Caribou Workshop Advances Collaborative Solutions for Conservation in Ontario
Thunder Bay, ON – The Faculty of Natural Resources Management at Lakehead University organized a two-day Caribou Workshop on May 26 and 27, 2026 that brought together a diverse group of researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and students to address one of Ontario’s most pressing environmental challenges - woodland caribou conservation. The workshop was sponsored by a grant from the Ontario Ministry of Environment, Conservation, and Parks.
Group picture of the in-person attendees on Lakehead University, Thunder Bay campus
Woodland caribou are widely recognized as a species at risk in Ontario, facing pressures from habitat disturbance, climate change, and human activities. The Caribou Workshop was designed to identify key issues in caribou conservation and develop practical, science-based solutions.
The workshop was delivered over two days in a hybrid format at the Thunder Bay campus and online, with 30+ participants in person and 20+ online participants. Day 1 brought together all stakeholder groups and featured a keynote by Dr. Darren Sleep (Forest Products Association of Canada). Day 2 focused on Indigenous and First Nations perspectives, with a keynote by Roger Wesley, Constance Lake First Nation.
“This workshop highlighted the Faculty of Natural Resources Management ongoing leadership in fostering dialogue and advancing applied solutions in caribou conservation and research”
- Dr. Brigitte Leblon, Dean of the Faculty and Professor of Remote Sensing.
“This workshop brought together various voices from across sectors to come up with meaningful solutions to caribou management within the context of forest management in Ontario.”
- Dr. Michel Laforge, Caribou Research Chair and Faculty’s professor.
“Collaboration is essential to preserve caribou and at the same time, promote sustainable forestry, secure critical minerals, achieve economic prosperity, and support Indigenous cultures.”
- Darren Sleep, Forest Products Association of Canada.
“The relationship between Indigenous communities and academia, such as Lakehead’s Faculty of Natural Resources Management, is key to moving forward on caribou conservation”
- Roger Wesley, Constance Lake First Nation.
“The workshop provided the opportunity to understand diverse points of view while emphasizing the need to merge the on-going scientific data with local and Indigenous knowledge.”
- Tom Ratz, Registered Professional Forester, Retired Chief Forester Damtar.
“The workshop has enhanced my understanding of real-world conservation challenges by providing a valuable opportunity to share knowledge and ongoing projects.”
- Jake O'Flaherty - Master Student, Lakehead’s Faculty of Natural Resources Management.