Outstanding Lakehead Students: Meet the Canadian Hearing Services National Scholarship Recipients

Lakehead students Rylind Davis and Seth Mandel have set the bar high when it comes to academic excellence and their determination to be changemakers.

They are among only 30 students from across Canada chosen to receive 2024-25 Canadian Hearing Services National Scholarships. "The scholarship is an immense honour that I hold close to my heart," Seth says. "It has had a significant impact on my ability to focus on my studies because it has alleviated some of the financial burdens that come with being in law school." The scholarship has made Rylind's educational journey easier, too. "I've been able to use the scholarship for expenses like computers, commuting costs, and books. Being a hybrid student and a student in the age of technology, I needed to have a good, reliable computer to complete coursework with."

Seth was Born a Fighter

Seth Mandel seated at an outdoor restaurant table in the eveningA premature baby who weighed just one pound and 10 ounces, Seth was given a less than a 1% chance of survival. "Growing up, I faced many challenges, including ADHD and severe hearing impairment," says the Toronto native and first-year student at Lakehead's Bora Laskin Faculty of Law in Thunder Bay. "These obstacles led others to doubt my ability to succeed, but I've always been determined to prove the naysayers wrong."

"I have a deep love for sports, particularly the Toronto Maple Leafs," Seth says. "I'm also blessed with two younger siblings, supportive parents, and my six-year-old dog, Mishka, who all play a huge role in my life."

Today, the former amateur athlete is channeling his ambition into becoming a lawyer. "I realized that a career in law would not only allow me to make a meaningful impact on society but also stand up for those who need a voice—something I'm passionate about.

At this point, I'm still deciding between criminal defence and sports law. I feel drawn to criminal defence because of my commitment to defending marginalized communities. On the other hand, my love for sports and the influence of movies like Jerry Maguire have sparked an interest in becoming a sports agent or corporate lawyer."

Seth says that Lakehead is helping him achieve his bold ambitions. "My experience has been incredibly positive. The ability to connect personally with professors and peers has made Bora Laskin a great fit for me, both academically and socially."

Rylind is a Mentor and Activist

Rylind Davis wearing a baseball cap stands on a path on the Lakehead Orillia campus"I was diagnosed with hearing loss when I was 13 and have used hearing aids ever since," Rylind says. The second-year history and political science student explains that "the Orillia campus being about an hour from my home in Huntsville has been beneficial for creating connections with friends and profs and the small class sizes are great."

Rylind believes "it's important for young people to be involved with politics because politics affects all of us in our everyday lives and our generation that must deal with the long-term effects of political decisions made today."

Despite his young age, Rylind is already a keen advocate for his fellow community members. In particular, he's an outspoken member of the Town of Huntsville's Accessibility Advisory Committee. "Seventy per cent of disabilities are invisible, and when it comes to advising the town council, those with invisible disabilities must have their voices heard," he says.

Rylind is considering becoming a high school teacher because it would give him the opportunity to help students "who may not understand a concept the first time it's taught, but who have a light-bulb moment when it's explained in a different way."

Teaching youth in conflict with the law is another career option he's mulling over. "Two of my very good friends spent time in Ontario youth detention centres and they didn't receive the same quality of education I did. Although kids in detention may have made serious mistakes, these mistakes shouldn't hold them back for the rest of their lives."

Rylind also wants to make it clear that "having a disability or hearing loss does not make students stupid, it just means that we need different tools and resources in order to be successful."

Congratulations Seth and Rylind on your Canadian Hearing Services National Scholarships!

Canadian Hearing Services is the country's leading provider of professional programs, services, and products that enable Deaf and hard of hearing Canadians to overcome barriers to participation in society.

Supporting Educators to Accelerate Climate Change Education

Teenagers are often stereotyped as self-centred, but Dr. Ellen Field knows this couldn't be further from the truth. The Lakehead education professor and researcher has been amazed by the inventive ways that young people are taking the lead in fighting climate change and their determination to create a future where everyone–and every living thing–can thrive.

"I was drawn to the field of climate change education (CCE) because while doing PhD research in 2013, I discovered that teenagers around the world were using social media for environmental conversations and learning, as well as for organizing community actions to address local climate issues," Dr. Field says. "They were taking matters into their own hands because they weren't getting enough climate information in their classrooms."

Dr. Ellen Field outdoors with students looking at autumn leaves

Fast forward to 2025, and Dr. Field is channelling young people's concerns about the environmental crisis into developing and deepening the climate change education taught in Canadian schools.

Achieving this ambitious goal is being made possible by the Accelerating Climate Change Education in Teacher Education (ACCE-TE) project, which provides learning opportunities for practising teachers, teacher candidates, and faculty of education members through funding from Environment Climate Change Canada.

The two-year project is being led by Dr. Field and Dr. Hilary Inwood at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE) at the University of Toronto and a network of researchers and collaborators. "Educators at all levels are well-positioned to lead the cultural shifts needed for equitable, just, and sustainable forms of living on Earth."

In addition to being a Lakehead professor and researcher, Dr. Field Ellen is an associate editor of the Canadian Journal of Environmental Education and co-chair of the Canadian Regional Hub of Monitoring and Evaluation of Climate Change Education (MECCE).

The ACCE-TE project is giving educators the tools to do this through its free national e-course, two webinar series, and by encouraging educators to share promising CCE learning strategies with their colleagues. "For example, an elementary teacher who took the e-course facilitated by Dr. Maria Vamvalis and Indigenous educator Kahsenniyohstha Lauren Williams began implementing what she'd learned by inviting an Indigenous knowledge keeper to speak to her class about plants and Indigenous history through a climate change lens," Dr. Field says.

The New York City Climate Clock at Night

The far-reaching environmental, social, physical, mental, and economic effects of our warming planet mean that climate change education needs to be integrated into every school subject, especially since the most vulnerable people and habitats often face the harshest consequences. Hotter temperatures and extreme weather, for instance, are forcing schools to create emergency plans to prevent heat stroke, dehydration, and injuries.

A climate clock installation in New York City showing the countdown until the Earth's collective carbon budget has been exhausted, unless more direct action is taken, and it's no longer possible to keep global warming below the 1.5-degree Celsius threshold.

The ACCE-TE has also made a difference by offering funding to 17 university faculties of education to develop CCE programming that ranges from a three-day climate camp for preservice and in-service teachers to nine new climate change education courses being delivered throughout Canada.

Dr. Field's commitment to this project is strengthened by her desire to reduce the distress that climate change causes—a 2023 survey of respondents aged 16 to 25 she conducted with Lakehead's Canada Research Chair in Social-Ecological Health Dr. Lindsay Galway found that 80 per cent reported that climate change negatively affects their overall mental health.

"We need to find ways for young people to engage in these problems directly while in school because most young people want to solve the climate crisis," Dr. Field says.

MPP Sol Mamakwa with Dr. Ellen Field and Educators at an Ontario School

MPP Sol Mamakwa (centre) was invited by two students to their Ontario classroom as part of a climate change education assignment. "The students also facilitated a water ceremony. It was a powerful experience that speaks to the importance of including inquiry and student choice in course designs," Dr. Field says.

In addition to her work in Canada, Dr. Field was selected by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as one of six global scholars to create a curriculum framework for climate change education. "UNESCO's goal of having 90 per cent of countries around the world adopt and implement a climate curriculum by 2030 means that we need to be bold and ambitious in ensuring that schools develop and implement policies and practices quickly."

Uppermost in Dr. Field's mind is the climate mantra "Every fraction of a degree matters." It motivates her to continue her work of helping "students understand that it's possible to have a more stable and just future if we reduce greenhouse gas emissions and plan appropriately."

This vital research project is funded by the Environment and Climate Change Canada, Lakehead University, and University of Toronto OISE: Ontario Institute for Studies in Education. ACCE-TE is also thankful to educators and graduate students that work to keep programs going including Dr. Marie Tremblay, Dr. Maria Vamvalis, Kahsenniyohstha Lauren Williams, Sarah Urquhart, Felicia Mikrogianakis, Caitlin Hastings, and Daniel Paradis, and many educational and community collaborators.

Indigenous spirit, culture celebrated at annual Powwow

Traditional performers enter the arena during the 34th annual PowwowThunder Bay, Ont. – The vibrant sights, sounds, and traditions of Indigenous culture will take centre stage at the Indigenous Cultural Traditions Club’s (ICTC) Powwow, March 7 to 9 at Lakehead University’s Hangar.

The 35th annual ICTC Powwow invites the Thunder Bay community to experience and celebrate the rich heritage of Indigenous peoples. The Powwow showcases tremendous talent and entertainment, while reinforcing traditional aspects of Indigenous culture such as drumming, dancing, singing, and giving thanks. This year’s Powwow will feature Walking Bear as the Host Drum. Attendees will also have the chance to explore Indigenous arts and crafts vendors.

Highlights of the event include:

Saturday, March 8

  • Grand Entry, 12 p.m. and 6 p.m.
  • Traditional feast, 5 p.m.

Sunday, March 9

  • Grand Entry, 12 p.m.
  • Closing ceremonies until 5 p.m.

Master of Ceremonies: Todd Genno, Biigtigong Nishnaabeg
Arena Director: Dustin Gagne, Biigtigong Nishnaabeg
Spiritual Advisor: Carmela Moses, Biigtigong Nishnaabeg
Host Drum: Walking Bear, Ginoogaming First Nation

The Powwow is open to the public and all are encouraged to attend. Admission is free.

This event is made possible through the generous support of Lakehead University, OpenText, Matawa Jordan’s Principle, Matawa Next Steps, and other corporate and community partners.

Dr. Rita Shelton Deverell reappointed as Chancellor

Rita Shelton DeverellThunder Bay and Orillia, Ont. – Dr. Rita Shelton Deverell will serve as Chancellor of Lakehead University for another three years. Dr. Deverell recently accepted the Board of Governors request for reappointment and will continue in the position of Chancellor until 2028.

“Within the last two years Lakehead has had a transition in leadership, President Dr. Gillian Siddall, Principal Dr. Linda Rodenburg and Board Chair Cathy Tuckwell, whom I wish to support with continuity from the symbolic position of Chancellor,” Dr. Deverell explains.

“We are in an era in which colleges and universities are under attack; diversity, equity, inclusion, and decolonization are under attack; Canada is under attack. I am a true believer in all of the just-named initiatives, and wish to continue to support Lakehead as an institution in ways that I can,” she says.

Dr. Deverell was appointed Chancellor in 2021 and has since served as an ambassador for the university, supporting and promoting the institution’s mission and values; representing Lakehead in outreach and philanthropic initiatives; and presiding over ceremonial and honorary functions, including convocation ceremonies.

While there were many significant moments in her first term, Dr. Deverell says two stand out amongst the rest. “The installation of President Siddall on Anemki Wajiw (Mount McKay), which spoke to the deep responsibilities of the university. And, the 2024 3MT/GRADFlix celebration for all Ontario universities, hosted on the Orillia Campus, where students brilliantly shared their solutions to real-world urgent problems.”

“As we look toward the next chapter in Lakehead’s history, we couldn’t be more pleased that Dr. Rita Shelton Deverell will continue in her capacity as ambassador of Lakehead University,” says Cathy Tuckwell, Chair of the Board of Governors. “When I reflect on the university’s values of access and inclusivity, Dr. Deverell personifies those values and we are privileged to have her continued support of our institutional mission.”

A scholar, broadcaster, television producer, journalist, and theatre artist, Chancellor Deverell is one of the first Black women in Canada to be a television host and a network executive, the first woman to lead a journalism program at a Canadian university, and a co-founder of Vision TV, the world's first multi-faith and multicultural network.

For her pioneering work in broadcasting, Chancellor Deverell was appointed to the Order of Canada in 2005. Her other distinguishing honours include two Gemini Awards; the Governor General's Performing Arts Lifetime Achievement Award for Broadcasting in 2022; being named the 2018 "Woman of the Year" by the Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists (ACTRA); receiving the Black Women’s Civic Engagement Leadership Award; and being inducted into the Canadian Association of Broadcasters (CAB) Hall of Fame in 2002.

“Rita has spent decades pushing boundaries, amplifying voices, and advocating for underrepresented groups,” explains Dr. Gillian Siddall, President and Vice-Chancellor. “I look forward to her continued guidance and perspective as we look to the future for Lakehead University and the communities that we serve.”

Ontario Research Fund supports cutting-edge research projects at Lakehead University

Thunder Bay, ON –  Through the Ontario Research Fund - Research Infrastructure Program, Lakehead University will receive over $800,000 to purchase state-of-the-art equipment for new research projects. These projects range from developing innovative photonic devices to the design and development of powertrain technologies, to climate change mitigation and air pollution control systems.

Gautam DasDr. Gautam Das, Professor in the Department of Physics, has been awarded $166,892 to enhance Lakehead’s photonics and bio-photonics research facilities. His project will develop innovative photonic devices with transformative applications including a portable Raman spectroscopy tool for early detection of cervical cancer and SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19), as well as a real-time analyzer for greenhouse gases emitted from agricultural fields. According to Dr. Das, these technologies promise to significantly advance public health and environmental monitoring, supporting Canada’s leadership in high-tech industries and sustainability.

“This funding enables us to expand the scope of our research and develop accessible, cost-effective solutions for both medical diagnostics and environmental challenges,” he said. 

Apparao DekkaDr. Apparao Dekka, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, received $100,017 to support his research on the design and development of powertrain technologies for heavy-duty electric vehicles. By addressing the high costs associated with electric vehicle production, Dr. Dekka’s work creates energy-efficient and affordable solutions that will strengthen Canada’s electric vehicle industry and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. His research also focuses on training highly qualified personnel to support the future growth of this sector.

“Electric vehicles are critical in combating climate change, and this project is a step toward making them more accessible to Canadians,” said Dr. Dekka. “By developing cost-effective technologies, we hope to encourage wider adoption of electric vehicles and foster a more sustainable economy.”

Ebrahim RezaeiDr. Ebrahim Rezaei, Department of Chemical Engineering, has been awarded $124,986 to establish the Laboratory for Climate Change Mitigation and Air Pollution Control. This facility will lead two key research programs, the catalytic reforming of carbon dioxide into syngas and the treatment of industrial air pollutants using catalytic ozonation. Dr. Rezaei’s work will support the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality while training students in cutting-edge environmental technologies.

“The infrastructure funded through the ORF will allow us to address critical challenges in energy sustainability and air quality,” said Dr. Rezaei. “This research will not only reduce Canada’s atmospheric emissions but also enhance our country’s economic growth and technological leadership.”

These researchers in the departments of physics, electrical and computer engineering, and chemical engineering have received $391,895 in funding from the Ministry of Colleges and Universities Ontario Research Fund (ORF) for this work. 

“Lakehead University celebrates the remarkable contributions of these researchers and the impact their work will have on global and local communities,” said Dr. Andrew P. Dean, Vice-President, Research and Innovation at Lakehead University. “Through ORF support, Lakehead continues to advance innovative research that addresses some of the world’s most pressing challenges.”

For more information about Lakehead’s research initiatives, visit lakeheadu.ca/research.

Total funding: $811,056

  • Dr. Adam Algar, Department of Biology, "Laboratory for Physiological Macroecology", $119,591

  • Drs. Nathan Basiliko, Seung-Il Lee and Ashley Thomson, Faculty of Natural Resources Management, "Research Infrastructure for Multitrophic Studies of Boreal Forest Landscapes", $174,996

  • Dr. Gautam Das, Department of Physics, "Microscope, and Trace Gas Analyzers (Nitrous Oxide and Ammonia) for Photonics and Bio-Photonics Research Facilities", $166,892

  • Dr. Apparao Dekka, Department of Electrical Engineering, "Design and Development of Powertrain Technologies for Heavy-duty Electric Transportation Applications", $100,017

  • Dr. Ebrahim Rezaei, Department of Chemical Engineering, "Laboratory for Climate Change Mitigation and Air Pollution Control", $124,986

  • Dr. Alla Reznik, Department of Physics and Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Physics of Radiation Medical Imaging, Scientist, Thunder Bay Regional Health Research Institute, "Low-dose Direct Conversion Radiation Medical Imaging Detectors", $124,574

Dr. Gillian Balfour appointed Provost and Vice-President, Academic

Dr. Gillian BalfourDr. Balfour joins Lakehead from Thompson Rivers University and begins her appointment on July 1, 2025.

Lakehead University is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Gillian Balfour as Provost and Vice-President, Academic. Her five-year term will commence July 1, 2025.Reporting to the President and Vice-Chancellor, the Provost and Vice-President, Academic is the university’s chief academic officer, responsible for academic planning, ongoing academic operations, and plays a key role in the university’s strategic and academic plans in addition to the development and implementation of the university’s budget.

“I am delighted to welcome Dr. Balfour to the Lakehead community during a critical moment as we embark on a chapter of significant growth,” said Dr. Gillian Siddall, President and Vice-Chancellor. “Gillian brings a wealth of experience having worked in leadership roles at Thompson Rivers, Western, and Trent universities, and is well-versed in leading complex organizations through change and expansion. She offers a fresh perspective through her academic work in sociology and approaches leadership through a lens of progress and inclusivity.”

Dr. Balfour completed a PhD in sociology at the University of Manitoba where she focused on socio-legal studies and feminist criminology. Her research interests include a critical analysis of restorative justice and sentencing law reforms intended to address the over-incarceration of Indigenous women.

Before joining Lakehead University, Dr. Balfour served as Provost and Vice-President Academic at Thompson Rivers University (TRU) since 2022, where she was the chief budget officer and academic leader with a unique government mandate to provide online and on-campus learning for 30,000 learners. She developed TRU’s first integrated strategic plan for resource allocation to address domestic recruitment and student retention, renewed institutional reputation, and inclusive excellence for staff and faculty recruitment. Dr. Balfour also led the development of TRU Bold, an academic plan focused on halo program areas of research excellence, expansion of flexible delivery through open education, and financial sustainability through strategic program innovation.

“Lakehead has always been an exemplar of what can be achieved with regards to exceptional student experience and recognition for research excellence,” said Dr. Balfour. “I am looking forward to working closely with Dr. Gillian Siddall, one of the few women university presidents in Canada, and engaging in the work of developing a forward-thinking academic plan and strategy for financial sustainability in unprecedented times for Canada’s post-secondary sector. I’m also excited to return to Ontario, where I have spent most of my academic career, and experience a new part of the province with extraordinary natural beauty. I would like to express my gratitude for my time at Thompson Rivers University as Provost, and for the colleagues who journeyed with me on an exciting path for the university's future.” 

Prior to her time at TRU, Dr. Balfour served as Vice Principal and Academic Dean at King’s University College at Western University from 2020 – 2022 where she developed academic governance processes, a salary equity study, and a dedicated investment strategy for Indigenization and decolonization of curriculum and hiring practices. 

Her leadership background includes almost two decades at Trent University in Peterborough, Ontario, where she was the Associate Dean of Trent Online and Centre for Teaching and Learning. While at Trent, Dr. Balfour was a professor in the Sociology department where she was a member of Canada’s Walls to Bridges collective that provides prison-based learning for incarcerated and non-incarcerated students focused on restorative justice, in addition to launching Trent’s first fully online degree in critical criminology.

“As Lakehead focuses on the future, including launching the Collaborative Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program in Thunder Bay, opening the Barrie STEM Hub, and seeing through plans to expand the Orillia campus, Dr. Balfour’s tremendous experience and hands-on approach to moving major initiatives forward will help us reach our significant goals,” explained Dr. Siddall. 

Dr. Siddall added that Lakehead University thanks Dr. David Richards for stepping forward to serve as Interim Provost and Vice-President, Academic, keeping work on track and well in hand during this leadership transition. 

 

The 100-Hour Challenge is Back — Celebrate Lakehead’s 60th in Motion

Lakehead’s summer movement challenge returns this year with a special anniversary twist. The 100 Hour Challenge is back from May 19 to September 1, and it’s open to students, staff, faculty, and alumni.

To mark Lakehead’s 60th anniversary, participants will unlock Lakehead-inspired milestones and have the chance to win prizes as they log 100 hours of physical activity over the summer months. Walk, bike, hike, paddle—any movement counts.

Here’s what’s new in 2025:

  • Milestones inspired by Lakehead’s 60-year legacy
  • Prizes for students who reach key milestones provided by Campus Rec and Student Health & Wellness
  • A prize from Human Resources for the first staff or faculty member on each campus to reach 100 hours
  • A prize from Alumni for the first alum to reach 100 hours

How to participate:

  • Sign up by June 1
  • Join the It’s Your Move Strava group
  • Log your activities in Strava—manually or through a synced fitness tracker
  • Track your progress and receive weekly updates, motivation, and resources

This summer, we’re celebrating Lakehead’s legacy by moving together.

Sign up here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/XjMfBj1/100hour2025

It's Your Move 100 hour challenge

Food Security Research Network (FSRN) Campus-Community

The Food Security Research Network (FSRN) campus-community garden is now accepting registration for the 2025 garden season from students, staff, faculty, alumni and community. Come discover the joys of community garden to produce a few fresh vegetables, make new friends with people who enjoy gardening and to learn and share gardening ways with others.

Contact Josh at jpfraser@lakeheadu.ca, for a copy of the registration form or if you have any questions.

Community gardens

Music is in the Air

The Strata Vocal Ensemble performs in a church

 A Strata Vocal Ensemble performance (above): The vocal ensemble course that Laurel took as a Lakehead University student led to a lifelong love of choral music. "There's a powerful and indescribable feeling that comes from people singing the same thing at the same moment—a synergy. The communication between the conductor and an ensemble can be very subtle," Laurel adds. "You can lift your eyebrow, and the ensemble will know what to do."

As a teenager, music educator and conductor Dr. Laurel Forshaw (HBMus'98) spent many of her lunch and after-school hours hanging out in the music room of her Thunder Bay high school. Since Laurel was a member of the school band and an accomplished flutist and pianist, this wasn't surprising—but there was another reason she spent so much time cloistered in the music room.

"It was an escape from the bullying and politics of high school," Laurel says. "The music room was a safe space."

Music became even more deeply enmeshed with Laurel's identity when she began teaching piano at the age of 14. "That's how I discovered that I loved connecting with students—it made me want to become a high school band teacher and recreate that wonderful safe space for other kids," she explains.

This realization led Laurel to enrol in Lakehead University's music program, which was transformational for her. "The broad focus of the program introduced me to areas I wouldn't otherwise have experienced," she says. In particular, the conducting and vocal ensemble courses taught by Allan Bevan were life-changing. "Allan was very demanding as a conductor, but in a quiet determined manner, and as soon as I stepped in front of an ensemble, I thought, 'Oh, this is what I want to do.'

There's an old-school approach to conducting that exalts the conductor as an all-knowing, detached, and domineering figure," Laurel continues, "but I conceptualize the role of conductor as one that is highly collaborative. I want to respond to and work with the sounds created by musicians rather than reacting to 'correct' their sounds."

Music professor and conductor Dr. Laurel Forshaw

“I’ll always advocate for music to be part of the curriculum for elementary and high school students,” Laurel says, “because music allows you to express yourself and hold meaning in unique ways.” In 1998, when Laurel graduated from Lakehead, the lure of conducting and the lack of teaching jobs prompted her to pursue a music career outside the school system.

Her first conducting position was with a local church choir while she was still a Lakehead student. Conducting positions with other groups followed, including Thunder Bay's Dulcisono Women's Choir and, most recently, the Strata Vocal Ensemble in Hamilton, Ontario. Laurel also worked with young people when she served as the artistic director and conductor of Thunder Bay's Rafiki Youth Choir (which she founded) and the Thunder Bay Children's Chorus - Camerata Singers in addition to the private music lessons she offered.

As the years passed, a growing desire to strengthen her knowledge of music education within choral spaces and her skills as a choral conductor spurred Laurel to return to school. In 2011, she completed a Master of Arts in Music Education (Choral Conducting) at the University of St. Thomas in Minnesota and, in 2021, she earned a PhD in Music Education from the University of Toronto. "I was getting tired of teaching private music lessons," she says, "and grad school opens your mind in ways that you can't anticipate." Her graduate studies became a springboard to advance her interest in bringing Indigenous ways of learning and knowing into university music programs and music education more broadly.

"Until a short time ago, Indigenous music and musical practices have been excluded from choral singing practices and music education in Canada," Laurel says. "I felt compelled to be part of breaking down this exclusionary framework, starting with the ongoing work of decolonizing myself, recognizing my responsibilities and obligations as a white settler, and engaging with Indigenous musicians and the principles of respect, responsibility, relationship, and reciprocity."

Laurel has now returned to Lakehead's Department of Music to teach conducting as well as the Intro to Music Education and Reconciliation course.

"This course uses the TRC's Calls to Action as a framework for addressing reconciliation through music and music education, weaving Indigenous ways of learning and being with music education practices. It is so rewarding to witness students considering ways in which their own pedagogical practices can serve as sites of reconciliation."

Want to expand your musical horizons?

Check Out a Few of Laurel's Favourite Pieces:

"North" by Ryan O'Neal, arranged by G. Chung
Performed by the Vancouver Youth Choir (Carrie Tennant, conductor)

"Okâwîmâw Askiy" by Sherryl Sewepegaham
Performed by Luminous Voices (Timothy Shantz, conductor)

"Ambe" by Andrew Balfour, based on an original song by Cory Campbell
Performed by the Chronos Vocal Ensemble (Jordan Van Biert, conductor)

"Õhtul" by Pärt Uusberg
Performed the Vancouver Youth Choir (Carrie Tennant, conductor)

"Both Sides Now" Joni Mitchell, arranged by M. Wright
Performed by the Barnsley Youth Choir (Matt Wright, conductor)

"Only in Sleep" by Ēriks Ešenvalds
Performed by the Choir of Trinity College Cambridge

"Indodana" arranged by M. Barrett & R. Schmitt
Performed by Tuks Camerata (University of Pretoria) (Michael Barrett, conductor)

Research and Innovation Bulletin

The Research and Innovation Bulletin is distributed weekly every Tuesday by the Office of Research Services and includes information on research funding opportunities, events and workshops and updates from our funding partners.

Check out the latest version of our Bulletin, by clicking here.

Pages