Alumnus Scott Kress (HBOR'93) was recently named a Fellow of the The Royal Canadian Geographical Society.

Fellows of the RCGS are individuals who have distinguished themselves by directly contributing to scientific knowledge in the field of geography, geographical exploration or allied sciences or through teaching, academia, community service and the arts.

Lorne G. Everett, Ph.D., DSc., Hon.D.WRE, F.ASCE, CEO and chief scientist of L. Everett & Associates LLC and one of only a few true experts in groundwater monitoring, characterization and remediation technologies, has been honoured by ASCE with inclusion in its 2020 class of Distinguished Members for his major contributions to the field of contamination remediation.

Everett served as Chancellor Emeritus (2000-2009) at Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada.

Everett’s development of several patented characterization and remediation technologies for soil, soil gas and groundwater has enhanced the understanding of hydrogeology. He specializes in vadose (unsaturated) zone monitoring, characterization and remediation; soil gas sampling, vapor intrusion and remediation; soil moisture migration, LNAPL and DNAPL characterization; environmental regulations, training, expert witness testimony and environmental justice.

For more than 15 years, he has been the charter chairman of ASTM International’s committee, dealing with vadose/soil zone monitoring. He developed over 12 national ASTM Vadose Zone Monitoring standards and authored or edited over 12 books on the subject, along with some 150 technical papers.

Since 1983, Everett has served as an expert witness in the areas of contaminant hydrology and hydrogeology. He has built an established track record in more than 100 court cases with awards in excess of $2 billion. He has testified before Congress on different occasions and was an invited member on 16 “Blue Ribbon” Department of Energy peer-review panels.

Currently, Everett continues to focus on the technical excellence of his firm and provides consulting and expert witness services on major litigation cases. He is an ASCE Fellow and Life Member, having joined ASCE in 1974.

The Board of George Jeffrey Children’s Foundation is pleased to announce Cindy Levanto-Kawahara (BA'94) as the new Executive Director of George Jeffrey Children’s Foundation. Cindy replaces Steve MacDonald who has moved back to Southern Ontario.

Born and raised in Thunder Bay, Cindy has many years of professional fundraising experience. 

“I couldn’t be happier to be the new `chief fundraiser` for the George Jeffrey Children’s Fouundation! The Centre’s 60+ year history has impacted and enriched the lives of so many children and youth living with physical and developmental needs that it is my privilege to be a part of the Foundation’s team. I look forward to working with the Centre’s staff and meeting our wonderful donors and supporters”.

Tina Bennett, CEO of George Jeffrey Children’s Centre, says “We are excited to have Cindy join the team. The mission of the Foundation is to support the work of George Jeffrey Children’s Centre and we are fortunate that Cindy is local to Thunder Bay and brings a wealth of experience to the position. The Centre and Foundation work closely together and we are looking forward to working with her and the Foundation Board.”

Dr. Michael Walton (HBOR'83) has been appointed to the Yukon Environmental and Socio-Economic Assessment Board (YESAB) effective October 30, 2020.

YESAB is an independent arms-length body, responsible for the assessment responsibilities of the Yukon Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment Act (YESAA) legislation and regulations.  It's core purpose is to protect the environmental and social integrity of the Yukon, while fostering responsible development in the territory and respects the contributions of First Nations. 

Dr. Walton's diverse work background includes natural resources management, economic development, environmental conservation and Indigenous relations.  With over 35 years of experience addressing land use and conservation issues, Mike’s practical experiences on the front line as well as in senior management helped address complex social, economic and environmental issues. 

Mike has worked for the forest industry in Ontario and Alberta, as well as for the federal, provincial, municipal and First Nation governments in Ontario, B.C and Yukon, addressing development, conservation and Indigenous relations.  Mike also worked in the non-profit sector in Yukon and is presently an independent consultant based out of Whitehorse.  Mike serves as an Adjunct Professor with Lakehead University.

Greg Chomut, (BEd ’08, BA ’08) who teaches art, history and media at Dennis Franklin Cromarty High School, received a Certificate of Achievement in the 2020 Prime Minister's Awards program.

A government announcement credits Chomut with building multiple bridges between his students and the wider community "in a city with a troubled history of racism":

In a city with a troubled history of racism, Greg Chomut (BEd ’08, BA ’08) builds multiple bridges between his Indigenous students and the wider community. He organizes innovative classroom activities and runs diverse extra-curricular activities. Above and beyond all that, he regularly invites at-risk students to live with his family as they finish their education; all of the students who have lived with him have graduated.

Teaching approach

Greg focuses on giving his students confidence and helping them find their voices, whether they're making a painting, learning from Elders how to bead moccasins, recording a song with a Juno-winning act, or writing letters to politicians.

In the classroom

• Promotes students' artistic expression through an after-school art club: student artworks are displayed in airports and were the backdrop for journalist and author Tanya Talaga's Massey Lectures; many students have sold pieces and now consider art as a career path.
• Helps students earn college credits: art students became so proficient with digital tools, such as Adobe Creative Suite and Apple Final Cut, that Greg was able to set up a program with Confederation College that allows students to earn a college credit for their work.
• Stages an annual full-school re-enactment of the Battle of Vimy Ridge, using paintball equipment: the demonstration includes an hour-long lesson on Ojibway sniper Francis Pegahmagabow, with the grandson of this highly decorated First World War soldier speaking to students.
• Fosters political awareness: coordinates class visits by senators and members of Parliament; leads trips to Ottawa, where students meet politicians.

Outstanding achievements

• Founded the Wake the Giant Music Festival: students perform alongside Indigenous and non-Indigenous acts, such as Wolf Saga and Metric, in what is one of Thunder Bay's largest festivals, designed to boost inclusivity and cross-cultural understanding.
• Reaches out to local businesses: some 300 firms and organizations display decals noting they are inclusive spaces for Indigenous youth; a student said a decal made him more comfortable entering a counsellor's office; Greg organizes field trips to local businesses for hands-on activities, such as making gelato.
• Developed program to help students navigate the city: older students work with new students during an "Amazing Race"-style orientation, as they learn how to travel to useful local organizations and services on city transit.
• Sources:  TB Newswatch and ic.gc.ca

The Northern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM) is pleased to announce the appointment of Yolanda Wanakamik (HBA'98, MA'20) as Director of Indigenous Affairs effective October 5, 2020.

A member of the Whitesand First Nation, located in traditional territory governed by the Superior Robinson Treaty, Ms. Wanakamik is passionate about health, education and community. In addition to possessing an Honors BA in Political Science and an MA in Education with a specialization in Educational Sciences, she brings a wide range of knowledge and skills that will support growth and a positive organizational culture at NOSM. An avid student for life, she is dedicated to the advancement of the student body at all levels of education. She has also held several positions in the Aboriginal Initiatives Office at Lakehead University where she was responsible for recruitment and retention, and was also a senior executive.

Ms. Wanakamik has diverse experience in governance, politics and politics, and has served as a band councilor for her First Nation. The many years spent in Northern Ontario laid the groundwork for a deep interest in the North and in the challenges and rewards of communities. In her most recent role at Dilico Anishinabek Family Care as an Integrated Policy Officer, she gained extensive knowledge in research and analysis of local, provincial and national policies, initiatives and programs affecting health and welfare. -be Aboriginal children, families and elders.

Ms. Wanakamik is a visionary leader who subscribes to the principles of supporting capacity and community building that is essential for improving education outcomes, and recognizes and supports the strengths and aspirations of relevant community parties.

D re  Sarita Verma, Dean and CEO of NOSM, said: "Yolanda is an incredible asset to our team committed to social responsibility and Aboriginal health. In her role, she will help NOSM continue to respond to the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and other major new directions in our new strategic plan ”.

The Northern Ontario School of Medicine would also like to thank Mr. Joseph Leblanc, Ph.D., who was Director of Indigenous Affairs since October 15, 2018. He is now the first holder of the position of Associate Dean, Equity and inclusion, and will work with Ms. Wanakamik to ensure a smooth transition.

Dr. Rhonda Crocker Ellacott (HBScN'91) has been appointed as the President & Chief Executive Officer of Thunder Bay Regional Health Science Centre and Chief Executive Officer of the Thunder Bay Regional Health Research Institute, effective November 23, 2020. The announcement was made today by Matt Simeoni, Board Chair Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre and Chair of the CEO Selection Committee, and Dr. Andrew Dean, Board Chair of the Thunder Bay Regional Health Research Institute.

“This is excellent news for our Hospital and Health Research Institute. The Board is absolutely confident that Rhonda is the right person to lead our Hospital through the development of a new strategic plan and health system transformation,” said Simeoni. “She is a highly respected and proven leader, as well as a champion of patients and families, as demonstrated by her three decades of growth and success.”

“Rhonda is a visionary who is driven by advancing and enhancing patient experiences. Her comprehensive background in the health care system and specific knowledge of and passion for Northwestern Ontario make her the ideal person to inspire and guide ongoing innovation in health research at our Health Research Institute,” added Dean.

Rhonda is currently the CEO of North West Local Health Integration Network (LHIN), and CEO of North East LHIN and Transitional Regional Lead for Ontario Health in the North Region. She was formerly the Executive Vice President, Patient Services and Chief Nursing Executive of Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre and Chief Executive Officer, Nipigon District Memorial Hospital. Many of Rhonda’s accomplishments contributed to the growth and enhanced quality of health care. For example, Rhonda introduced Patient and Family Centred Care (PFCC) at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, nurtured it into an organizational philosophy, and has since expanded it to ensure the voices of patients and families influence health care access and delivery throughout Northern Ontario.

Source: Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre website

Kenora riding MP Eric Melillo (BA Economics '19) was named the Conservative Shadow Minister for Northern Affairs and FEDNOR.

“I am honoured to take on this role to help support the well-being of northerners and fight to unlock the economic potential that exists across this vast region,” says Melillo. “I look forward to working with our Leader Erin O’Toole and the rest of our Shadow Cabinet team to hold the government to account and stand up for Canadians.” 

The Hon. Erin O’Toole, a former Veterans Affairs Minister who served in the Armed Forces and had a successful career in law prior to entering politics, was elected Leader of the Conservative Party last month, receiving 57% of the vote on the final ballot.

MP Melillo endorsed MP O’Toole early in the leadership race, in part due to O’Toole’s strong support for northern economic development and Indigenous issues.

“He’s continued to show that level of interest in trying to understand our issues and I just look forward to working with him on that,” Melillo said after the victory.

Story supplied by NetNews Ledger

CANMORE, Alta.—On the eve of the organization’s 2020 Annual General Meeting, Kate Boyd (BA/HBOR '95) will be first-ever woman to take the reins of Nordiq Canada’s high-performance program.

A quiet, yet confident leader from Ottawa who is passionate and driven, Boyd’s goals as Nordiq Canada’s new high-performance director are completely clear – to get Canadian cross-country skiers back on the Olympic podium and continue the tradition of medal-winning performances in the national Para-Nordic program. 

“I am absolutely thrilled to have the opportunity to make a positive impact on the future of our sport in Canada. I believe this position comes with a responsibility to lead our athletes, staff and community at large with integrity while developing a robust high-performance Nordic skiing system focused on excellence,” said Boyd, who is currently the lone female winter Para-sport coach at the national level in the country.

“I have been surrounded by strong female leaders throughout my entire career – and while working with the Canadian Paralympic Committee, Own the Podium, and Canadian Olympic Committee – who have greatly influenced the person and leader I am today. I never felt there wasn’t anything I could do because I was a woman and I am honoured to be the first female to take on the responsibility of Nordiq Canada’s high-performance director.”

Building on her success of fostering depth and driving medal-winning performances for Canada’s Para-Nordic program since 2015 as Nordiq Canada’s NextGen coach and program coordinator, Boyd stepped up in 2018 to share high-performance manager duties with Joel Jaques.

She brings more than two decades of leadership experience; sport development; and stakeholder engagement to her new position.

Throughout her career while serving a variety of leadership and program management positions for organizations including YMCA-YWCA in the National Capital Region, City of Kawartha Lakes Boys and Girls Club, Nakkertok Ski Club, and Kanata Nordic Ski Club prior to joining Nordiq Canada, Boyd has led critical change that resulted in renewed trust, credibility and sustained financial viability while working with administrators, athletes and coaches from the club and provincial levels to the nation’s best.

“Kate is a highly-motivated professional who knows what it takes for athletes and coaches to reach their full potential, and ultimately, win,” said Stephane Barrette, interim chief executive officer, Nordiq Canada. “She has a keen understanding of program management, our development pathway from the grassroots to elite level, and the sport system in Canada, which will provide a relatively seamless transition to this new role. Kate understands the patience and time investment required to build a medal-winning program. I am confident her experience will result in Canadian athletes and coaches excelling on the world stage at all levels.”

In an effort to regain the Canadian identity of cross-country skiing in Canada, Boyd is determined to develop a coach-driven, athlete-focused program in Canada that is accountable and reliable with a determination to excel at all levels.

“Working with our entire team of dedicated staff, my first priority is to get fully up to speed with our Olympic stream to gain as much clarity with that program as I currently have with the Para-Nordic stream,” said Boyd.

“With the global pandemic very much still a challenge for all of us in the world, I am also committed to ensuring our athletes and staff have the resources they require to train and have the opportunity to get on a start line, and race, while staying healthy.

“There is no doubt we have challenging days ahead of us, but I’m here for the long haul. Together with our sport partners, staff at Nordiq Canada and our coaches, we will be relentless in our collaborative pursuit of developing this program from the ground up, and making cross-country skiing in Canada a winner.”

A registered professional coach who has worked with cross-country skiers at all levels, Boyd has led teams while also providing coaching support at the 2018 Paralympic Winter Games, along with multiple World Championship and World Cup events.

Boyd was recently selected to participate on Canada’s 27-member COVID-19 Return To Sport Task Force led by Own the Podium. She currently lives in Canmore, Alta. where she will continue to work out of Nordiq Canada’s head office.

Nordiq Canada is the governing body of para-nordic and cross-country skiing in Canada, which is the nation’s optimal sport and recreational activity with more than one million Canadians participating annually. Its 60,000 members include athletes, coaches, officials and skiers of all ages and abilities. With the support of its valued corporate partners – Haywood Securities Inc., AltaGas, Swix and Lanctôt Sports– along with the Government of Canada, Canadian Olympic Committee, Canadian Paralympic Committee, Own the Podium and B2Ten, Nordiq Canada develops Olympic, Paralympic and World champions. For more information on Nordiq Canada, please visit us at www.nordiqcanada.ca.

On November 1, 2014, the 1969 men’s basketball team arrived at Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, to celebrate the team’s 45th anniversary and the 85th birthday of their coach - George Birger.

The starting five team members – Americans Jerry Hemmings, Joe Parks, Shelton Bellamy, Robert Jackson, and Louis Vaughn hooked up with Canadians Charlie Tallack and Brian Nieminen and their beloved coach for a weeklong reunion.

Since graduating, all the players have had successful careers. Brian Nieminen believes that this is “a testament to our educational and extracurricular experiences at Lakehead University.”

In the late 1960s, the American players recruited by Coach Birger helped bring a standard of basketball to Thunder Bay that had never been seen before. The C.J. Sanders Fieldhouse was regularly filled to overflowing – becoming known as the ‘Thunderdome’ because of the wild cheering of the fans.

The team went 21 games undefeated in the highly competitive National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) division and challenged the champions of District 13 to a sudden death playoff for the right to go to Kansas City for the NAIA playoffs.

“When the team reunited in South Carolina,” Brian says, “the rapport between us was amazing. It was like being transported back in time.”