September 16, 2016 – Thunder Bay, ON 

Lakehead University’s President and Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Brian Stevenson, has appointed Dr. Cynthia Wesley-Esquimaux as the University’s Chair on Truth and Reconciliation. This historic appointment takes effect immediately.

Since July 2013, Dr. Wesley-Esquimaux has served as the University’s Vice-Provost, Aboriginal Initiatives.

In her new role as Chair, Dr. Wesley-Esquimaux will advocate for Truth and Reconciliation within the Lakehead University community, while serving as an ambassador for Truth and Reconciliation issues in Northwestern Ontario and Simcoe County, as well as at the provincial and national levels.

“This is an incredibly important time in history and this appointment is an important statement by Lakehead about its commitment to moving forward on the process of reconciliation in our region and country,” explained Dr.  Wesley-Esquimaux, who was inducted as an “Honourary Witness” by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada in 2015. “I am humbled and honoured to have been selected for this role.”

Lakehead’s President and Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Brian Stevenson, said the appointment is an exciting and timely one for Lakehead University. “The appointment of our first Chair on Truth and Reconciliation comes at the same time that Lakehead students from around the world are starting their undergraduate programs that incorporate our unique Indigenous Content Requirement.

“These efforts show that Lakehead University is leading the way when it comes to educating students about Aboriginal issues and Canada’s past, and we will continue to lead the way with advocacy and assistance from Dr. Wesley-Esquimaux,” added Dr. Stevenson.

The establishment of a Lakehead Chair on Truth and Reconciliationhas been designed to highlight and further the work guided by Lakehead University’s Strategic and Academic Plans, and to ensure that Lakehead responds appropriately and effectively to the recommendations outlined in the Report on Truth and Reconciliation.

Dr. Wesley-Esquimaux will be responsible for leading the development of a plan that articulates Lakehead University’s response to the Report on Truth and Reconciliation.

She will work to support, and lead as required, Lakehead University’s focus on Aboriginal/Indigenous priorities, and advise the President and other Executive Team members on provincial and national issues in regards to Indigenous peoples.

For more information about Lakehead’s Indigenous Content Requirement, visit the University’s website (www.lakeheadu.ca).

Dr. Margaret (Peggy) Smith, Associate Professor in Natural Resources Management, will serve as Interim Vice-Provost, Aboriginal Initiatives, effective immediately.

Dr. Cynthia Wesley-Esquimaux

Dr. Wesley-Esquimaux began at Lakehead on July 1, 2013. Since then, she has served as the University’s first Vice-Provost, Aboriginal Initiatives.

Dr. Wesley-Esquimaux has held the Nexen Chair in Aboriginal Leadership at the Banff Centre in Alberta, was an Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Social Work and in Indigenous Studies at the University of Toronto, and an Adjunct Professor at Carleton University. She continues to hold a Status Only Assistant Professorship at the University of Toronto, Faculty of Social Work.

She is a former Advisory Member of the Mental Health Commission of Canada, a Board Member for Healthy Minds Canada and for the newly formed Teach for Canada Non-Profit. Dr. Wesley-Esquimaux is a member of the Governing Circle of the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation at the University of Manitoba and she was inducted as an “Honourary Witness” by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada.

Dr. Wesley-Esquimaux is interested in environmental and humanitarian causes and is actively engaged in a variety of initiatives across Canada. Her teaching and academic writing is directed towards understanding Historic and Intergenerational Trauma within the Aboriginal community and she is a member of the Chippewa of Georgina Island First Nation in Lake Simcoe.

Dr. Margaret (Peggy) Smith

Dr. Smith joined Lakehead in 2000. Her research examines the social impacts of natural resource management.

She was hired by the Faculty of Natural Resources Management to develop curriculum on Indigenous people’s roles in natural resource stewardship. Her course, Aboriginal Peoples and Natural Resources, has been a required course for NRM students for over a decade. She has also taught the course in the Faculty of Law.

Dr. Smith focuses on three elements of Indigenous involvement: protecting Indigenous values, protecting Aboriginal and treaty rights, and ensuring a fair share of economic benefits for Indigenous peoples from natural resource development. 

 Please click here to watch the announcement.

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Media: For more information or to arrange interviews, please contact Brandon Walker, Media Relations Officer, at (807) 343-8372, or mediarelations@lakeheadu.ca.

Lakehead University has about 9,700 full-time equivalent students and 2,000 faculty and staff in 10 faculties at two campuses in Orillia and Thunder Bay, Ontario. Lakehead is a fully comprehensive university: home to Ontario’s newest Faculty of Law in 44 years, the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, and faculties of Engineering, Business Administration, Health & Behavioural Sciences, Social Sciences & Humanities, Science & Environmental Studies, Natural Resources Management, Education, and Graduate Studies.

Maclean’s 2016 University Rankings place Lakehead University second in Ontario and among Canada’s Top 10 undergraduate universities, and first among Ontario’s undergraduate universities for Total Research Dollars, Social Sciences & Humanities Grants, and Library Expenses. In 2015, Re$earch Infosource ranked Lakehead first among Canada’s undergraduate universities.

Visit www.lakeheadu.ca.

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Dreeni Geer will start at Lakehead University on August 2.

April 28, 2016 – Thunder Bay, ON

Lakehead University has chosen Dreeni Geer as its first Director of Human Rights and Equity.

Geer comes to Lakehead University after working as War Child Canada’s Country Director in Uganda, where she provided key strategic leadership for the organization’s operations and programs. War Child provides justice, protection and human rights programs for diverse communities around the world.

She has also worked in Sweden with the Raoul Wallenberg Institute for Human Rights and Humanitarian Law and with the Ontario Human Rights Commission. Geer has lectured at Lund University on Refugee Women’s Rights and taught at Sheridan College. 

“Dreeni’s experience and knowledge in human rights and equity will make her an asset at Lakehead University,” said Kathy Pozihun, Lakehead’s Vice-President, Administration and Finance. “She will serve as Lakehead’s central source of information on all diversity and equity issues.”

Geer will stay up to date on equity and human rights issues in the education sector and in society.

“I am very excited to join Lakehead University in the role of Director of Human Rights and Equity. This new position demonstrates a strong commitment by the University towards ensuring an inclusive, diverse and accommodating environment that respects the human rights of all,” Geer said.

“I look forward to collaborating with students, faculty and staff to establish a human rights and equity office that speaks to the needs and rights of Lakehead’s communities.”

Geer will start at Lakehead University on August 2. Creating this position was one of the key recommendations made by Lakehead’s Sexual Assault Task Force.

For more information about the Task Force and its report, please click here.

Dreeni Geer

Dreeni Geer comes to Lakehead University with 18 years of human rights experience in Canada and internationally.

Dreeni’s experience in Canada includes working as Executive Advisor to the Chief Commissioner of the Ontario Human Rights Commission where she provided expert advice on legal, policy, communications and public education activities during the transition of the provincial human rights system. 

She has also served the newcomer communities of Toronto as Executive Director of CultureLink Settlement Services and female survivors of violence as Community Safety Director at METRAC. 

Most recently, Dreeni was Country Director with War Child Canada where she led Access to Justice, Education and Peace-building programs for conflict-affected communities in Uganda.  Previously, she worked in Sweden with Lund University’s Raoul Wallenberg Institute for Human Rights and Humanitarian Law, developing human rights programs with Universities and Judicial Institutions in Belarus, the Middle East and North Africa, and Turkey. 

Other international experience has taken her to Thailand, Indonesia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, the Congo, South Sudan and Afghanistan working with grass roots organizations, International NGO’s and the United Nations on the human rights of women, children, indigenous peoples, racialized minorities, refugees and other equity seeking groups. 

A lawyer by education, Dreeni received her Juris Doctor from Queen’s University (Law ’98) and her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Waterloo. 

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Media: For more information or to arrange interviews, please contact Brandon Walker, Media Relations Officer, at (807) 343-8372, or mediarelations@lakeheadu.ca.

Lakehead University has about 9,700 full-time equivalent students and 2,000 faculty and staff in 10 faculties at two campuses in Orillia and Thunder Bay, Ontario. Lakehead is a fully comprehensive university: home to Ontario’s newest Faculty of Law in 44 years, the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, and faculties of Engineering, Business Administration, Health & Behavioural Sciences, Social Sciences & Humanities, Science & Environmental Studies, Natural Resources Management, Education, and Graduate Studies.

Maclean’s 2016 University Rankings place Lakehead University second in Ontario and among Canada’s Top 10 undergraduate universities, and first among Ontario’s undergraduate universities for Total Research Dollars, Social Sciences & Humanities Grants, and Library Expenses. In 2015, Re$earch Infosource ranked Lakehead first among Canada’s undergraduate universities.

Visit www.lakeheadu.ca.

September 13, 2016 – Thunder Bay and Orillia, ON

Lakehead University has partnered with AppArmor to give students, faculty and staff a faster way to access resources on campus.

The new MobileSafety app includes emergency contacts, a safety toolbox, and other important resources available at the touch of a button.

“Partnering with AppArmor allows us to bring more awareness to the services available at both campuses,” said Kathy Pozihun, Lakehead’s Vice-President, Administration and Finance.

“This app allows users to easily access our walk-safe program, to quickly contact security if needed, and to use tools that can help in an emergency,” Pozihun said. 

The safety toolbox includes a flashlight, a loud alarm, and the ability to send security a photo. AppArmor custom mobile safety apps improve emergency response in a crisis and make campus security resources more accessible.

"We're thrilled to have developed the Lakehead University Mobile Safety app,” said David Sinkinson, Co-Founder of AppArmor.

“The staff we worked with at Lakehead Security were immensely helpful in creating a visually appealing and technically sophisticated mobile safety app solution. We look forward to students, faculty, and staff downloading the app and improving their personal safety on Lakehead University’s campuses.”

To download the app search for Lakehead Mobile Safety. It is available on all IOS, Android and BlackBerry devices.

For more information about AppArmor please visit www.apparmor.com.

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Media: For more information or to arrange interviews, please contact Brandon Walker, Media Relations Officer, at (807) 343-8372, or mediarelations@lakeheadu.ca.

Lakehead University has about 9,700 full-time equivalent students and 2,000 faculty and staff in 10 faculties at two campuses in Orillia and Thunder Bay, Ontario. Lakehead is a fully comprehensive university: home to Ontario’s newest Faculty of Law in 44 years, the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, and faculties of Engineering, Business Administration, Health & Behavioural Sciences, Social Sciences & Humanities, Science & Environmental Studies, Natural Resources Management, Education, and Graduate Studies.

Maclean’s 2016 University Rankings place Lakehead University second in Ontario and among Canada’s Top 10 undergraduate universities, and first among Ontario’s undergraduate universities for Total Research Dollars, Social Sciences & Humanities Grants, and Library Expenses. In 2015, Re$earch Infosource ranked Lakehead first among Canada’s undergraduate universities.

Visit www.lakeheadu.ca.

August 31, 2016 – Thunder Bay, ON

Lakehead University welcomed a record number of international students at this year’s orientation.

Around 400 students from 44 countries participated in the International Orientation at the Hangar on Wednesday, Aug. 31.

“Orientation is an exciting time to welcome students from around the world, not only to the University campus, but also to our home in Thunder Bay,” said Nancy Gallo, Associate Director of Lakehead International.

“During Orientation we have the support and participation of local businesses and services who welcome Lakehead students and want to help them achieve their education goals – while inviting them to become integrated and contributing members of the City of Thunder Bay,” Gallo said.

Lakehead President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Brian Stevenson said the University continues to increase its outreach around the world in order to focus on growing enrolment of international students.

“International students play an invaluable role in diversifying our campus environment, as well as the external community,” Dr. Stevenson said. “They have come to Lakehead from around the world because of the exceptional, comprehensive university experience we offer all our students, however while they are here, they will also enrich the university experience for everyone around them.”

Orientation provides an opportunity for students to mingle with each other, and meet representatives from Lakehead University, Lakehead’s Student Union, the Chancellor Paterson Library, the Thunder Bay Police Service, and other important local organizations.

Dr. Brian Stevenson, Lakehead's President and Vice-Chancellor, welcomed international students at the orientation held on Wednesday in the Hangar.

Media: For more information or to arrange interviews, please contact Brandon Walker, Media Relations Officer, at (807) 343-8372, or mediarelations@lakeheadu.ca.

June 15, 2016 – Thunder Bay, ON

Imagine there was a more effective way to study the brain while treating Alzheimer’s disease.

The Weston Brain Institute is providing $709,650 to Dr. Mitch Albert, a researcher at Lakehead University and the Thunder Bay Regional Research Institute (TBRRI), to do exactly that. 

“The goal of this research is to provide a more sensitive measurement of brain function in Alzheimer’s patients using hyperpolarized xenon,” Dr. Albert said.

He believes that when patients inhale hyperpolarized xenon gas, it will allow researchers to take a clearer picture of the brain when using an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) machine.

This study will be the first large scale clinical trial in the world using hyperpolarized gas to take an image of the brain.

“Development of effective Alzheimer’s drugs has been largely unsuccessful,” Dr. Albert said. “But the enhanced detection capabilities of our hyperpolarized technique with MRI will encourage an evidence-based approach to drug development, since more people will want to participate in clinical trials. This will also allow for the evaluation of new drugs.”  

AD is an incurable disease affecting more than 20 million people globally.

“The Weston Brain Institute is pleased to support this kind of critical high-risk, high-reward work,” said Alexandra Stewart, Executive Director at the Weston Brain Institute.

“If successful, Dr. Albert’s imaging tools will have great impact in developing effective treatments for Alzheimer’s disease,” Stewart said. 

Dr. Albert will work with Dr. Alla Reznik, Canada Research Chair in Physics of Molecular Imaging and researcher at Lakehead and TBRRI; Drs. Seda Rafilovich and Anton Kolobov from St. Joseph’s Care Group, practicing geriatricians and experts in Alzheimer’s disease management; and Dr. Ayman Hassan, a neurologist from the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre.

Neuroscientists Dr. Jane Lawrence-Dewar from TBRRI and Dr. Jonathan Marotta from the University of Manitoba are collaborators on the project. TBRRI also has an in-house biostatistician for statistical analysis of the study’s results.

Dr. Andrew Dean, Lakehead University’s Vice-President, Research and Innovation, said research into Alzheimer’s disease is some of the most important work happening in the biomedical sector.

“Understanding this complex disease will require expert researchers attacking the problem from multiple perspectives. The substantial award from the Weston Brain Institute will allow Dr. Albert to pursue a new approach with widespread clinical trials,” Dr. Dean said.

“With an aging population, Northwestern Ontario is home to many patients that are more susceptible to developing Alzheimer’s disease,” said Jean Bartkowiak, President & CEO, Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre and CEO of the Research Institute.

“Dr. Albert’s work, along with the generous support of the Weston Brain Institute, will allow us to better understand the disease, develop treatments to combat it, and ultimately improve the care we provide through patient-centred research.”

The Weston Brain Institute funding is for three years. Dr. Albert teaches Chemistry at Lakehead University.

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Media: For more information or to arrange interviews, please contact Brandon Walker, Media Relations Officer, at (807) 343-8372, or mediarelations@lakeheadu.ca.

Or

Marcello Bernardo, Communications Officer, Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre at (807) 684-6765 or bernarma@tbh.net

Lakehead University has about 9,700 full-time equivalent students and 2,000 faculty and staff in 10 faculties at two campuses in Orillia and Thunder Bay, Ontario. Lakehead is a fully comprehensive university: home to Ontario’s newest Faculty of Law in 44 years, the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, and faculties of Engineering, Business Administration, Health & Behavioural Sciences, Social Sciences & Humanities, Science & Environmental Studies, Natural Resources Management, Education, and Graduate Studies.

Maclean’s 2016 University Rankings place Lakehead University second in Ontario and among Canada’s Top 10 undergraduate universities, and first among Ontario’s undergraduate universities for Total Research Dollars, Social Sciences & Humanities Grants, and Library Expenses. In 2015, Re$earch Infosource ranked Lakehead first among Canada’s undergraduate universities.

Visit www.lakeheadu.ca.

Thunder Bay Regional Research Institute – an independent, not-for-profit corporation – is the research arm of the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre. Our scientists work closely with clinicians, medical professionals, and academic and industry partners to improve healthcare through excellence in patient-centred research focused on three molecular imaging-based platforms. Research is advanced through discovery and development of new technologies and processes that are brought to patients through clinical trials. With successful trial validation, discoveries proceed to commercialization for the benefit of patients everywhere.

For more information, visit www.tbrri.com.

The Weston Brain Institute is Canada’s largest privately funded national initiative aimed at accelerating breakthrough discoveries for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases of aging, including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The Institute directly supports Canada’s world-class neuroscience research community and focuses on high-risk, high-reward projects, independent of commercial potential, that address the existing translational gap in neurodegenerative research using an innovative fast-track granting model. The Institute is supported by The W. Garfield Weston Foundation.

www.westonbraininstitute.com

twitter: @westonbrain
facebook: WestonBrainInstitute

August 26, 2016 – Thunder Bay, ON

The Thunderwolves Howl! Fall Orientation will welcome new students to Lakehead University and introduce them to the Thunder Bay campus.

Thunderwolves Howl! 2016 will run from Monday, Aug. 29 until Saturday, Sept. 10, and will focus on helping students successfully transition to Lakehead University. This year’s orientation will feature a first – students in Thunder Bay will connect with their peers at the Orillia campus through live stream for the opening commencement ceremony on Friday, Sept. 2 in the Hangar.

“Another event that students will definitely enjoy is Magnetic Midnight, which offers DJs, a laser light show and prizes donated by local businesses,” said Jo Krisko, Manager of the Student Success Centre.

“All of Lakehead’s orientation events offer a chance for new students to get to know each other and become familiar with the campus,” she added.

Events and activities will cater to students entering from high school, college/university transfer, international, Aboriginal and mature students. Faculty and staff at Lakehead look forward to welcoming new undergraduate students and their families to the Thunder Bay campus.

“These events will ensure students have a positive introduction to Lakehead and start the year prepared and excited for this new academic adventure,” said Chris Glover, Director of Student Affairs. “Orientation provides students with information and strategies to help them be successful at Lakehead,” he said.

Orientation will introduce new students to their classmates and professors, and ensure they know about the many services and supports available to them. The Thunderwolves Howl! Orientation is being organized by the Student Success Centre, Residence & Conference Services, and the Lakehead University Student Union.

For more information please click here

As Lakehead University celebrates the 10th anniversary of the Orillia campus, a new group of students will begin their university experience at the campus.

The new students will be welcomed at Lakehead’s annual Orientation – Thunderwolves Howl 2016 – from Thursday, September 1 to Sunday, September 4. Many of the first year students attending Orientation will be living in residence and will move into their University Avenue accommodations on September 1. Classes begin on Tuesday, September 6.

Thunderwolves Howl 2016 will introduce new students to university life and will focus on helping students connect with their peers. For the first time this year, students at the Orillia campus will join, through video technology, with Thunder Bay students at a special Opening Commencement event on Friday, September 2.

"The Orientation events we’ve planned will ensure students have a positive introduction to Lakehead and start the year prepared and excited for their new academic adventure," said Chris Glover, Director of Student Affairs. “The new commencement event will be a unique way for students to experience the community of Lakehead.”

During the four-day orientation, students will take part in a variety of social events, team building activities, and many opportunities to connect with fellow students, staff, and faculty. Orientation activities are led by a team of upper-year students who have been specially trained in how to guide new students.

On the first day of orientation – Thursday, September 1 – students will be welcomed with meet and greet activities, including a barbeque with President & Vice-Chancellor Dr. Brian Stevenson. The Opening Commencement Ceremony takes place on Friday, along with information sessions, lunch with faculty members, and a boat cruise sponsored by the Lakehead University Student Union (LUSU). On Saturday, students will explore downtown Orillia during a "Toonie-Lunch" and scavenger hunt.

The event culminates on Sunday when students will experience the ultimate school spirit event. Following a corn roast and pep rally, students will head over to Rotary Place 2 for the fourth annual Orientation Cup. This year, for the first time, and to celebrate Lakehead Orillia’s 10th Anniversary, the Lakehead Thunderwolves men’s hockey team will face off against an alumni team of former students and athletes.

“Our staff team has put together an exceptional event this year,” said Glover. “And we couldn’t have done it without the ongoing support of the community – our local community has been there every step of the way and has always helped make our Orientation events a big hit with students.” For more information about Thunderwolves Howl 2016, visit newadventure.lakeheadu.ca.

A highlight of Lakehead’s annual orientation is the “O-Cup” hockey match – this year featuring the men’s hockey team against alumni, in celebration of Lakehead Orillia’s 10th Anniversary. The game takes place on Sunday, September 4, 7 pm at Rotary Place.

New students to Lakehead will soon be exploring downtown Orillia. A “Toonie Lunch” and scavenger hunt takes place on Saturday, September 3 as part of the annual Thunderwolf Howl Orientation

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

Released on August 18, 2016 – Thunder Bay, ON

Lakehead University’s Board of Governors and the Lakehead University Faculty Association (LUFA) have ratified a new four-year collective agreement.

"LUFA is pleased that the two sides used a problem-solving approach to focus on the challenges facing the University, and were able to come to an agreement that both LUFA members and the Board of Governors were able to endorse,” said Dr. Glenna Knutson, LUFA President.

Dr. Brian Stevenson, Lakehead’s President and Vice-Chancellor, said he was glad both sides came to an amicable agreement.

“Lakehead University has some of the best faculty in Canada, which is why we reached this strong agreement, together, with our faculty association,” Dr. Stevenson said. “I will also take this opportunity to thank both sides’ bargaining teams for their time, dedication, and hard work,” he said.

The new collective agreement is effective September 1, 2016 through August 31, 2020, and includes a general economic increase on total faculty salaries, enhancements to benefit plans, as well as a voluntary retirement incentive program.

Participant Antoine Boyce (second from left) of Fort Hope First Nation flies a drone during Science Week, part of the First Nations Youth Employment Programs offered in partnership with Outland, Confederation College and Lakehead University.

July 27, 2016, THUNDER BAY, ON – The First Nations Natural Resources Youth Employment Program (FNNRYEP) has 48 participants learning about anthropology, geography, dendrology, sustainable energy sources, visual arts, engineering, entrepreneurship, aboriginal mentorship and more this week during a Science Camp at Confederation College and Lakehead University.

Since 2000, Outland Camps has partnered with Confederation College to offer the FNNRYEP to provide employment and learning opportunities for First Nations youth. To date, the partnership has resulted in over 380 participants being successfully trained, launching numerous careers in the Natural Resource sector.

“This program offers an important pathway for First Nations youth to pursue post-secondary education and potentially to inspire a career,” said Bill Gregorash, Program Manager and Professor in the Workforce Development division at Confederation College. “Through meaningful employment, participants improve skills, develop a strong work ethic learn how to be self-sufficient. They also have the opportunity to explore many facets of the Natural Resources sector and earn industry certifications that may assist them in their future careers. We are proud to be an ongoing partner.”

Lakehead University and Outland Camps developed a partnership in 2015 to offer the Mink Lake First Nations Youth Employment Program (MLFNYEP), an experience which mirrors that of the FNNRYEP. 23 participants successfully completed the program in its inaugural year.

“Lakehead University recognizes the importance of First Nations participation in all aspects of sustainable forest management,” said Ulf Runneson, Dean of the Faculty of Natural Resources Management. “This includes the utilization of hands-on skills development in areas such as small-scale harvesting and milling as well as measurements and inventory, all of which the participants are being exposed to in this summer’s program.”

Anya Scheibmayr, Field Supervisor at Outland Camps, spoke to the partnerships with both institutions.

“Through these programs, Confederation College and Lakehead University have demonstrated a clear commitment to supporting the growth and education of First Nations youth. The experiences the programs offer these youth can be life-changing. We regularly witness participants achieving higher levels of self-confidence, becoming stronger leaders in their communities and developing positive and long-lasting relationships with their peers.”

Today, participants from both programs learned how to fly drones and practiced tree inventory and identification techniques. Throughout the week, each program follows its own schedule, but the two groups come together several times to maximize the learning experience and opportunities.

The week has included field trips to local facilities and has welcomed guest speakers from Confederation College, Lakehead University and the natural resources industry. Participants also toured both campuses and had multiple opportunities to gain hands-on experience, including today’s activities, geo-caching, an engineering challenge, a graffiti art workshop and more.

FNNRYEP participants will return to their home base at Sandbar Camp (near Ignace), while MLFNYEP participants will return to Mink Lake. Both programs will continue through mid-August, with closing ceremonies taking place at Mount McKay on August 25.

Funding for both programs is provided by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada, Canadian Forest Services and First Nation and industry partners.


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Confederation College has been serving the citizens of northwestern Ontario since 1967 meeting the educational needs of students in a catchment area of some 550,000 square kilometres. Along with its main campus in Thunder Bay, Confederation College has eight regional sites located in Dryden, Fort Frances, Geraldton, Kenora, Marathon, Sioux Lookout, Red Lake and Wawa.

Confederation College delivers exceptional education and training to an average of 8,800 combined full and part-time students per year and currently has a total of 805 full and part-time employees. Confederation’s regional economic impact and contribution is valued at $411.2 million annually.


Lakehead University has about 9,700 full-time equivalent students and 2,000 faculty and staff in 10 faculties at two campuses in Orillia and Thunder Bay, Ontario. Lakehead is a fully comprehensive university: home to Ontario’s newest Faculty of Law in 44 years, the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, and faculties of Engineering, Business Administration, Health & Behavioural Sciences, Social Sciences & Humanities, Science & Environmental Studies, Natural Resources Management, Education, and Graduate Studies.

Maclean’s 2016 University Rankings place Lakehead University second in Ontario and among Canada’s Top 10 undergraduate universities, and first among Ontario’s undergraduate universities for Total Research Dollars, Social Sciences & Humanities Grants, and Library Expenses. In 2015, Re$earch Infosource ranked Lakehead first among Canada’s undergraduate universities.

Visit www.lakeheadu.ca.


For more information, please contact:

Confederation College:
Ashleigh Quarrell, Media and Communications Officer
Ph: (807) 475-6565, Cell: (807) 632-5296, Email: aquarrel@confederationc.on.ca

Michael Gravelle, Minister of Northern Development and Mines and Chair of the NOHFC, was at Lakehead University on Friday to announce $1 million toward the Gichi Kendaasiwin Centre.

July 15, 2016 – Thunder Bay, ON

Ontario is helping advance post-secondary education for Indigenous peoples in the Northwest by investing in the planning of a new Indigenous centre at Lakehead University.

With an investment of $1 million through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC), Lakehead University in Thunder Bay is proceeding with the engineering and design phase for the Gichi Kendaasiwin Centre. The proposed centre would advance academic opportunities for First Nations, Métis and Inuit students, and help increase university participation rates among Indigenous people of Ontario.

The building will serve as a hub for the university’s Indigenous students and the wider community. It will include classroom and meeting spaces, a gathering and performance space, as well as support services for Indigenous students and community members. The facility will also house academic departments devoted to delivering Indigenous-specific programming.

Investing in research and innovation is part of the government's economic plan to build Ontario up and deliver on its number-one priority to grow the economy and create jobs. The four-part plan includes helping more people get and create the jobs of the future by expanding access to high-quality college and university education. The plan is making the largest infrastructure investment in hospitals, schools, roads, bridges and transit in Ontario's history and is investing in a low-carbon economy driven by innovative, high-growth, export-oriented businesses. The plan is also helping working Ontarians achieve a more secure retirement.

QUOTES

“The Gichi Kendaasiwin Centre is a strong example of the relationship-building between Northern Ontario academic institutions and Indigenous peoples. We are pleased to play a positive and supportive role in building those relationships.”

– Michael Gravelle, Minister of Northern Development and Mines and Chair of the NOHFC

“It is important for Indigenous students to have a gathering place for cultural activities and support services. This investment in the Gichi Kendaasiwin Centre will help Lakehead University and local Indigenous communities fully support First Nations, Métis and Inuit students. Creating prosperous, healthy and strong communities is the foundation for lasting reconciliation in Ontario.”

— David Zimmer, Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation

“Lakehead takes pride in connecting our Indigenous students to the world. It is wonderful to see Ontario’s government appreciate and support our hard work with this investment.”

–  Dr. Brian J.R. Stevenson, President and Vice-Chancellor of Lakehead University

QUICK FACTS

Since 2003, the province has invested more than $1 billion through the NOHFC in over 7,463 projects, leveraging more than $3.9 billion in direct economic activity and creating or sustaining over 28,100 jobs in Northern Ontario.

• The NOHFC has invested over $188 million in 1,480 projects in the Greater Thunder Bay area, that have helped create or retain more than 5,700 jobs since 2003.

• The NOHFC’s investments in research and innovation are part of the Ontario government’s Growth Plan for Northern Ontario.

• Ontario is on track to balance the budget next year, in 2017-18, which will also continue to lower the province’s debt-to-GDP ratio.

LEARN MORE

• Growth Plan for Northern Ontario

• Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation

• Lakehead University

• Gichi Kendaasiwin Centre

For interviews, please contact James Carleton, Minister's Office, 416-327-1208 or Brandon Walker, Lakehead University, 807-343-8372.