Lakehead University receives replacement teepee from community member
November 5, 2013 – Thunder Bay, ON
A generous individual has donated a teepee to Lakehead University after learning of the recent damage done to the teepee located on the University’s ceremonial grounds at its Thunder Bay campus, last week. The donor has chosen to remain anonymous.
Dr. Cynthia Wesley-Esquimaux, Vice-Provost, Aboriginal Initiatives, is very thankful this individual stepped forward with their gift.
“This demonstrates how Thunder Bay is a place where people care about what happens in their community,” Dr. Wesley-Esquimaux said. “We will use this teepee at future gatherings, including a community-wide feast which will be held in the spring to foster positive interaction, communication, and unity.”
Lakehead President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Brian Stevenson said he is proud to live in a community where people are committed to positive change. “On behalf of a grateful University community, I offer my deepest thanks to this anonymous donor who clearly understands the cultural value of a teepee, and the importance of having one at Lakehead,” Dr. Stevenson said.
Media are invited to the blessing of the feathers and teepeethat will take place tomorrow, November 6, 2013 (11 am), in the University’s Aboriginal Centre & Lounge (SC 0004). The teepee will be installed at the ceremonial grounds in the spring to honour the need for continued growth of positive relations within the city.
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Media: To arrange an interview, please contact Brandon Walker, Media Relations Officer, at (807) 343-8177.
Lakehead University is a comprehensive university with a reputation for a multidisciplinary teaching approach that emphasizes collaborative learning and independent critical thinking. More than 8,700 students and 1,850 faculty and staff learn and work at campuses located in Orillia, and Thunder Bay, Ontario, which is home to the west campus of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine. Lakehead University promotes innovative research that supports local and regional socio-economic needs. In Orillia, development continues on building a campus that meets Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) standards. For more information about Lakehead University, visit www.lakeheadu.ca.