's athletics and recreation facilitator. "Ron Pidgen, the ORC coach, has done an amazing job with our athletes and has been instrumental in helping us get started in such a positive way. We have a keen group of athletes, who are excited about continuing to train and are already starting to help recruit additional rowers for next season," adds Ross.

Over the winter, the team will continue to train using indoor rowing machines and will compete in a number of indoor rowing events. Pidgen says he plans to get an earlier start to on-the-water training next year and with a more experienced team, expects continued success. "I'm looking forward to the Lakehead rowers advancing into the finals and challenging the dominant rowing teams in the field."

Varsity rowing is one of the first two varsity sports offered at Lakehead - Orillia. Curling is also underway this fall with women's and men's rinks. Currently, team members have signed on with leagues at the Orillia Curling Club, with the goal of competing at the OUA championships in Guelph, taking place in February 2011.

Lakehead University - Orillia varsity rowing team members (l to r): Lana Johnston, Kala Caley-Neal, Sandra Best, Laura Miles, Chris Viel, Rob Hummel.

Lana Johnston, member of the Lakehead - Orillia rowing team demonstrates rowing technique at the University's recent "Preview Day," held at 500 University Avenue on October 30.

(November 10, 2010 " Thunder Bay, Ontario) Today, Lakehead University launched the second stage of its multi-year branding and awareness campaign, which builds on the 2009/2010I Think For Myself marketing position. The campaign continues to emphasize the Lakehead teaching experience, which helps students develop their ability to think critically, innovatively, and independently.

A new batch of successful alumni is featured this year, with testimonials of how their career-related achievements stem from their Lakehead University educational experience. Through the voices of successful graduates Nicole Mailette-Seller (BEng), Project Engineer with Bombardier Transportation; Dr. Matt Tocheri (HBA Anthropology), Paleoanthropologist with the Smithsonian Institution; and Dr. Neety Panu (BSc Biology), Radiologist at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, prospective university students are able to envision the wide array of possibilities that a Lakehead education offers.

Dr. Brian Stevenson, President, Lakehead University, explains that "Last year's campaign highlighted three successful Lakehead graduates from both the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities and the Faculty of Business Administration, each of whom used the education they received at Lakehead to help shape their lives and careers creatively. This year's campaign presents success stories about graduates in the natural sciences, which is certainly a growing field given the health-, engineering-, and science-based technologies and discoveries emerging all over the world."

As it does every year, Lakehead University's Office of Communications took the lead in developing the campaign, with assistance and input from its creative agency. As Eleanor Abaya, Director of Communications, notes, "Our alumni, as well as current students, are the best ambassadors of the Lakehead brand. They represent the quality of education available at Lakehead, and highlight the guidance and mentoring they receive from our outstanding faculty members."

The campaign utilizes new and traditional media vehicles. This year's online strategy has adopted the use of Google AdWords, an application that allows customers to create online advertisements to be shown on Google as well as a huge network of partner websites. "Advertising with AdWords lets us reach prospective students at the precise moment when they are searching for programs and services related to university life," says Lakehead University Webmaster Tove Tronslien.

Earlier this month the campaign was launched via transit posters in the GTA, in Maclean's magazine, and on Career Options magazine as a cover wrap. Promotional t-shirts were also produced and distributed at the Ontario Universities Fair in Toronto in late September. The
t-shirts continue to be the most popular giveaway item at the fair.

The campaign runs until March 2011.

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MEDIA: High-res versions of the posters are also available upon request. Dr. Stevenson and Eleanor Abaya are available for media interview. To schedule interview times, please contact Heather Scott, Communications Officer, at 807-343-8177 or commun@lakeheadu.ca.

About Lakehead
Lakehead is a comprehensive university with a reputation for innovative programs and cutting-edge research. With a main campus located in Thunder Bay, Ontario and a campus in Orillia, Ontario, Lakehead has over 8,280 students and 2,250 faculty and staff, and is home to the west campus of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine. In 2006, Research Infosource Inc. named Lakehead University Canada's Research University of the Year in the undergraduate category. For more information on Lakehead University, visit www.lakeheadu.ca

(November 8, 2010 " Thunder Bay, Ontario) Lakehead University continues to make a name for itself as a research-intensive university.

In a recent supplement in the National Post, Ottawa Citizen, and Hill Times, Research Infosource Inc. announced the designation of Lakehead University as one of the "Top Three Research Performers" in the undergraduate category for Research Intensity Growth and Research Publication Growth over the past decade.

Research Infosource, a division of The Impact Group, is Canada's source of research and development intelligence. It provides business intelligence and analysis on science, technology, research and development, and innovation.

"This designation is evidence that our researchers and facilities are of world-class calibre. We are both proud of and thankful to all the researchers who have contributed to this tremendous accomplishment," says Dr. Brian Stevenson, President, Lakehead University. Dr. Stevenson notes that Lakehead's areas of excellence in research include Aboriginal Studies, Advanced Technology, Biorefining and Bioproducts, Biotechnology, Culture and Society, Environmental Studies, Health and Wellness, Materials Science, and Northern Studies, all of which support the institution's strategic priorities.

Lakehead University's Office of Research is particularly pleased with this designation because it reveals the institution's collective research successes as opposed to basing success simply on annual funding allotments. "Among other goals outlined in Lakehead's 2007-2012 Strategic Research Plan was that of being recognized as one of the top 25 research-intensive universities in Canada within the next five to ten years," says Dr. Rui Wang, Vice President (Research), Lakehead University. "When this goal was initially discussed, we knew it would take a lot of hard work and perseverance to achieve, but this honour proves that Lakehead University is heading toward this goal with determination and confidence."

Dr. Wang looks forward to sharing some of the University's outstanding research successes with the community at the upcoming Research and Innovation Week 2011, being launched on Saturday, February 12 at Intercity Shopping Centre in Thunder Bay. Additional information about the annual celebratory week is forthcoming, and community members are encouraged to keep watch on Lakehead University's homepage, in the Chronicle-Journal, and through other local media for event-related information.

To learn more about Lakehead University's Office of Research, please visit http://research.lakeheadu.ca.

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MEDIA: Dr. Wang is available for interview by contacting Heather Scott, Communications Officer, at 807-343-8177, commun@lakeheadu.ca, or Eleanor Abaya, Director of Communications, at 807-343-8372, eabaya@lakeheadu.ca.

About Lakehead
Lakehead is a comprehensive university with a reputation for innovative programs and cutting-edge research. With a main campus located in Thunder Bay, Ontario and a campus in Orillia, Ontario, Lakehead has over 8,280 students and 2,250 faculty and staff, and is home to the west campus of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine. In 2006, Research Infosource Inc. named Lakehead University Canada's Research University of the Year in the undergraduate category. For more information on Lakehead University, visit www.lakeheadu.ca

Universities Play Pivotal Role in Societal Transformation

(November 5, 2010 " Thunder Bay, Ontario) Today, Dr. Brian Stevenson was officially installed as the sixth president and vice-chancellor of Lakehead University, with campuses in Thunder Bay and Orillia.

Since taking the helm of Lakehead University in August 2010, Dr. Stevenson has set his sights on taking the institution to the next level of excellence and growth among Canada's comprehensive universities, with a focus on becoming one of Canada's top 25 research-intensive universities. This goal, among other strategic priorities in the University's three-year strategic plan, relies on increased activity among faculty and researchers in developing research initiatives that partner with communities.

In his address to a packed auditorium, Dr. Stevenson stressed that universities can change the world. According to Dr. Stevenson, universities exist not only to educate and do research " universities must be active players in economic development and the economic aspirations of society. He also believes universities must engage First Nations communities, support their educational, cultural, and economic aspirations, and be instrumental in improving their quality of life. To this end Lakehead, which already has over 11% Aboriginal students, is embarking on an enhanced Aboriginal recruitment program.

Dr. Stevenson emphasizes, "Lakehead University can be an active player in changing the very nature of society by providing opportunity, and by validating the aspirations of the various peoples comprising its communities."

Dr. Stevenson also touched on the importance of opening up global opportunities. He said, "By offering our voice and our abilities to a global community, Lakehead University can add the talent of its faculty, students, and staff to an increasingly globalized world." Lakehead's chair of the Board of Governors, Colin Bruce, states, "This is only Dr. Stevenson's third month in office but we are already seeing positive changes. The Board is very pleased with the progress he has made so far."

Since taking office on August 3 for a five-year term, Dr. Stevenson has met with various representatives and groups from area businesses to assess opportunities for Lakehead to play a more active role in strengthening the local economy in the communities it serves.

Lakehead University Chancellor Dr. Arthur Mauro, whose term began on January 1, 2010, said he looks forward to working with Dr. Stevenson and the Lakehead University Board of Governors to strengthen the University's ties with business, government, and other community leaders in Thunder Bay, across Canada, and internationally.

Dr. Stevenson's installation was attended by many distinguished guests, notably the Hon. John Milloy, Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities, who addressed the assembly briefly; the Hon. Michael Gravelle, Minister of Northern Development, Mines and Forestry; Dr. Lloyd Axworthy, President and Vice Chancellor of the University of Winnipeg; Dr. Bob Rosehart, former President of Wilfrid Laurier University and Lakehead University; Dr. Michael Hawes, Executive Director of the Canada-US Fulbright Program; Dr. Daniel Woolf, President and Vice-Chancellor of Queen's University; Dr. Sheldon Levy, President of Ryerson University and the Council of Ontario Universities (COU); Dr. David Perrin, President of St. Jerome's University (University of Waterloo); and Dr. Richard Myers, President of Algoma University. Faculty, staff, alumni, representatives from the business community, friends, colleagues, and supporters of Lakehead University filled the Installation venue. The ceremony was preceded by a series of events including a regional conference on November 4 that presented expert speakers who discussed The Role of the University in Economic Development in the Community.

Dr. Stevenson's bio and web-ready photo, high-res photo, and Installation speech are available online.

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MEDIA: To speak with Dr. Stevenson, please contact Communications Officer Heather Scott at commun@lakeheadu.ca, 807-343-8177, or Director of Communications Eleanor Abaya at eabaya@lakeheadu.ca, 807-343-8372.

About Lakehead
Lakehead is a comprehensive university with a reputation for innovative programs and cutting-edge research. With a main campus located in Thunder Bay, Ontario and a campus in Orillia, Ontario, Lakehead has over 8,280 students and 2,250 faculty and staff, and is home to the west campus of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine. In 2006, Research Infosource Inc. named Lakehead University Canada's Research University of the Year in the undergraduate category. For more information on Lakehead University, visit www.lakeheadu.ca

A conference leading up to the Installation of Dr. Brian Stevenson, Lakehead University's sixth president and vice-chancellor, took place today in Lakehead University's Faculty Lounge.

The conference, which focused on The Role of the University in Economic Development, maintained a consultative agenda aimed at discussing the economic benefits tied to community-driven partnerships with Lakehead University.

Lakehead is committed to continued progress in research and development and the economic benefits that stem from the University's research-related initiatives. Part of that commitment includes carrying over practical applications of the research generated at the University into the external community in order to enhance economic opportunities around Thunder Bay and the region.

In this context, Lakehead's faculty and researchers are described as the driving force behind pursuing knowledge and solutions. From medical discoveries to food security, from reducing carbon footprints to new approaches in biorefining, work at Lakehead University has tremendous impact on the quality of every day life and on the community economy.

A number of high-profile speakers including Michael Gravelle, Minister of Northern Development, Mines and Forestry; Dr. Robert (Bob) Rosehart, Former President of Wilfrid Laurier and Lakehead Universities; Dawn Desjardins, Assistant Chief Economist, RBC Royal Bank; Stefan Larson, CEO, Tornado Medical Systems; and Phil Fontaine, Special Advisor to RBC Royal Bank and Former National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations spoke at the conference " on particular aspects of economic development and the role Lakehead plays, among other universities, in advancing economic opportunities via community partnerships, student enrolment, faculty-initiated research, and commercialization.

The Installation ceremony will officially robe Dr. Stevenson as Lakehead President at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, November 5.

ABOUT THE CONFERENCE SPEAKERS

Dr. Bob Rosehart, Former President, Lakehead University and Wilfrid Laurier University"¨

Dr. Rosehart has extensive experience in the areas of senior administration and public policy. He has served as President for both Lakehead University and Wilfrid Laurier University, and recently served as a Northwestern Ontario Economic Facilitator and Interim Principal of Renison University College. He holds a PhD in Chemical Engineering from Waterloo University, as well as three Honorary degrees. Currently, Dr. Rosehart participates on a selection of boards and committees: he chairs the Board for Intelligent Mechatronic Systems and serves as Vice-Chair of the Board of Governors, St. Paul's College, University of Waterloo."¨"¨

Dr. Rosehart's talk abstract: Increasingly, the Waterloo Region is quoted as an example of an economy that has successfully transformed itself. Dr. Rosehart's review, entitled The Waterloo Region Example, outlines some of the history and future trends of economic transition in the region as well as the significant role that post-secondary education has played in the most recent transformations. Experience learned from the Waterloo Region has and can continue to give insight and direction to other regions of Canada.

Dawn Desjardins, Assistant Chief Economist, RBC Royal Bank

Dawn Desjardins joined the Royal Bank Economics team in January 2006. She is a key contributor to the macroeconomic forecasts for Canada and the US and is responsible for the interest rate forecasts for both countries. Previously, Dawn worked as a reporter for Bloomberg Financial News in Toronto covering the Canadian bond and currency markets and was the Canadian bond market strategist for a major U.S. bank for ten years. She is a graduate of the University of Toronto

Dawn Desjardin's talk abstract: The current state of the global economy and the near-term outlook for growth in the aftermath of the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression will be discussed. The US economy continues to heal and will grow at a moderate pace, setting the stage for Canada's economy to continue on its current growth path. The presentation highlights the key supports for growth against a backdrop when governments are withdrawing stimulus. The outlook for Ontario and how the recovery is shaping up in the province will also be addressed.

Stefan Larson, President and CEO, Tornado Medical Systems

Tornado Medical Systems is an early stage medical imaging device company based in Thunder Bay. Prior to joining Tornado, Stefan worked at a global management consultancy serving"¨leading players in the biotech, medical device, and advanced energy industries. He has degrees from McGill and University of Toronto, and completed his doctorate in Biophysics at the Stanford University School of Medicine."¨

Stefan Larson's talk abstract: Tornado Medical Systems develops high-performance components for medical imaging. The company has chosen Thunder Bay as the home for its core product development facility, and will be taking possession of a new 4000 sq. ft. facility in March, 2011. Thunder Bay provides Tornado with access to research and engineering talent, a large patient population, and excellent local clinical and research partnerships.

About Lakehead
Lakehead is a comprehensive university with a reputation for innovative programs and cutting-edge research. With a main campus located in Thunder Bay, Ontario and a campus in Orillia, Ontario, Lakehead has over 7,700 students and 2,250 faculty and staff, and is home to the west campus of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine. In 2006, Research Infosource Inc. named Lakehead University Canada's Research University of the Year in the undergraduate category. For more information on Lakehead University, visit www.lakeheadu.ca

(November 4, 2010 " Thunder Bay, ON) Today, Phil Fontaine, former National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations (AFN), spoke to St. Patrick High School students in his current capacity as Special Advisor to RBC. In his talk, he addressed RBC's long history of service to the Aboriginal community. He also presented the organization's ongoing effort to build relationships and serve Aboriginal Peoples by: improving access to financial services; providing employment, training and development, and procurement opportunities; and contributing to community and social development. This event launched the RBC " Lakehead University Joint Aboriginal Outreach Program, a collaborative, one-year, four-stage pilot project between Lakehead University's Office of Aboriginal Initiatives and RBC. The program will offer a series of events and activities to Aboriginal youth living in and around Thunder Bay over the upcoming year.

"This initiative aims to introduce Aboriginal youth to the educational opportunities and support systems available at Lakehead," explains Beverly Sabourin, Vice-Provost (Aboriginal Initiatives), Lakehead University. Murray Walberg, RBC Regional Vice President, adds that, "RBC is hopeful that all program elements come together to strengthen the organization's relationship with the University's existing and prospective Aboriginal students."

Elements comprising the joint project include:

Aboriginal Discovery Day

Aboriginal students age fifteen and older will have the opportunity to visit Lakehead's Thunder Bay campus and participate in a full day of interactive discussions, presentations, and tours. The event will take place in conjunction with Aboriginal Awareness Week in March 2011. Following an opening drum ceremony led by elders, participants will be encouraged to share stories of their experiences and struggles and how they overcame challenges in their own lives. They will also have the opportunity to discuss specific Lakehead programs with faculty and support services staff so they can become more confident in making educational decisions. Information relating to the employment opportunities that exist upon graduation will also be presented.

Mentor Program

From March to November 2011, participants will be matched with both a third-year Aboriginal student and a Lakehead faculty member who will provide ongoing support and resources including regularly scheduled meetings; guidance, knowledge, advice, and feedback relative to the mentors' area(s) of expertise, and a "learning partner" with whom the mentors can discuss additional recommendations to ensure the student's continued direction and support.

Speaker Series

Participants from Aboriginal Discovery Day and the ACCESS program, as well as more than 700 self-identified Aboriginal students at Lakehead's Thunder Bay and Orillia campuses, are able to attend two Speaker Series presentations in November 2011.

Wrap-Up Celebration

Also in November 2011, participants involved in Aboriginal Discovery Day and/or the Mentor Program or Speaker Series will be recognized at a reception that celebrates the partnerships and friendships resulting from this joint initiative. Awards will be presented to Mentor Program participants.

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MEDIA: Beverly Sabourin and Murray Walberg are available for media interview. For more information or to arrange interview times with Beverly Sabourin, please contact Heather Scott, Communications Officer, at 807-343-8177 or commun@lakeheadu.ca. To arrange interview times with Murray Walberg, please contact him directly at 807-684-8312 or murray.walberg@rbc.com.

About Lakehead
Lakehead is a comprehensive university with a reputation for innovative programs and cutting-edge research. With a main campus located in Thunder Bay, Ontario and a campus in Orillia, Ontario, Lakehead has over 7,700 students and 2,250 faculty and staff, and is home to the west campus of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine. In 2006, Research Infosource Inc. named Lakehead University Canada's Research University of the Year in the undergraduate category. For more information on Lakehead University, visit www.lakeheadu.ca.

About Lakehead University's Office of Aboriginal Initiatives
The Office of Aboriginal Initiatives assists the growing Aboriginal population at Lakehead University in achieving their goals by providing a culturally supportive environment. The Vice-Provost offers leadership in Aboriginal affairs and promotes and understanding of Aboriginal culture, heritage, and language within the University community serving as a liaison between the Aboriginal community and University. The Vice-Provost is also responsible for Aboriginal academic support services, and Aboriginal community relations.

About RBC
Royal Bank of Canada (RY on TSX and NYSE) and its subsidiaries operate under the master brand name RBC. We are Canada's largest bank as measured by assets and market capitalization, and among the largest banks in the world, based on market capitalization. We are one of North America's leading diversified financial services companies, and provide personal and commercial banking, wealth management services, insurance, corporate and investment banking and transaction processing services on a global basis. We employ approximately 78,000 full- and part-time employees who serve close to 18 million personal, business, public sector and institutional clients through offices in Canada, the U.S. and 51 other countries. For more information, please visit rbc.com.

From November 3-5, Lakehead University's Centre for Education and Research on Aging and Health (CERAH) will host Passport to Palliative Care: Journeys and Destinations, its 2010 palliative care conference.

The event will be held in Thunder Bay at the Travelodge Airlane Hotel and will bring together more than 150 interdisciplinary palliative care providers and researchers to share new developments in end-of-life care. The conference is also an opportunity to facilitate networking and team building among communities across the region and beyond.

Among interesting conference presenters are three speakers of note:

DR. MARY LOU KELLEY
Pre-conference workshop
November 3 from 9:00 a.m. - 12 noon

Alongside Dr. José Pereira and members of the Quality Palliative Care in Long-Term Care Alliance, Dr. Mary Lou Kelley facilitates a workshop about long-term care (LTC) as a major location of death for people in Canada. Formal palliative care programs in LTC homes that aim to relieve suffering and improve the quality of living and dying for residents are rare. A five-year research program, Improving the Quality of Life of People Dying in Long-term Care Homes, has been funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) through its Community University Research Alliance Grant Program. This interactive pre-conference workshop, entitled Developing Palliative Care in Long-Term Care (LTC) Homes using the Square of Care, provides an overview of the research process that can assist organizations in developing a holistic palliative care program that follows the norms of practice of the Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Associations' Square of Care.

Lakehead's Dr. Mary Lou Kelley is a recognized expert in rural palliative care and palliative care in First Nations.

DR. JOSÃ? PEREIRA
Opening Keynote Address
November 3 from 1:15 p.m. " 2:15 p.m.

Dr. Pereira provides the conference's Opening Keynote Address, Two Sides of the Same Coin?, that focuses on the increasing recognition that patients with non-cancer terminal diseases such as end-stage heart and lung diseases require as much in terms of palliative care services as those with cancer diagnoses. Using the end-stage heart and lung disease models, Dr. Pereira's session will explore the implications for palliative care services and questions whether palliative care services are prepared for this burgeoning area. A question and answer period will follow.

Dr. Pereira is a leading international expert in palliative care and is Medical Chief of Palliative Care Programs at the Ottawa Hospital.

DR. BOB CHANEY
Closing Keynote Address
November 5 from 10:30 a.m. " 11:55 a.m.

Many palliative care providers are motivated by the reward and satisfaction of caring for others, while some make a career of caring for others because of a high need for compassion satisfaction. However, the reward of compassion satisfaction can easily turn into compassion fatigue, and prolonged compassion fatigue can eventually outweigh the reward of compassion satisfaction and result in harm. Accepting and understanding the probable risks of compassion fatigue is the first step in reducing that risk. In this presentation, entitled So many patients die after we get close to them: how do we heal ourselves?,Dr. Chaney will help delegates learn how to easily assess their current satisfaction status and risk of compassion fatigue, as well as specific self-care strategies.

Dr. Chaney is a practicing psychologist who works with the Alaska Native Medical Centre and has been recognized for his cross-cultural contributions.

PLEASE NOTE: Dr. Chaney will also present a free public lecture, entitled The Invisible Hazards of Helping Others, on November 4from 7:00 pm " 8:30 pm at the North West Community Care Access Centre (961 Alloy Drive). Dr. Chaney's lecture is also available by video conference and web cast. Those who wish to attend must register with CERAH's Linda Pisco at 807-343-7269 or lpisco@lakeheadu.ca. Please contact Linda Pisco for more details.

MEDIA: If you are interested in arranging interviews with any of these speakers, either leading up to their talks or on the day of, please contact Heather Scott, Communications Officer, Lakehead University, at 807-343-8177 or commun@lakehadu.ca.

On October 18, Mr. Wenshen Chen, Chinese Minister-Counsellor of Education Affairs, visited Lakehead's Thunder Bay campus and was escorted to various campus facilities by President Brian Stevenson and Vice-President (Research) Rui Wang.

A number of Lakehead staff and faculty came together to showcase the depth and breadth of the University's successes and accomplishments across the spectrum, including initiatives that demonstrate community engagement and partnerships.