TD Bank Group Gives $600,000 to Advance Gichi Kendaasiwin at Lakehead University

A $600,000 gift from TD Bank Group to Gichi Kendaasiwin Constellation will expand Indigenous learning, cultural connection, and belonging at Lakehead University. 

Grounded in Indigenous ways of knowing, being, and doing, Gichi Kendaasiwin, meaning Higher Knowledge, is envisioned as a living centre that brings together learning, research, ceremony, student support, and community connection. Its constellation of spaces, services, and relationships will complement existing Indigenous supports and embed this work in the everyday life of the university.

“Gichi Kendaasiwin represents an important part of Lakehead’s continuing work toward Truth and Reconciliation and the kind of university we are working to become,” said Dr. Gillian Siddall, Lakehead’s president and vice-chancellor. “It will create new opportunities for Indigenous-led teaching, learning, ceremony, and community connection, while enriching the life of the university as a whole. We are deeply grateful to TD for helping us move this vision forward.”

As Lakehead continues its commitment to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action, this gift arrives at a pivotal moment. It provides the immediate capital and programming support necessary to move Gichi Kendaasiwin from a conceptual constellation of services into a tangible, physical presence on campus. Central to that vision is a planned four-season, Indigenous-led Gathering Place on the Thunder Bay campus — a dedicated space for teaching, ceremony, and land-based learning. By fostering relationships between students, faculty, and Knowledge Keepers, the Constellation aims to support increasing Indigenous student attraction, retention and graduation rates while ensuring that Indigenous heritage is not just supported but celebrated as a core pillar of the university's identity.

"University is a formative time in a student's journey, marked by learning, personal growth, relationship building and self-discovery. That's why TD is proud to support Gichi Kendaasiwin Constellation, which will provide Indigenous learners with spaces, resources and programs that celebrate their identities and help ensure Indigenous cultures and knowledge are reflected in campus life," said Nicole Beaton, Vice President and Region Head for Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Northern Ontario, TD. "At TD, we believe that when people feel included and empowered to participate in their communities, good things happen. We are honoured to support Lakehead University in fostering a stronger sense of belonging and creating opportunities for Indigenous students to thrive.”

Gichi Kendaasiwin builds on long-standing Indigenous leadership and advocacy at Lakehead University. Indigenous leaders and engagement with Indigenous communities will continue to inform its governance, design, and implementation as it develops.

"At the heart of Gichi Kendaasiwin are the relationships that make learning and belonging possible," said Denise Baxter, Vice-Provost, Indigenous Initiatives, at Lakehead University. "For students, that can mean connecting with an Elder, taking part in ceremony, or finding a community where their knowledge and experiences are valued. TD’s generosity will help us carry this work forward under Indigenous leadership." 

TD’s donation will directly advance three key areas of this work.

The Gathering Place project has advanced significantly through guidance from Elders, architectural planning, and the selection of a site near existing land-based learning spaces. Preliminary designs and construction timelines are in place, and this gift provides critical resources to advance that vision.

The Niijii Indigenous Mentorship Program, which facilitates 7,500 interactions with Indigenous youth each year, will leverage this support to reach more communities, strengthen relationships with existing partners, and broaden access for more Indigenous youth to explore and pursue postsecondary education.

Indigenous-led cultural programming will also expand, and investment in honouraria that respect the roles of Indigenous Scholars and Elders. This work is foundational to cultural revitalization and to shaping Lakehead into an institution where Indigenous-led teaching and knowledge-sharing are not peripheral but integral to university life.

“Lakehead University is grateful for TD's philanthropic investment. This is an important step forward for Gichi Kendaasiwin and builds meaningful momentum for the campaign,” said Michael den Haan, vice-president, University Advancement at Lakehead University. “We are deeply grateful to TD for sharing in this Indigenous-led vision and helping create greater opportunity, connection and belonging for Indigenous learners.”

Lakehead University marked the gift during a September 9, 2026 ceremony at its Thunder Bay campus, bringing together TD representatives, university leaders, Elders, students, and community partners. The gathering included remarks from a student perspective and a cheque presentation. To learn more about Gichi Kendaasiwin and how to support this work, please visit lakeheadu.ca/about/gichi-kendaasiwin-constellation