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, i
ncluding 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.”
