(March 8, 2013 – Thunder Bay, ON)

After over two years of development, meetings and consultations with the University community and its various stakeholders, Lakehead's Board of Governors proudly approved the final draft of the University’s Strategic Plan for 2013-2018.

The Plan, entitled, Nurturing a Passion to Lead, embodies the bold, new vision that will oversee the collective vision of the University for the next five years: ‘To provide a transformative university experience that is far from ordinary.’

“Completing this Strategic Plan is a major milestone," said Board of Governors’ Chair, Cameron Clark, "And we know that this is just the start.

“Our Strategic Plan will serve as the framework to foster intellectual and human connections while giving students the tools to construct their own destiny,” Clark added.

The Strategic Plan’s mission for the University is ‘To be recognized as an innovative comprehensive university that provides an education that is about how to think, not what to think.’

Lakehead President & Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Brian Stevenson, said, "By listening to many voices, we have created a Plan that embraces Lakehead’s tradition of encouraging students and faculty to explore big questions and find original solutions.”

Dr. Stevenson added, “I am very excited about my role in implementing this Strategic Plan and for the future of this University and the communities that continue to make us unique.”

The Strategic Plan will dovetail with the University’s Academic Plan passed by Senate in March 2012. Together with Lakehead’s operational plans, the Strategic Plan’s priorities will foster vibrant community partnerships and greater economic development for Northwestern Ontario and Simcoe County.

Centred on nurturing scholarship, the Strategic Plan will employ and embrace Five Priorities:

Nurturing Scholarship

The term scholarship was chosen for this direction because it accurately reflects the Board’s belief that teaching and research, although they may be seen as separate activities, are inextricably linked and driven by a common focus on learning.

Learner-Centred Experience

Lakehead University offers unrivalled opportunities for life experiences that are far from ordinary. The University, through the dual focus on one-stop services and giving students the tools to carve their own unique path to success, will bring additional richness to the Lakehead experience.

Growth & Capacity Development

The Board anticipates that by 2018, major new initiatives to attract and keep international, aboriginal, and graduate students, coupled with the university’s successful undergraduate and graduate programs, will result in an overall enrolment of 10,000 students. As a result, Lakehead University will be broader, deeper, and more sustainable.

Community Engagement

A critical element is expanding working relationships with aboriginal groups, school boards, municipal governments, non-profit groups, private businesses, and alumni.

Economic Development

Beginning
with the positive financial impact on the community stemming from the purchasing and spending of university staff, faculty, and students; the University provides trained graduates for new jobs created by the knowledge economy; enriches the community through its faculty and staff’s involvement and support of art, music, culture, and recreation; and research fosters innovation that leads to the emergence of new companies and industries.

The University invites the Lakehead community, as well as its friends and partners, to submit their stories of collaboration with Lakehead through the Strategic Plan (2013-2018) website: www.lakeheadu.ca/presidents-office/nurturing-passion

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Media: For more information or 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.

Lakehead's Dean of the Faculty of Law, Lee Stuesser, has proposed a new course that will be an enhancement to the new law program's first year curriculum. It is Dean Stuesser's hope that this proposal will address the fundamental demand of the students staging a sit-in outside the University President's Office.

A proposed new law course, Law 1535: Aboriginal Perspectives, would be positioned as a mandatory, half-credit component of the curriculum to complement Law 1530: Native Canadian World Views & Law, which has already been approved by Lakehead University Senate. The course will assume an experiential format, and introduce students to Aboriginal culture, traditions and perspectives through speakers, dialogue and experience-based learning.

As with all University course proposals and changes, Dean Stuesser's proposed enhancement to the curriculum will be sent to Lakehead's Senate for approval.

This would create a full-year of courses dedicated to Aboriginal content in the first year of the Law School. Many of the other required first year courses will also have additional Aboriginal related content included where relevant.

In addition to the experiential Aboriginal law course, Dean Stuesser is committed to establishing an Aboriginal Advisory Committee to both advise on curricular content, and guide the evolution of the Faculty of Law.

Dean Stuesser's proposed enhancement to the Law curriculum was developed in consultation with the Nishnawbe Aski Nation's (NAN) Deputy Grand Chief, Goyce Kakegamic, Métis Nation of Ontario's President and CEO, Gary Lipinski, and Lakehead University's Provost and Vice-President (Academic), Dr. Rod Hanley.

Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief, Patrick Wedaseh Madahbee, conveyed his support for the proposed enhancement in a letter to Dean Stuesser. "It is our position that treaty and inherent rights in Canada require more focus for not just First Nation students, but for Canadian students as well. This will ensure a healthier environment for productive discussions and decision making when faced with First Nation issues."

In a letter to Dean Stuesser, Deputy Grand Chief Kakegamic wished "to acknowledge the role of the student protesters, whose commitment to ensure that culture, world views, and experiences with the justice system become meaningful components of the Faculty of Law program." 

Métis Nation of Ontario's President and CEO, Gary Lipinski, also expressed support for the proposed course enhancement. In a letter to Dr. Hanley, Lipinski stated, "Our enthusiastic support of the Law School was and remains based on the fact that Aboriginal and specifically Métis law would be an important component of the teaching."

Lakehead's President and Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Brian Stevenson, thanked the students for their dedication to Aboriginal issues and raising the level of attention of this matter. "Following the response by NAN, I will call for a retreat of Aboriginal leaders to discuss the evolution of the Faculty of Law. It is my hope that the solution proposed by our Provost and the Dean of our Faculty of Law will be embraced."

Dean Stuesser has expressed his commitment to developing a law school that emphasizes working with Aboriginal peoples in order to effectively address the legal needs of Aboriginal communities. He added that no other law school in Canada has mandatory, stand-alone courses in its program's first year devoted to Aboriginal issues and no other law school in Canada has a mandatory stand-alone course in its program's second year devoted to Aboriginal law. Lakehead's law degree program has both. Furthermore, Lakehead's Faculty of Law commits itself to addressing Aboriginal issues in all of its subjects.

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Media: For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact Brandon Walker, Media Relations Officer, at (807) 343-8177.

Lakehead University
Lakehead 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.

(March 6, 2013 " Thunder Bay, ON)

Prospective students, along with their friends and family, will explore life on campus and have the unique experience of being a student for a day from Monday, March 11 to Friday, March 15 during Lakehead University's March Break Open House.

"Students will tour the campus and residences, meet with faculty members in their programs of interest, and be a Lakehead student for a day by attending in-session classes," said Robert Perrier, Acting Director of Lakehead University's Admissions and Recruitment Department.

Prospective students will also meet with Student Services to discuss admission requirements, scholarship and bursary opportunities, academic support, career choices and more. The Open House runs March 11-15 at Lakehead's Thunder Bay campus from 9 am - 4 pm.

As part of the March Break Open House, the Faculty of Education is hosting a special event. On Monday, March 11 from 7-9 pm, students who are interested in the Concurrent, Consecutive and Aboriginal Education programs are invited to attend the Education Open House.

"This will be a great opportunity for students to learn about different program offerings, tour the Education building and meet Education faculty and current students," said Dr. John O'Meara, Dean of the Faculty of Education.

Whether a student is in their final year of high school or just starting their early university search, March Break at Lakehead University is the perfect opportunity for any high school student to experience university, first hand. Students can visit www.mylakehead.ca for more information and to register.

Media are invited to visit the Agora on Monday, March 11 at 10 am.

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Media:For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact Brandon Walker, Media Relations Officer, at (807) 343-8177.

Lakehead University
Lakehead 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.

Lakehead University's Department of Women's Studies is celebrating International Women's Day on Thursday, March 7 with Western University's Dr. Treena Orchard.

"Dr. Orchard's presentation will be of interest to students, faculty and members of the broader community with an interest in social justice, human rights and gender issues," said Lakehead University Women's Studies professor Dr. Pam Wakewich, who hopes for a large turnout at Thursday's event. "It will also give us an opportunity, on the eve of International Women's Day, to talk about the ways in which participatory action research can be an effective tool for personal reflection and social change."

The event is co-sponsored by the faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities and the Lakehead University Student Union's Gender Issues Centre.

Dr. Orchard is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Health Sciences at the Western University in London, Ontario. Her research interests include sexuality, gender and health. She has engaged in community-based research with a range of different populations, including female sex workers, Aboriginal men and women, gay men and youth. She is also affiliated with Western University's Women Studies and Feminist Research department, as well as an affiliate researcher at the Centre for Excellence in HIV/Aids in Vancouver.

Dr. Orchard will be delivering a free public lecture about her experience doing social justice work with marginalized women in India and Canada. The talk will take place on Thursday, March 7 at 6:30 pm in Lakehead's Faculty Lounge, and will be followed by a reception. The event is open to the public and everyone is welcome to attend.

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Media: For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact Brandon Walker, Media Relations Officer, at (807) 343-8177.

Lakehead University
Lakehead 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.

(Monday, March 4, 2013 " Thunder Bay, ON)

Lakehead University's Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Mining & Exploration (CESME), launched today, will play a lead role in economic development by bringing together Northern communities and the mining industry to build better relationships.

The Centre will encourage and support research, education and outreach activities regarding the nature and impacts of mineral resource exploration and extraction particularly in Northern Ontario.

"Building better relationships between mining companies and the communities where they work will be critical to the development of Northern Ontario" said Dr. Peter Hollings, CESME Director and Chair of Lakehead University's Geology Department.

"The strength of that relationship determines how successful the company and the community will be in capitalizing on the natural resources and opportunities that come from mining. CESME will work with our partners to help develop a new model for community engagement that will solidify that relationship from the start," Dr. Hollings said.

The Centre will lead the way to support and nurture the growing mining sector through mineral deposit research. CESME will recognize and address the sociological challenges and economic potential of the industry in this region; develop solutions for the environmental impacts of mineral exploration and northern infrastructure development; and create new mining technology and approaches that consider all of these concerns.

"We will train a new generation of culturally aware geologists to meet these challenges and become this industry's next generation of leaders," Dr. Hollings said.

Lakehead President and Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Brian Stevenson, is looking forward to the positive impact CESME will have on Northwestern Ontario's future. "Lakehead has played a leading role in Northern Ontario mining since before we were even a University " when we were known as the Lakehead Technical Institute " and we are committed to furthering the economic prosperity of all our Northern communities," Dr. Stevenson said.

"CESME is the evolution of our efforts to lead the region by helping prepare mining companies, communities and citizens for the boom that will occur when the Ring of Fire and other mines start producing," Dr. Stevenson said.

The Centre's three pillars include:

• Mining and Exploration

• Environmental Impact

• Collaborate with First Nation, Metis and local communities

Dr. Stevenson and Dr. Hollings officially introduced and launched CESME at the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada Conference in Toronto, today. The Centre will begin consulting with mining companies and communities immediately.

Visit http://cesme.lakeheadu.ca/ index.php for more information.

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Media: For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact Brandon Walker, Media Relations Officer, at (807) 343-8177.

Lakehead University
Lakehead 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.

(March 1, 2013) 

Innovative programs and research activity at Lakehead University's Orillia campus were recognized last night during the Orillia District Chamber of Commerce Business Achievement Awards reception, held at Hawk Ridge Golf & Country Club in Orillia.

Lakehead Orillia was the recipient of the Technological Advancement Award for an innovative research project with Polymer Specialties International Ltd. (PSI) to develop improved degradable plastic film products. Lakehead professor, Dr. Chris Murray, who leads the research team, along with Derek Rynard of PSI, accepted the award.

"We are thrilled to be working with PSI on this project," said Dr. Murray. "If successful, our research will lead to a dramatically improved product for PSI that will, in the long run, help support environmental sustainability by reducing the impact on landfills."

The research collaboration was made possible through The Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE), the provincial body responsible for supporting industrial/academic partnerships. "What is most exciting for us at Lakehead, is the opportunities these research partnerships provide for our students and graduates."

The University was also the recipient of the Chamber's Hats Off Award for contribution to the community. The Award recognized the impact of the University's "Humanities 101" program, which was launched at the campus in 2012. The program is designed to provide a university experience to adults who would otherwise not have the opportunity to attend university because of financial or other barriers. In April 2012, 25 students graduated from the 15-week program, some of whom have now gone on to further education.

Frank Cappadocia, Lakehead Orillia's associate vice-provost, accepted the award and thanked the numerous community partners and volunteers who contributed to the program's success. "Without the involvement of the community, including volunteers who sat on our steering committee and the generosity of local restaurants, we could not have provided such a positive experience to these students."

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MEDIA: For more information, please contact Communications Officer, Kathy Hunt, at 705-330-4008 ext. 2014 or kjhunt3@lakeheadu.ca.

Lakehead University

Lakehead 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.

(February 5, 2013 - Orillia, ON) Lakehead University celebrates its eighth annual Research & Innovation Week by introducing its brilliant researchers and students to the community from February 8 to 14 at its Orillia and Thunder Bay campuses.

"The research at Lakehead University transforms the way people work and live, and shows how research matters," says Dr. Rui Wang, Lakehead's Vice-President, Research, Innovation and Economic Development. "Research andInnovation Week helps bring cutting edge research to the community, so they can catch a glimpse of what the future may hold."

Lakehead Orillia's faculty members and students are showcasing their innovative projects with poster displays and a conference filled with presentations. Special events and guest speakers will also be video-conferenced from the Thunder Bay campus.

More than a dozen presentations are included in this year's conference, including an exciting range of topics focusing on social, cultural, environmental and community issues.

Community members are invited to meet professors and students who will discuss the innovative projects happening at Lakehead University.

All events are free and open to the public. For a schedule of events please visit  http://www.lakeheadu.ca/researchweek/.

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Media: For more information and interview opportunities, please contact

Communications Officer, Kathy Hunt, at 705-330-4008 ext. 2014 or

kjhunt3@lakeheadu.ca.

Guy Levesque, Canada Foundation for Innovation's Director of Programs, spoke at Lakehead University's Research and Innovation Week opening ceremonies.

(Friday, Feb. 8, 2013 " Thunder Bay, ON)

Lakehead's Research and Innovation Week opening ceremonies in the Agora celebrate the amazing projects conducted by faculty and students.

"Research and Innovation at Lakehead nurtures scholarship, contributes to the prosperity of our community, and makes a difference in people's lives," said Dr. Rui Wang, Vice President of Research, Economic Development and Innovation.

"This week is an invitation to the residents of Thunder Bay and Simcoe County to see the high calibre research conducted at Lakehead, meet the researchers who make it happen and discover the benefits this research has for everyone," Dr. Wang said.

Lakehead President Dr. Brian Stevenson said Research and Innovation Week is an opportunity to thank and honour the important work of the researchers who contribute to the overall knowledge of various topics.

"It's also important to recognize the role played by both the Federal and the Provincial Governments, and funding councils such as the Canada Foundation for Innovation," Dr. Stevenson said. "Without public support, many of these projects wouldn't be possible."

Dr. Gilles G. Patry, Canada Foundation for Innovation President and CEO, said: "The work being done at Lakehead University is an excellent example of the positive role that university-based research can have on Canadian communities. Sustained government investments in research are enabling clusters of growth and innovation across the country."

Thunder Bay-Atikokan MPP Bill Mauro said Research and Innovation Week is a perfect opportunity to display the important work being done at Lakehead University.

"Lakehead is a vital part of our region's growing knowledge-based economy. This week highlights some of the exceptional, world-class research that's being done there. Their ingenuity and hard work is helping transform our region into an important hub for research and innovation," said MPP Mauro.

The Minister of Natural Resources, Thunder Bay-Superior MPP Michael Gravelle, said he's amazed by the research happening at Lakehead University.

"I enjoy seeing the many stories of success each year during this week. It is so rewarding to see Lakehead University showcase these ground-breaking projects that are flourishing here in Northwestern Ontario. Research and innovation translates not only into improvements to our quality of life, but is an economic driver of the North, and is positively shaping our community," Minister Gravelle said.

Also on Friday, Dr. Connie Nelson, Professor of Social Work and Director, Food Security Research Network, and Dr. Azim Mallik, Biology Professor, talked about their exemplary research.

There will be plenty to see and do during the eighth annual Research and Innovation Week.

One of the week's highlights includes exhibitions and workshops at the Intercity Shopping Centre tomorrow (Saturday, Feb. 9, 9:30 am to 6 pm) that will allow scholars and scientists of all ages to see and interact with the amazing research and innovation projects happening at Lakehead University.

Other highlights include a presentation by science broadcaster and writer Jay Ingram (Tuesday, Feb. 12); a discussion with Robert King, an innocent man who served more than 30 years in prison before being exonerated (Wednesday, Feb. 13); and IBM's John Longbottom, who is discussing Smarter Cities (Monday, Feb. 11).

For more information and an event schedule, please visit www.lakeheadu.ca/researchweek.

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Media: For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact Brandon Walker, Media Relations Officer, at (807) 343-8177.

Lakehead University
Lakehead 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.

(Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2013 " Thunder Bay and Simcoe County, ON)

Lakehead University's Department of Mathematical Sciences is preparing to host two mathematics contests for students of various ages.

"Both contests provide students with challenging questions beyond the regular curriculum that will spark their interest in mathematics," said Dr. Adam Van Tuyl, Mathematical Sciences Professor and Chair.

The 11th Annual TD Canada Trust Northwestern Ontario High School Mathematics Competition will be on Thursday, March 21 at participating high schools in Northwestern Ontario and Simcoe County.

There will be an individual and a team contest. Many prizes will be available, including two Entrance Awards of $750 for the top-achieving students who attend Lakehead University in September 2013. A generous donation from TD Canada Trust allows Lakehead to host the contest at no charge to participants.

High schools that wish to participate should contact Lakehead University's Department of Mathematical Sciences. For more about this year's high school mathematics competition, visit http://math.lakeheadu.ca/2013-mathematics-competition/.

Lakehead's Department of Mathematical Sciences is also privileged to be a regional host for the Canadian Math Kangaroo Contest being held in Thunder Bay on Sunday, March 24 in the University's Ryan Building.

The national competition is open to students from Grade 1 to 8. For more information about the Canadian Math Kangaroo Contest, including registration and fees, go to http://kangaroo.math.ca/.

For further information about either mathematics contest, please contact Dr. Van Tuyl (1-807-343-8228) or email mathcontest@lakeheadu.ca.

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Media: For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact Brandon Walker, Media Relations Officer, at (807) 343-8177.

Lakehead University
Lakehead 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.

Lakehead University has named Dr. Cynthia Wesley-Esquimaux as its Vice-Provost (Aboriginal Initiatives). She will assume her new responsibilities, which will be based at the University's Thunder Bay campus, effective July 1, 2013.

"Dr. Wesley-Esquimaux is an excellent choice for Vice-Provost," said Dr. Rodney Hanley, Lakehead's Provost and Vice-President (Academic). "Her experience in Aboriginal leadership, community development, and her strategic vision will be invaluable and I am thrilled she will be joining us at Lakehead."

Dr. Wesley-Esquimaux has held the Nexen Chair in Aboriginal Leadership at Alberta's Banff Centre for the past four years. She is a Status Only Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Social Work at the University of Toronto and an Adjunct Professor at Carleton University.

She is a former Advisory Member of the Mental Health Commission of Canada, a member of the Lake Simcoe Science Advisory Committee, a Lady of the Lake, and an active and engaging media representative.

Dr. Wesley-Esquimaux is interested in environmental and humanitarian causes and is actively engaged in a variety of initiatives across Canada. She co-founded and chairs the Canadian Roots Exchange (www.canadianroots.ca) out of the University of Toronto.

"Appointing Dr. Wesley-Esquimaux is a very positive move for us," said Lakehead President Dr. Brian Stevenson. "Her vast experience and relationship building skills will help make Lakehead an even more diverse, accepting and open University."

"She has dedicated her life to building bridges of understanding, and sees endless merit in bringing people from diverse cultures, ages, and backgrounds together to engage in practical dialogue. Dr. Wesley-Esquimaux is deeply committed to public education and active youth engagement, and she will help us with ambitious Aboriginal plans in the coming years," Dr. Stevenson said.

In October of 2011, Dr. Wesley-Esquimaux served as Lakehead Thunder Bay's Aboriginal Scholar in Residence. During that time she visited many high schools within Lakehead Public Schools and the Thunder Bay Catholic School Board to do presentations about protecting the environment, celebrating Aboriginal arts, and positive youth engagement.

Dr. Wesley-Esquimaux's teaching and academic writing has focused on historic and intergenerational trauma within the Aboriginal community, and she is a member of the Chippewa of Georgina Island First Nation in Lake Simcoe, Ontario.

"I see Lakehead becoming a primary destination for Indigenous education and research in sustainable resource development and the fostering of equitable economic partnerships, both of which will be essential for northern Canada over the next two decades," Dr. Wesley-Esquimaux said.

Dr. Wesley-Esquimaux understands and believes in the great potential of Aboriginal people " and the wonderful contributions they have made to Canada. She is deeply aware of the challenges that the Aboriginal community continues to face in Thunder Bay and the need for respectful relationships within the city and University.

"I am very aware of the value of positive community relations and the need to build strong and productive conversations between people from diverse populations. Much of my community engagement work has revolved around bringing people together to have tough conversations about history, contemporary issues and the future of our mutual social and political relations," she said.

"My experience, my passion, my commitment and my expertise in speaking, writing, teaching and engaging people will enliven this position and ensure that Lakehead continues to be a destination for education by not only the Aboriginal community, but students from all backgrounds.

"Lakehead has a beautiful campus, a strong faculty, is a recognized and respected research institute, and will continue to be a positive force for Northern education and expertise under my guidance as Vice-Provost," Dr. Wesley-Esquimaux said.

Click here to read Dr. Wesley-Esquimaux's biography.

Lakehead University
Lakehead 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.