A new land-based learning experience—now in its pilot phase—is inviting the Lakehead Thunder Bay community to walk, learn, and reflect together on the history and culture of Indigenous peoples on what is now considered campus lands.

The Etuaptmumk bimoseng (Two-Eyed Seeing Walk) offers an experiential way to engage with land-based learning, truth and reconciliation. Developed and led by Joe Duncan (Indigenous Content Curriculum Specialist, Teaching Commons) and Rachel Portinga (Acting Sustainability Coordinator, Office of Sustainability; pictured left in teal jacket), the 90-minute campus walk is grounded in Etuaptmumk, or Two-Eyed Seeing, which weaves together Indigenous and Western ways of knowing.

“This walk brings Lakehead’s land acknowledgment to life in a new way,” explains Joe Duncan. “We are sharing about the deep cultural and historical significance of this land, including the presence and activities of Indigenous peoples dating back over 9,000 years.”

To date, more than 60 participants have taken part in the walk. Participants from the Faculty of Education included Wayne Melville, Kevin Dempsey, Gisella Scalese, Pauline Sameshima, Heather Moynihan, Lis Boileau, Sinead Huffman, and Jan Oakley.

Learning with the Land

The walk begins at Lake Tamblyn and moves along the pathway of the McIntyre River, concluding around a fire at the ceremonial sweat lodge site on campus.

Along the way, participants visit some of the 14 archaeological sites that have been identified on the land, including quarry sites of Jasper taconite. Copper (pictured right) is also abundant on the land. Artifacts such as arrowheads, spearheads, knives, fishhooks, and other copper tools dating back thousands of years have been uncovered, illustrating the long-standing Indigenous presence on the land.

As participants continue the walk along the river path, they learn about some of the local medicinal plants and their cultural significance. Traditional medicines exemplify Etuaptmumk in practice; for example, giizhik (cedar) has long been used by Indigenous peoples for detoxification, spiritual cleansing, and anti-inflammatory properties; more recently, Western science has also demonstrated the same benefits.

Acknowledging Difficult Histories

While the walk celebrates the richness and resilience of Indigenous cultures, it also addresses the ongoing impacts of colonization. Participants discuss the 1849 commissioners’ report that shaped the 1850 Robinson-Superior Treaty (under which the Lakehead Thunder Bay campus is covered), as well as the introduction of the Indian Act in 1873 and the subsequent residential school era and its devastating impacts. These historical events are connected to present-day realities, including the lasting intergenerational effects of settler colonialism.

This engagement with difficult histories opens space for conversations about the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action and the shared responsibilities of all treaty people in moving reconciliation forward.

The walk concludes at the campus sweat lodge site, where participants gather to reflect, share giizhik tea, and discuss teachings from the walk.

Looking Ahead

The Office of Sustainability and the Teaching Commons are currently gathering feedback from the pilot sessions to help shape the future of the walks. Planned steps include seasonal walks and a train-the-trainer model to broaden access to the walk across the university, and potentially the wider community.

At Lakehead University, sustainability is considered in a pluralistic and inclusive way, encompassing human and ecological health, social justice and equity, Indigenous rights, secure livelihoods, workplace wellbeing, and leadership for vibrant communities. Co-developing initiatives like the Etuaptmumk bimoseng (Two-Eyed Seeing walk) invite the Lakehead community to learn with the land and experience how sustainability is intersectional and multi-dimensional.

“Not all classrooms have four walls,” says Joe (pictured left, in baseball cap). “When we connect to the land and are listening and talking from the heart, that’s learning.”

Mohit Dudeja, PhD student and Contract Lecturer (Thunder Bay campus), has been honoured with a Teaching Innovation Award for the 2024-2025 academic year. The Senate Teaching and Learning Committee recognized Mohit’s creative development and delivery of the graduate-level Activism in Education course, which blended theory with immersive, hands-on learning.

The course stood out for its dynamic mix of arts-based activities, outdoor experiential learning, multimedia, and imaginative exercises designed to create transformative learning experiences. A highlight noted by the committee was Mohit’s theatrical approach—most notably an in-class play on activism—which allowed the Master of Education students, many of whom are international students, to actively explore pressing issues in the Canadian context including gender equality, racism, and discrimination.

The award speaks to both the impact of the course and Mohit’s dedication to innovative, student-centered teaching.

Congratulations, Mohit!

Dr. Connie Russell (Professor, Faculty of Education) recently edited a Special Issue of the top-ranked journal, Environmental Education Research. It focuses on Professor Emeritus Annette Gough’s career retrospective book, Gender and Environmental Education: Feminist and Other(ed) Perspectives. The Selected Works of Annette Gough (Routledge).

Over the past 35 years, Dr. Gough, a Professor Emeritus (RMIT University, Australia), has made significant contributions to environmental education. This Special Issue was an opportunity to assess, applaud, and augment her body of work. The issue consists of an editorial, eight response papers by an international group of highly respected scholars, and two papers by Dr. Gough – one a summary of her book and the other her reflection on the responses. The issue highlights topics, theoretical perspectives, and methodological approaches that have been, and in some cases continue to be, marginalized in environmental education scholarship and identifies future research directions and strategies for countering erasures, revealing silences, and broadening horizons in the field.

The full issue is available here.

It is with sadness that we share the passing of Jean Engholm in September 2025, at the age of 93.

The Faculty of Education extends its sincere gratitude for Jean’s enduring commitment to the Faculty and its mission. Jean’s generous support and belief in the transformative power of education have left a lasting legacy at Lakehead – particularly in her support of Keewatinase Indigenous Education and advancing Indigenous education.

Through her contributions, Jean helped strengthen Keewatinase’s capacity to carry forward its commitments to revitalizing Indigenous programming and responding meaningfully to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action. Her support reflected a deep respect for inclusive, community-based learning and a commitment to reconciliation. The Faculty is deeply grateful for her vision and generosity.

As noted in her obituary, Jean’s connection to Lakehead University extended beyond philanthropy. A lifelong learner, she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Lakehead in 1984, pursuing higher education later in life as part of her enduring intellectual curiosity.

Jean was born near Manchester, England, in 1932. She trained as a nurse at age 17 and later served as Nursing Sister in charge of Student Health Services at Makerere University College in Uganda. Though she did not practise nursing in Ontario, her career spanned a remarkable range of roles – from bookkeeper and research assistant to conference coordinator and volunteer.

Her volunteerism was inspiring. From assisting with evacuated children during WWII as a Red Cross Cadet, to supporting Save the Children in Uganda and Canada, and advocating for individuals with developmental challenges through Community Living Thunder Bay, Jean dedicated her life to helping others. In her later years, as she faced the challenge of vision loss and became deeply involved with the CNIB, continuing her lifelong example of community engagement.

The Faculty of Education remembers Jean Engholm with deep appreciation for her generosity, her spirit of service, and her lasting impact on education and reconciliation. 

Brian Weishar, Contract Lecturer and Faculty Advisor at the Orillia campus, has been awarded a Contribution to Teaching Award for the 2024-2025 academic year.

The Senate Teaching and Learning Committee commended Brian for his commitment to fostering a collaborative and student-centered learning environment. His emphasis on meaningful social interaction among students, along with his practice of actively seeking students’ feedback, reflects a thoughtful and responsive approach to teaching. The Committee also highlighted Brian’s dedication to regular communication—through D2L check-ins, direct conversations, and instructional videos outlining teaching plans and offering advice—as further evidence of his proactive commitment to helping students succeed. His consistently high teaching scores further underscore this commitment.

"I certainly try to provide teacher candidates with learning experiences I think will be relevant to their own practice. It was very sweet of students to take the time to nominate me. It is such a gift to have the chance to work with teacher candidates—I learn a great deal from them."

Congratulations, Brian!

The Lakehead Leader Recognition Program celebrates exceptional students who have made valuable contributions within the university and beyond. This year, Mohit Dudeja, a PhD student and Contract Lecturer, was a recipient of a Lakehead Leader Award.

Mohit was nominated by two individuals: his doctoral supervisor Dr. Gerald Walton, and a colleague who wished to remain anonymous.

Gerald noted that since Mohit began his studies in the Joint PhD in Educational Studies program in 2022, he has “excelled academically while also launching community programs at Lakehead and beyond. He is the recipient of ten monetary and four non-monetary awards, including the prestigious CSSE Congress Graduate Merit Award and the Henry Mandelbaum Graduate Fellowship for Excellence in Social Sciences, Humanities, or Arts. Demonstrating exceptional leadership, Mohit founded and leads campus-wide initiatives such as the Queer Graduate Circle and expanded his India-based non-profit organization (Mendlife Foundation) to Canada, providing vital support to Queer and BIPOC students in Thunder Bay. Thunder Bay Counselling, Family Service Ontario, and Research with International Students have all benefitted from his volunteer service.”

Mohit’s colleague added that “it would be justified to say that Mohit is a go-to person for international students in Thunder Bay. Be it navigating campus organizations, finding a job in Thunder Bay, or seeking peer support for mental health, Mohit is the answer that many students on campus will give. Arriving in Thunder Bay, struggling to adjust, I almost lost hope until someone recommended, I reach out to Mohit… his support alleviated academic pressure and provided long-term mental health resources, creating a sense of belonging and safety during a difficult transition.”

Gerald adds that Mohit’s “initiatives and active participation in campus groups have gained media attention … his commitment to academic excellence, community engagement, diversity, inclusion, and social change sets him apart.”

Congratulations, Mohit!

The Faculty of Education is proud to share that Gisella Scalese, Education Librarian (Thunder Bay campus) has received the Academic Librarianship Award from the Ontario Confederation of University Faculty Associations (OCUFA).

This prestigious award recognizes Gisella’s outstanding contributions and leadership in librarianship. As noted on the by OCUFA website, the award "embraces all aspects of librarianship that contribute to the scholarly achievement of all members of the university community."

Gisella has served as the Education Librarian since 2002. Her award nomination, led by Dr. Gerald Walton (Professor, Education), included letters of support from faculty, staff, and students that praised her dedication, her student-centered approach, and her advocacy for equity, diversity, and inclusion.  

Gisella’s work has earned widespread admiration. Lakehead University President Dr. Gillian Siddall commended Gisella’s alignment with the university’s commitment to social justice, while the Lakehead University Students’ Union (LUSU) praised her support for international, Indigenous, and marginalized students. Faculty members also highlighted her collaborative approach, pedagogical insight, and the welcoming, inclusive learning environment she fosters. Here are some highlights of Gisella’s accomplishments that earned her this award.

Co-leading the Anishinaabemowik – Indigenous Languages Program Historical Documents Digital Archive

In 2023, Gisella co-led the creation of a digital archive dedicated to preserving teaching resources and documents from the Native Language Instructors Program, dating back to the 1970s. This initiative, developed in collaboration with the Anishinaabemowik Program Coordinator and Lakehead’s archivist, includes materials from longtime instructor Tom Beardy, whose family gave their blessing for the project. The archive now serves as a vital resource for those teaching Ojibway and Oji-Cree.

Enhancing Community in the Education Library, Thunder Bay

In 2016, Gisella initiated a reorganization of the education library space at the Thunder Bay campus in consultation with faculty, staff, and students. Her vision reshaped the physical space of the library into a vibrant, collaborative environment that supports academic and emotional well-being. Events like therapy dog sessions, craft nights, movie screenings, Lunar New Year celebrations, and Drag Storytime have brought students together, fostering a sense of community and belonging. Significantly, the redesign was accomplished with no additional expenditures beyond the existing library budget.

Hosting Drag Storytime and Building 2SLGBTQIA+ Resources

Gisella introduced Drag Storytime events at the Thunder Bay campus. In partnership with the Pride & Gender Equity Centre, she has curated an expansive collection of Pride resources including picture books, young adult fiction, non-fiction, and teaching materials on gender expression, Two-Spirit identity, and inclusive education. Inclusive signage and Pride flags greet visitors at the library entrance, offering a visible sign of support of diversity and inclusion.

Supporting Research and Teaching Excellence

Gisella has developed over 40 specialized library guides on topics such as Indigenous education, language instruction, and social justice literature, directly supporting teacher candidates, graduate students, and faculty. She has taken a leadership role in exploring the implications of AI in education, developing workshops and surveys to help the university community adapt to emerging tools.

Her award nomination was supported by 61 students who shared their experiences through a survey. Their testimonials speak to impact Gisella has had on their experience at Lakehead:

• Gisella is genuinely interested in hearing about my research and always asks for updates. She also reaches out when she comes across a potential research paper that I may find helpful.
• Every time I am at one of the traditional First Nations ceremonies that are hosted in the Faculty of Education, Gisella is there. I believe this speaks volumes to the person they are and their willingness to learn, support, and advocate for First Nations culture.
• She is always willing to go the extra mile to ensure that we have all of the tools we need to be successful as researchers.
• Gisella brought my attention to modern research technologies that have helped tremendously with my grad school research. [She] did this in a way that made me feel heard, empowered, and supported.
• Gisella puts on amazing events that bond our school community. She works so hard to provide us with the best resources, teaches us about the various tech we have access to, and is always a friendly and caring presence. If anyone deserves this award, it is her!

These comments speak to depth of Gisella’s influence—not just as a librarian, but as a mentor, advocate, and community builder. This well-deserved award honours both her remarkable career to date and the transformative power of libraries as community spaces that support teaching and learning.

Dr. Pauline Sameshima (Professor, Faculty of Education) is part of an innovative, First Nations-led research initiative that aims to enhance health and wellbeing through arts integrated Indigenous research methods.

The five-year project, titled Dandhigu Yimbana: Listening on Country for Social and Emotional Wellbeing, has received a funding grant of $868,000 AUD through the Australian Research Council’s 2025 Discovery Indigenous grant scheme.

The research applies Arts-Informed Indigenist Research (AIIR) methods to explore how Indigenous arts and culturally grounded research practices can address epistemic violence, support healing, and foster culturally safe research environments that promote health equity. The team will work closely with communities engaged in Indigenous health and wellbeing research, aiming to shape how social and emotional wellbeing is understood and studied in Indigenous contexts.

The project is led by Dr. Vicki Saunders, a Gunggari researcher at CQUniversity’s Jawun Research Institute in Australia.Central to the research is the Gunggari concept of Dandhigu Yimbana that emphasizes deep listening with respect, on, for and with Country, a practice vital to both community and environmental wellbeing and to research integrity. 

This research is expected to contribute significantly to Indigenous scholarship and influence global conversations around arts, health, and decolonizing research practices.

Below:

The visual depiction of the research project is represented in the artwork called Idiwirra: nung Ulamai, which translates to Secret Business: Let us dance/do ceremony (Alngith language). The artwork was made by Dr. Fiona Wirrer-George Oochunyung. The artwork represents 5 different projects coming together, held by lore, symbolized by two green (new) quarter moon shapes. The work illustrates flow, interconnectedness and unfolding as offerings. 

Idiwirra: nung Ulamai (2025). Artist Fiona Wirrer-George Oochunyung

AJ Keene, Lakehead Faculty of Education alumnus (BEd, 1994) has been appointed as Director of Education for the Bluewater District School Board.

He previously served as Superintendent of Education with the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board, and prior to that position he spent many years at Lakehead District School Board in Thunder Bay as Superintendent of Education, Board Math Lead, Early Years and Program Principal, and a school administrator.

For further details, please see this link: Bluewater School Board Appoints New Director of Education.

For a profile of AJ Keene, please see our January 2024 issue of Education Exchange newsletter.