This Lakehead Student’s Commitment to Serve Others Remains Strong

Lieutenant Colonel (Ret’d) Darla Oja’s journey—from small-town Saskatchewan to international deployments—reflects a lifelong commitment to serving others. Now a Lakehead University student, she transforms decades of military leadership into service rooted in education, empathy, and community impact.

Oja joined the military at the age of seventeen. She grew up in a Métis community in northern Saskatchewan. “It’s a town of about 350 people, and I was related to most of them,” she says with a laugh. “A recruiter came to our school and picked up four of us in Grade 11. We all went to basic training that year. That was an option—and I chose it.”

Her decision launched a career that spanned positions ranging from Mobile Support and Equipment Operator to Lieutenant Colonel, culminating in her command of the 38 Service Battalion, which oversaw units across three provinces. She also served in Bosnia-Herzegovina, held numerous training and leadership roles, and spent decades living and serving in Thunder Bay.

“Decide what you want to be, and do it. If that’s what your heart tells you, then become that. Don’t let people tell you you can’t.”

“I’ve always loved learning,” Oja says. “To progress through the ranks, there was always training involved—it was like being in school all the time. I think that’s part of why I enjoyed it so much.”

When she reflects on her career, Oja speaks most about the people she has met. “Leadership isn’t just about example,” she says. “It’s about leading how you would like to have been led—helping others become their best possible selves.”

Oja was commissioned as an officer after a Thunder Bay commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel John Groves, recognized her potential. “If you’re looking for someone who shaped my approach, it was him,” she says. “He helped me understand what an officer should exude in command and leadership.”

Over time, she found her own style. “The military forms people into a certain way of thinking and doing,” she explains. “As I matured into my leadership role, I became more of my authentic self. Who I was was able to emerge more as I went up in rank.”
Honouring Indigenous Veterans

Each year on November 8, Canadians observe National Indigenous Veterans Day—a day of remembrance, reflection, and recognition. It honours the thousands of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people who served in the First and Second World Wars, the Korean War, and in peacekeeping missions worldwide. It also acknowledges the families and communities who carried the burden of absence and loss with strength, pride, and love.

For Oja, the day underscores the importance of awareness and education. “Canada has a long history of Indigenous people serving, but for many decades that service wasn’t widely recognized,” she says. “This day helps make sure those stories are seen and heard—not only by Indigenous communities, but by all Canadians.”

That recognition, she adds, is also about progress. “It’s about understanding the sacrifices that were made and the stories that weren’t told for so long,” she says. “And it’s about asking what more we can do today to ensure they’re never forgotten.”

Helping Young People Understand and Embrace Our History
These days, Oja channels that commitment to remembrance and learning into classrooms across Thunder Bay. By sharing her dog tags, uniforms, and grandfather’s service medals, she helps students connect personally to history. “The kids under ten are my favourite,” she says. “They’re just curious—there’s no hesitation. They just want to touch everything.” Her visits spark discussions about Indigenous contributions and foster respect in students who might not otherwise learn these stories firsthand.

She believes postsecondary institutions play an essential role in carrying these stories forward and shaping student perspectives. “As an academic institution, Lakehead has an important responsibility,” she says. “Ceremonies like National Indigenous Veterans Day remind students that this is part of our shared history, and that it’s inclusive of everyone. But students should also be encouraged to stay curious—to expand their knowledge beyond what’s in a textbook.” Oja views her academic contributions as a means to raise awareness and foster meaningful dialogue about Indigenous experiences.

From Command to the Classroom

Returning to school herself, Oja is now in her third year at Lakehead, where she is completing concurrent degrees in social work and Indigenous learning, as well as a Certificate in Expressive Arts. “People are surprised when they find out I went back to school,” she says. “But it fits. I’ve always been drawn to education—now it’s about how I give back in a different way.”

Since retiring from the military, Oja has received notes from colleagues and former soldiers thanking her for her leadership and support. “I didn’t realize how much people felt that until after I retired,” she says. “They thanked me for believing in them, for contributing to their careers. These are things anybody can do—you just have to be a good person.”

Her advice to others is simple: “Decide what you want to be, and do it. If that’s what your heart tells you, then become that. Don’t let people tell you you can’t.”

After thirty years of service and a lifetime of learning, Oja remains focused on what’s next. “There are so many amazing Indigenous veteran stories out there,” she says. “Part of why I agreed to this interview was to open that up—to encourage those other stories to be told.”

Oja’s journey, in and out of uniform, is defined by learning, service, and connection. Every chapter of her life—in the field or in the classroom—builds toward her central goal: making a difference. National Indigenous Veterans Day, for Oja, is about honouring the past and inspiring others to serve, learn, and lead with purpose.

Everyone is invited to attend the Indigenous Veterans Day Ceremony on November 10 at 9:30 am in the Agora on the Thunder Bay campus. You can also watch the ceremony online by clicking here to register.

Visit the Indigenous Veterans Day exhibit on display from November 10-14 in the Agora to learn more about the service and the sacrifices of Indigenous soldiers and veterans.

Fighting For Freedom

Walter Sledzion—a Polish soldier who served with the Commonwealth forces during the Italian Campaign in World War II—was a remarkable man.

He survived being captured by enemy forces four times before eventually becoming a Canadian citizen.

"Walter was interned in a Soviet prisoner-of-war camp until the Soviets released him and fellow Polish soldiers in 1941," says Ethan Sosnowski, a second-year history student at Lakehead Orillia.

This was only the beginning of Walter's contributions to the war effort.

Walter Sledzion (left, in the framed photograph) trained in British-controlled Iraq with the Polish 5th Kresowa Infantry Division between 1941 and 1944 before fighting with the 2nd Polish Corps during the Italian Campaign.

He was transferred to Italy in 1944, where he fought in the Battle of Monte Cassino and the Battle of Ancona. At Monte Cassino, Walter was captured twice and escaped twice. At Ancona, he was injured by grenade shrapnel and taken prisoner for a final time before being liberated in May 1945. He spent another year serving with the Allied occupation forces in Italy.

"After immigrating to Canada, Walter regularly visited Royal Canadian Legions and attended veteran get-togethers to support his fellow service members," Ethan says.

It is stories like Walter's that Ethan wants to ensure are not forgotten.

A History Teacher Sparks a Lifelong Quest

Ethan purchased Walter's uniform three months ago for his collection of military items. Ethan began acquiring wartime paraphernalia—including uniforms, helmets, weapons, and medals—after being inspired by his grade 10 history teacher to learn more about World War veterans.

"Walter's uniform is the showpiece of my collection," Ethan says. "It's a 1940 Commonwealth battle dress. Walter didn't have his own uniform because it was taken from him after he was captured by the Soviet army."

His uniform is one of several owned by Ethan that will be on display at Lakehead Orillia this week in honour of Remembrance Day.

"I think it's incredibly valuable for students to learn about veterans," Ethan says. He devotes much of his spare time to arranging for his pieces to be exhibited at schools and community organizations.

Uncovering Forgotten Heroes

Ethan continues to add to his collection because he believes it will help Canadians remember the sacrifices made to preserve our freedom and our democracy.

Canadians will gather at Remembrance Day ceremonies across the country, including at the National War Memorial in Ottawa (above), to pay tribute to Canadian Armed Forces members.

Being a collector of military items has encouraged Ethan to learn about the soldiers who originally owned them. He searches archives for information, going through enlistment records, casualty cards, and medal citations. He's also helped people discover more about family members in the Canadian Armed Forces.

"I do this because I want to bring the stories of soldiers back into the light," Ethan says.

"I found that Ontario's high school history curriculum is too broad. It's only by looking into the experiences of individuals that you can better understand what life was like during wartime."

"I have to take a lot of care in storing and keeping the uniforms clean," Ethan says. He has a total of seven uniforms, several helmets, a Lee-Enfield gun, and many medals, including his grandfather's World War II defence medals.

"Studying history can prevent calamities from the past from being repeated," adds Ethan, who is concerned about misinformation he sees on social media that aims to distort historical memory.

"When museums and educational institutions post videos about the Holocaust, for instance, you see people in the comments sections denying and distorting history to suit their own narrative."

Visit Lakehead Orillia's Remembrance Day Display

At the Orillia campus, the uniforms of the servicemen below will be displayed, along with biographical information and photos:

• World War II Polish soldier Walter Sledzion
• World War I unknown Canadian soldier
• World War II Captain Joseph Matthew Schulde (member of the Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps)
• World War II Regimental Sergeant Major and Warrant Officer First Class Charles Joseph Rouse (member of the Royal Canadian Artillery)

This week, the Lakehead community will have the opportunity to learn about the men who wore these uniforms. "History often feels unreal because it's so far removed in time," Ethan says. "But seeing items helps you understand that these were real people and makes history feel more authentic."

Like Walter Sledzion, Ethan makes a point of visiting local branches of the Royal Canadian Legion. "I like to meet veterans and ask them questions—and I encourage others to talk to veterans. It shows them that you care about them and that you appreciate their service."

Everyone is invited to view the Remembrance Day display in Simcoe Hall's Learning Commons throughout the day on November 11 and on the morning of November 12.

The Department of History is pleased to support the Thunder Bay Historical Film Festival which will feature two films by Lakehead faculty and alumni.

The first is "Hollywood Dreams", a satirical history of film production at the Lakehead. "Hollywood Dreams" is episode 3 of "The View From Up Here", produced by Dr. Ron Harpelle. The series features Dr. Tom Peotto of the Department of History and the talents of several of the department's faculty and alumni. The second is a short presentation on the grain trade at the Port of Thunder Bay. "Shipping News," part of the "Reel Memories Project" led by Dr. Ron Harpelle and is produced and edited by Dr. Ligia Simba Bolaños, a recent graduate of Natural Resources Management. This short film is based on clips from Thunder Bay's nightly television news between 1960 and 1980. It offers glimpses of the waterfront and the grain industry.

Both films are a celebration of history at the Lakehead and they will be screened along with several other productions from the region. This is an opportunity for people to learn about local history while enjoying a night out. The event takes place on November 20, 2025 at the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium at 7:00 p.m. and it is free.

The Lakehead Fresh Market is back for the rest of the semester, bringing fresh, local produce right to campus every Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Agora until Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025.

Open to everyone in the Lakehead community, the market is cashless and don’t forget to bring your own bag! Students experiencing food insecurity can pick up discount coupons from the LUSU Food Resource Centre (UC2014b) on Tuesday or Wednesday morning to use at the market.

The Lakehead Fresh Market is a collaboration between Conference Services, Aramark, Student Health and Wellness, and the Food Resource Centre, working together to make healthy food more accessible for our campus community.

Our November newsletter is live! Stay up to date on upcoming workshops, local partners, and the latest resources. Don’t miss out - read the full newsletter and see what’s happening this month!

Lakehead Students Step Back into a Fascinating Past

Chris Hamilton was strolling along the McIntyre River on Lakehead's Thunder Bay campus one day in 2015 when he came to a sudden halt. His attention was caught by small flakes of jasper taconite rock.

Hamilton—who was a Lakehead geoarchaeology student at the time—realized that these fragments were ancient belongings left behind thousands of years ago by humans fashioning tools out of stone.

"Many implements such as spear points, dart points, and arrowheads were made where Lakehead's campus now sits," says Assistant Professor of Anthropology Dr. Jill Taylor-Hollings. "They were used for hunting animals."

Enthusiastic Lakehead archaeology students worked rain or shine during the 2025 Archaeological Field School. The field school organizers, Clarence Surette and Dr. Taylor-Hollings, also volunteer with the Ontario Archaeological Society, which trains community representatives to monitor archaeological work.

This major find opened up an exciting world for Lakehead archaeology and anthropology students. They've been able to immerse themselves in the material culture of ancient peoples right on the grounds of their school.

Many other sites have been discovered on campus since 2015.

"They're all old pre-contact sites from the Middle period, ranging from about 7,000 to 2,500 years ago, as are three sites that were previously discovered in 1976," Dr. Taylor-Hollings says.

Digging Deep

Since 2015, the Department of Anthropology has offered three archaeological field schools on the Lakehead campus. They were led by Bio-Archaeology Technician Clarence Surette, Dr. Taylor-Hollings, and Anthropology Technician Chris McEvoy. These digs teach students essential skills like proper site excavation, reconnaissance techniques, mapping, and laboratory analysis.

"You start with a bird's-eye perspective, then establish a site grid made up of one-metre square units using wooden stakes," Dr. Taylor-Hollings says. "Students then excavate in layers using trowels, paint brushes, and root cutters."

"In Ontario, 90 per cent of archaeological excavations happen at Indigenous sites," says Dr. Taylor-Hollings. "So, it is very important to work with local First Nations and teach the students about being respectful while being at these sites."

The most recent field school took place in May 2025, in partnership with the archaeological consulting firm Woodland Heritage Northwest. Archaeologists-in-training investigated the ancient, human-occupied shores of Lake Superior in the lake's northwestern region.

"We're like detectives," Dr. Taylor-Hollings says." We take the evidence we find and try to solve a research question."

Before beginning the excavation at this site, the Department of Anthropology asked for approval from Fort William First Nation to work there. "It was important to get their approval because this is their traditional territory," Dr. Taylor-Hollings says. Once the analysis of the artifacts (also known as ancient belongings) they uncovered is complete, they'll report the findings to Fort William First Nation and discuss next steps.

Clues to the Early Inhabitants of the Canadian Shield

"The humans who lived at the sites on campus were most likely the ancestors of the Indigenous people who now reside in this region," Dr. Taylor-Hollings says.

The hypothesis of the researchers leading the excavations is that these early inhabitants of the boreal forest lived in nomadic family groups along rivers and lakes, seasonally occupying areas while engaging in hunting, fishing, and plant harvesting. Ceremonies were also important in the past, and sacred locations exist all over the Thunder Bay area.

"Because of the stone material found during excavations at Lakehead sites, we can confirm that the Thunder Bay area has one of the largest concentrations of Early period sites (ca. 9500 - 7,000 years ago), which are the oldest sites in Canada," Dr. Taylor-Hollings says.

Above, Outland students learn how to flintknap. "We see evidence of groundstone technology and chipped stone technology (also called flintknapping) at Lakehead sites," Clarence Surette says.

Several copper tools were unearthed during the 2025 field school—a once-in-a-lifetime discovery that will contribute to the understanding of human history.

"It's likely that the first people anywhere in the world to use copper were from the Lake Superior Region," Surette says.

"We also found a fire pit, which is quite rare," Dr. Taylor-Hollings adds. "We're radiocarbon dating some charcoal we retrieved from the pit to determine how old the occupation is." This is evidence that people were camping right here thousands of years ago.

Experimental Archaeology Offers Unique Insights

Outland students learn how to throw spears as part of Lakehead's experimental archaeology programming in August 2025.

Excavations and field schools aren't the only way that the Department of Anthropology teaches students about ancient people and settlements—experimental archaeology plays an important role, too.

"It allows participants to engage in hands-on activities such as stone tool and pottery making, using ancient techniques and materials to gain a deeper understanding of what life may have been like when these sites were originally occupied," Surette says.

Niijii Outreach Coordinator Jared Visitor, who is also a Lakehead anthropology lab assistant, helped with experimental archaeology demonstrations for Outland students this summer.

Hands-on learning opportunities like these aren't limited to Lakehead anthropology students. In 2024 and 2025, Indigenous high school students participating in both the Outland Youth Employment Program and Lakehead's Niijii Indigenous Mentorship Program took part in experimental archaeology summer camps.

"It allowed our Indigenous youth to explore technologies and traditions their ancestors used for thousands of years," says Niijii Outreach Coordinator Jared Visitor. "This history has been told through the lens of science for many decades, but now we get to be a part of telling our own story."

If you're an aspiring archaeologist or anthropologist, check out Lakehead's degree options and enrol in classes and labs taught by nationally and internationally recognized experts.

The 2025 Awards Ceremonies Brought Together Inspirational Grads

This year, Lakehead University is celebrating 60 years of expanding opportunity through exceptional learning experiences, advancing discovery that drives societal progress, and fostering stronger communities through innovation and collaboration.

"Lakehead's graduates transform lives while inspiring others to follow their lead," says Mark Tilbury, Lakehead's Alumni and Annual Giving Director. "As we celebrate 60 years, these honourees show how our alumni and supporters bring the university's mission to life through their skill, dedication, and vision."

Since 1989, the Alumni Association of Lakehead University has presented awards honouring outstanding graduates and supporters whose accomplishments reflect Lakehead's enduring mission and impact. At the Lakehead Celebrates alumni awards ceremonies in October, each campus recognized recipients whose achievements embody these values.

The October 25 Lakehead Celebrates ceremony on the Orillia campus honoured (l-r): Chris Glover, Whitney Glage, Jessie Clarke, Heidi Warren, and Will Wong.

Honouring a Lifetime of Achievement

The Distinguished Alumni Award, recognizing seasoned alumni for significant lifetime contributions through professional achievement, community involvement, or philanthropy, was presented to two remarkable recipients.

David Bruno, a Political Science graduate and Thunder Bay native, has led national initiatives in cybersecurity and helped shape Canada's secure digital services policy landscape. Michael Fox, a member of Weenusk First Nation, and President and CEO of Indigenous Community Engagement (ICE) Inc., champions Indigenous economic development and cultivates partnerships that strengthen communities and support economic Reconciliation.

Recognizing Exceptional Accomplishment

The Exceptional Alumni Award celebrates a graduate whose achievements, service, or recognized accomplishments have had a meaningful impact locally, nationally, or internationally. This year honoured three exceptional recipients.

David M. Thompson, raised on Gichi-weekwaedong (Grand Bay Reserve #54) and Beenjitawaubikozaugeeng (Rocky Bay First Nation) on Lake Nipigon, is a land-based education coordinator at Dennis Franklin Cromarty High School committed to teaching Anishinaabemowin language and culture. Greg Chomut has mentored Indigenous youth through creative initiatives, including Thunder Bay's Wake the Giant festival, helping foster safe, supportive spaces where students can explore their talents, strengthen community connections, and celebrate their culture. Heidi Warren, a Yukon-based educator, leads with mindful, restorative practices, and cultivates inclusive, supportive learning environments where students and colleagues feel seen and valued.

Celebrating Emerging Leaders

The Trailblazer Award recognizes graduates of the past decade who have flourished since graduation through exceptional and unconventional accomplishments in their early careers.

This year's three recipients represent Lakehead's next generation of leadership.

Eemaan Khan, a graduate in civil engineering, has built a uniquely multi-disciplinary global career, earning a strong reputation for civic engagement, strategic thinking, and leadership. Jenna Kirker, a multiple Lakehead alumna, is a historian and advancement professional who has strengthened education and community philanthropy across northwestern Ontario. Whitney Glage, inspired by an outdoor experiential education course she took as part of her Lakehead Bachelor of Education degree, founded Tiny Forest Academy, an outdoor school now serving more than 150 students.

Champions and Changemakers

The Ambassador Award celebrates champions of Lakehead University whose continued dedication strengthens the university community. This year's two recipients exemplify this commitment.

Francis Clayton, retired head coach of Lakehead's varsity wrestling team, has coached and mentored generations of athletes who have gone on to leadership roles in the sport and played a key role in keeping alumni connected to the program. Jessie Clarke, an Orillia graduate, is a student-services professional and tireless volunteer with the Simcoe County Alumni Chapter, praised by colleagues as a "Lakehead human encyclopedia" for her knowledge and dedication to students and campus life.

The October 4 Lakehead Celebrates ceremony on the Thunder Bay campus honoured (l-r): Francis Clayton, Michael Fox, David M. Thompson, Eemaan Khan, Carolyn Verhoeven, Jack Verhoeven, Greg Chomut, Jenna Kirker, and David Bruno.

Honouring Legacy and Lifelong Commitment

The Legacy Award was presented to Jack and Carolyn Verhoeven for their exceptional commitment to the Alumni Association and the Lakehead community, particularly through their generous creation of Lakehead's largest donor-funded endowment, which assists 10 to 20 engineering students each year.

The Honorary Alumni Award, the highest honour the Alumni Association can bestow on a non-graduate, was presented to two long-standing supporters of Lakehead.

Will Wong, a familiar and welcoming face on campus since 2011, is a go-to Wolfie mascot for the Thunderwolves and a devoted Simcoe County Alumni chapter volunteer who has long embodied the Lakehead spirit. Chris Glover, Associate Vice President, Administration at Lakehead Orillia, is an enthusiastic Thunderwolves fan whose leadership and unwavering support of students, faculty, and staff help guide the Orillia campus community toward a promising future of growth and opportunity.

A Tradition of Impact

As Lakehead moves forward with its new Strategic Plan 2025–2030, Lakehead Celebrates serves as a reminder of the university's greatest legacy: graduates and supporters who carry its values forward—turning knowledge and relationship-building into meaningful action and lasting impact around the world.

All Lakehead University Libraries on the Thunder Bay campus (Chancellor Paterson, Education, and Law Library) and the Orillia campus (Harvie Legacy and Education Library), will set up displays in honour of Treaties Recognition Week which is being held November 2 to 8, 2025.

It was introduced in Ontario in 2016 as the Treaties Recognition Week Act. The purpose of this week is to honour the importance of treaties and to build an awareness and understanding of their significance. Lakehead's libraries permanent collections contain a rich and diverse selection of primary and secondary resources pertaining to Treaties.

The unique resources held by each library will be featured in their displays. The library displays will include resources pertaining to Indigenous history, treaties in Canada, elementary and secondary teaching resources and provide information about online resources that are available. Additional opportunities for involvement in related events and activities are listed on the provincial Treaties Recognition Week website.

We welcome you to drop by each library to view the wide range of resources available.

Help us inventory the waste and recycling bins on your floor!

The Office of Sustainability, Physical Plant, and Best Service Pros, are leading the next major initiative to advance our campus waste reduction goals. This is the next step in improving our centralized waste system (established in 2023).

To get involved, email Sustainability Coordinator Rachel Portinga at rporting@lakeheadu.ca.

We will provide:

• An easy-to-fill Google Form (mobile-friendly)
• Simple training
• A printed floor plan
• Halloween candy!
• Co-Curricular Record credit

This is a critical opportunity to get together for a collective action!

Everyone is welcome to become part of this effort.

It will have a historic impact on our campus.

It will help address the pressing need to reduce waste impacting the Thunder Bay landfill.

Your engagement in transforming and enriching our sustainability practices will also inspire more actions to build environmental stewardship.

OVERVIEW:

• Lakehead Education Professor Dr. Gary Pluim is leading the "Educational Transfer Between Small States of the Commonwealth" research project
• This initiative follows how curriculum is shared between small Commonwealth countries—from the Caribbean to the Pacific to sub-Saharan Africa
• Dr. Pluim and his team also collaborated with Ministries of Youth and Education in Commonwealth countries to develop youth-worker courses
• Youth work is a national priority in many small states because they often have large youth populations and high youth unemployment

From Botswana to the Bahamas, Young People Are Stepping Up

"People should have voice and power in the decisions that most affect their lives," says Education Professor Dr. Gary Pluim.

Dr. Pluim develops teaching methods that address youth rights, political engagement, mental health, and the climate crisis.

Dr. Pluim spent several years carrying out grassroots international youth volunteer projects around the world—like community-driven school-building and youth skills summits—before becoming an academic. It was during this period that he first became interested in fostering citizen participation, especially for younger people.

In 2025, he witnessed the power of citizen participation at Lakehead Orillia. Youth from 12 countries—including Botswana, Guyana, Turkey, the Bahamas, Malta, Fiji, Afghanistan, and Canada—arrived on campus for the "Global Citizenship Summit for Youth Voice, Policy, and Action."

Lifting Up Young People's Voices

The summit was organized by Dr. Pluim, his team of students, and his research partners as part of his "Educational Transfer Between Small States of the Commonwealth" research project. This initiative tracks how curriculum is shared between small countries—from the Caribbean to the Pacific to sub-Saharan Africa.

Advancements in online and distance learning during the pandemic have increased access, and accelerated opportunities, for educational transfer. Above, Dr. Pluim chats with Lakehead Orillia Principal Dr. Linda Rodenburg at the Global Citizenship Summit.

"We collaborated with Ministries of Youth and Education in these countries to develop youth-worker courses. These micro-credentials give current and aspiring youth workers opportunities to upgrade their qualifications," Dr. Pluim says.

"In addition to government ministries, we partner with camps, youth agencies, community organizations, and YMCAs (or their equivalents) to offer this training."

On one hand, this sharing of resources allows countries to save money, train more youth workers, and strengthen their economies. But on the other hand, local voices and cultures risk being overpowered by institutional priorities.

Over 1,000 people have now taken Commonwealth of Learning modules, like "Youth and Climate Change" and "Youth Entrepreneurship." Above, youth leaders at the Global Citizenship Summit for Youth Voice, Policy, and Action enjoy some winter weather.

"We're studying promising practices and approaches to education sharing, as well as the factors that inhibit the transfer of curriculum."

Dr. Pluim's work is a partnership with the Commonwealth of Learning (COL), an intergovernmental organization that provides funding to develop and curate open-access online courses in the youth-work field.

Eager to Take Their Place in Society

Youth workers typically support young people with developing life skills, finding employment, and addressing challenges such as mental and physical health issues.

"One reason that youth work is a national priority in many small states is because they often have large youth populations and high youth unemployment," Dr. Pluim says.

In the Bahamas, for example, nearly 40 per cent of the population is 24 years old or younger, and 25 per cent of people between the ages of 15-24 are unemployed, according to the World Bank.

"In today's world, we see massive inequalities and a global climate crisis that are predicated on colonialism and power imbalances," Dr. Pluim explains. "So it's not just about wealthy countries transferring money to poorer countries—it's about local autonomy and possibilities for youth to determine their own futures."

Botswana has a large youth population and a pressing need for youth workers. That's why members of the Botswana Open University (above) are considering adopting existing COL youth-worker courses.

Dr. Pluim cautions that even exchanging curriculum between countries comes with risks.

"In many cases, there could be language barriers or curricula that don't reflect the experiences or culture of a country. This research draws upon post-colonial theory when looking at contemporary cultural influences on education."

A Transformative Summit

At the Global Citizenship Summit at Lakehead Orillia, young people shared their perspectives about their countries and their cultures.

"Watching the Global Citizenship Summit youth participants (above) come to the realization that they had more in common than they did differences really blew me away," Dr. Pluim says.

They also analyzed how global challenges, such as climate change, are affecting them. Participants discussed rising sea levels in the Pacific Ocean, extreme forest fires in Canada, and more frequent hurricanes in the Caribbean.

Some participants were nervous about the prospect of coming to the summit—they thought they'd have nothing in common with people from other countries. But Dr. Pluim says that the opposite actually occurred.

"It was inspiring to see these young people connect through music, dance, and sharing meals together. Listening to stories about their families, their communities, and their lives reaffirmed the potential of these kinds of educational experiences to bring us together and create change."

Dr. Pluim's research was funded by the Commonwealth of Learning and by a Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council Partnership Engagement Grant. Dr. Pluim's work supports multiple United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including SDG 1: No Poverty, SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, and SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities.