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Lakehead Researchers Welcome Community Members to Practice Anishinaabe Law and Governance
Published in The Chronicle Journal on February 18, 2026
By EMILY DONTSOS
Over the course of a weekend in early October 2025, more than 75 people—knowledge holders, students, faculty members, and community members—gathered at Lakehead’s Bora Laskin Faculty of Law in downtown Thunder Bay on the traditional territory of Anemki Wajiw (Fort William) First Nation.
Together, they spent the weekend processing a moose hide, creating jewellery from bone, rendering bear fat, engaging in storytelling, and learning about Indigenous languages. But above all, they were invited to simply be there: to drop in, share food, and be part of a community.
For Assistant Law Professor Larissa Speak and Dr. Leigh Potvin, who organized the event, the gathering was at the heart of their latest collaborative research project to explore and practice the principles of Anishinaabe law and governance.
In fact, the gathering itself was the research.
Larissa Speak, left, and Dr. Leigh Potvin, right, pour poplar bud salve into jars at a hide gathering. Photo credit: Patrick Chondon, Chondon Photography
“Our deliverables are to cultivate relationships, provide opportunities for students to learn from knowledge holders, and build community,” says Dr. Potvin, an associate professor and director of Lakehead’s School of Outdoor Recreation, Parks, and Tourism. “It’s about elevating Anishinaabe ways of knowing and doing.”
The project also provides an example of collaboration between Anishinaabe and settler researchers. Professor Speak is Anishinaabe and a member of Fort William First Nation. Dr. Potvin is a settler of French and British ancestry who also has roots in Thunder Bay.
Building Relationships as an Expression of Indigenous Law
The October event was the second hide tanning gathering hosted by Professor Speak and Dr. Potvin as part of an ongoing research collaboration funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC).
As friends and colleagues, the two scholars share the goal of decolonizing research and education by creating opportunities for students, faculty, and community members to engage in land- and relationship-based learning—principles that are core to Anishinaabe law and governance.
The idea took root when Professor Speak, who is also the co-director of the Faculty of Law’s Mino-waabandan Inaakonigewinan Indigenous Law and Justice Institute, began attending community hide tanning camps at Fort William First Nation and saw these principles in practice.
“Hide tanning gatherings aren’t just cultural events; they’re expressions of Anishinaabe law and governance, which is about relationships—including with our animal relatives,” says Professor Speak. “They’re about caring for each other, for the land, and for the moose.”
Together, Professor Speak and Dr. Potvin—who is particularly interested in decolonizing outdoor recreation programs by collaborating with Indigenous partners—secured support from SSHRC to bring the power of hide tanning to the Lakehead community.
Jean Marshall teaching with a hide.
Doing, Listening, and Creating Together
The 2025 event was held at the same site as last year’s event to honour a key principle of Anishinaabe law and governance.
“You always return to the same place to continue strengthening relationships and to make your presence known to the land,” explains Professor Speak.
The urban location was also intentional. “We wanted to show that cities are Indigenous lands too, that Indigenous law, culture, and governance belong everywhere. We don’t only have to go to the bush to practice our laws.”
With a moose hide offered by Jeordi Pierre, a hunter, Fort William member, land-based educator, and friend, hide-tanning activities were led by local knowledge holders and hide tanners Jean Marshall and Shelby Gagnon. The gathering was also supported by elders Charlotte Marten and Andrew Mandamin, as well as hide tanner Belmo.
Hide tanner, Shelby Gagnon with Speak
Participants were invited to move between different stations to engage with the hide-tanning process, sit in circle with elders, and learn through doing, listening, and creating.
“This work is not possible without the generosity of knowledge holders. Charlotte, Andrew, Jean, Shelby, and Belmo are all so knowledgeable and they are open to sharing with everyone,” Professor Speak says. “At these gatherings, these individuals breathe life into Anishinaabe practices and traditions. Leigh and I are so happy to work with them and to have them as friends.”
People of all ages and from all walks of life attended, including drag performer Olive Boogits, who worked on the hide-tanning process for a full day.
“It’s not something you see every day, and it was powerful, joyful, and inclusive,” Dr. Potvin says. “It was also a reflection of the fact that this resurgence in hide tanning as an expression of Anishinaabe governance is being led by women, non-binary, and queer people. It’s profoundly beautiful.”
Elder, Charlotte Marten with Olive Boogits in drag
Fostering New Perspectives on the Path to Decolonization
In the months ahead, the researchers will host a sharing circle to gather reflections from participants as they plan for their next gathering. They say the sharing circle will be more than just a necessary activity in their research process.
“It’s part of the law,” says Professor Speak. “How people feel, what they experience, what they need—that all matters in Anishinaabe law and governance.”
The researchers hope their work will ultimately inspire students and faculty alike to rethink how we learn, what we learn about, and what’s valued in higher education.
“When we see students, knowledge holders, faculty, and community members all working together, it changes how they think about what’s possible in education,” says Professor Speak. “If we really taught from within Anishinaabe pedagogies, learning would happen in context—on the land, with many teachers—not just one person at the front of a lecture hall.”
This ongoing research project closely aligns with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including #3: Good Health and Well-Being, #4: Quality Education, #10: Reduced Inequalities, and #12: Responsible Consumption and Production.
Student Bianca Zussino Wins a McCall MacBain Regional Award
Bianca Zussino has received a McCall MacBain Regional Award—joining a select group of high-achieving university students from across the country.
"This honour shows me that anyone can be a leader if you do something you're passionate about," she says.
This year, Bianca ranked among the top 90 of more than 700 Canadian applicants for the McCall MacBain Regional Award. "I hope to further explore the intersection of clinical medicine, research, and patient-centred care," she says.
The award recognizes students who have demonstrated exceptional character, community engagement, leadership potential, entrepreneurial spirit, academic strength, and intellectual curiosity.
Bianca is in her fourth year of Lakehead's Honours Bachelor of Science program, where she majors in biology and neuroscience. Her goal is to become a doctor.
She's thrilled to have won the $5,000 award and will use it to help fund her graduate studies. Bianca is particularly interested in gastroenterology, which treats conditions of the stomach, intestines, and esophagus.
She was drawn to this field by a healthcare crisis she faced.
A Life Turned Upside Down
"When I was in grade 9, with no warning, I began experiencing extreme nausea and vomiting," Bianca says.
Doctors were baffled by her condition and a proper diagnosis was hampered by the lack of specialists in Thunder Bay.
"I never thought of myself as a leader as a kid," Bianca says. "I wasn't very outgoing, but the more I began volunteering in the community, the more confident I became." Left, Bianca helps prepare a meal at the Dew Drop Inn soup kitchen.
The next four years were a nightmare for Bianca. She was in and out of hospital, suffering from medical crises.
At one point, she was airlifted to a London hospital where she had a catheter inserted into a vein near her heart to get enough nutrition into her body.
Eventually, it was discovered that Bianca's stomach wasn't emptying properly. Only surgery in the United States helped alleviate her condition.
"My parents and I had to do a lot of advocacy to get treatment," she says.
Reaching a Crossroads
After Bianca recovered from her illness, she made a resolution.
She would become a neurogastroenterology specialist and researcher based in Thunder Bay, so that other northwestern Ontarians wouldn't have to suffer the way she had.
Bianca started contacting medical institutions to see if she could join their research teams.
She's now been a neurogastroenterology research intern with Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital for two years.
Through her collaboration with Massachusetts General and Harvard, Bianca has written five research articles released in publications such as The American Journal of Gastroenterology and Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.
"Working with Harvard has been incredible," Bianca says.
"I spent the first eight weeks of my internship shadowing physicians at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. I was able to see how clinical decisions are made and observe endoscopic procedures."
She's also been busy conducting gut motility disorder research with the team in Boston, and some of her work has been published in medical research journals.
Back home, Bianca has been fostering healthcare research in northwestern Ontario.
She belongs to the Compass North Clinic—run by the Northern Ontario School of Medicine University and Lakehead students—and recently became their LU branch research lead.
Friend to the Young and the Elderly Alike
Bianca's contributions to her community go well beyond research.
She coordinates the Thunder Bay chapter of Let's Talk Science, which inspires youngsters to consider careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Bianca manages a team of about 50 educators and volunteers as the Thunder Bay Let's Talk Science coordinator. "We send volunteers into local schools to give presentations and do fun STEM activities." Above, Bianca speaks to local elementary students.
As a patient family advisor at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, Bianca shares patient perspectives on health care and advocates for change. While at St. Joseph's Care Group, she volunteers with their Elder Life Program.
"When my great-grandmother was a patient at St. Joseph's, I saw people who didn't have many visitors, and it broke my heart," she says.
This spurred Bianca to begin visiting seniors every week to provide support.
"I've gained as much as I've given—I've had the privilege of learning about their lives and the challenges they've overcome."
Bianca's volunteer work with the Children's Aid Society, as both a math tutor and a baby cuddler, is also close to her heart.
"Most of the babies I cuddle are in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. They've been through a lot in their short lives, so it's wonderful to be able to comfort them."
Congratulations on your McCall MacBain Regional Award, Bianca! We're proud to have such an inspirational healthcare advocate in our community.
The McCall MacBain Scholarships are the result of a landmark $200 million gift in 2019, then the largest single donation in Canadian history, by John and Marcy McCall MacBain. More information about the McCall MacBain Scholarships can be found at mccallmacbainscholars.org.
Lakehead and City of Barrie Announce Second Site for Barrie STEM Hub
Thunder Bay and Orillia, Ont. - Lakehead University is expanding its footprint in downtown Barrie with the addition of 5 Ross Street as a second location for the Barrie STEM Hub, opening later this year.
Beginning in fall 2026, students will study for in-demand careers in engineering or computer science at the STEM Hub’s two locations downtown: 24 Maple Avenue and 5 Ross Street.
“This marks another incredible milestone for Lakehead University, as we continue to establish our university presence in Barrie,” said Dr. Gillian Siddall, President and Vice-Chancellor. “With the support of Mayor Alex Nuttall and the City of Barrie, we are building a modern, purpose-built environment for our students that is perfectly designed for hands-on learning and applied research.”
The new location at 5 Ross Street will support flexible classrooms and active learning spaces, student services and social spaces, as well as graduate student offices. The first floor at 24 Maple Avenue will house specialized research and teaching laboratories, including multiple advanced labs focused on Motors and Robotics, Machines, Instrumentation, and Mechatronics.
“We are providing high-quality classrooms, high-tech labs, student services spaces, and social areas that our students deserve, right from the start,” she said, noting the finalized academic plan for the Barrie STEM Hub includes 27,200 sq. ft. of teaching, learning and research space.
As one of the fastest growing municipalities in Ontario and one of the few among the 25 urban growth centres in the Greater Golden Horseshoe without a university campus, Barrie Mayor Alex Nuttall is happy to see this unique partnership come to fruition.
“The expansion of Lakehead University’s presence downtown is a major win for Barrie,” said Mayor Alex Nuttall. “This second STEM Hub location not only brings new energy to our core, but also enhances the student experience by creating vibrant, modern spaces to learn, collaborate, and connect. It’s an investment in our students, our businesses, and the future of our city.”
Together with Georgian College, Lakehead University is re-energizing the downtown core and building an interconnected ecosystem where students can study locally for in-demand careers in engineering, mechatronics, and computer science. “By creating new pathways for local learners and new talent pipelines for local employers, we are helping build a stronger, more resilient regional economy,” explained Dr. Siddall.
In December 2024, the City of Barrie Council approved a plan to partner with Lakehead to bring the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Hub to downtown Barrie. Delivering engineering and computer science programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels, the STEM Hub will create a pipeline of skilled workers ready to join in-demand industries, especially in STEM fields.
The Barrie STEM Hub will open in fall 2026. Applications are now open.
Find out more at www.lakeheadu.ca/about/barrie-stem-hub.
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Payments Under $5,000
Payments for most goods and services totalling under $5,000 can be made by using a purchasing Visa card (p-card), by submitting an approved invoice to Accounts Payable, or by submitting a cheque requisition.
When to Use the Purchasing Visa Card (p-card)
The p-card is an efficient and effective method of procuring and paying for low-dollar value goods and services and should be used when making purchases for goods or services under $5,000. Most vendors accept credit cards, including Aramark at the Thunder Bay Campus.
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