As Laurentian University continues to celebrate its 65th anniversary of incorporation on March 28, 2025, we reflect on this history with members of our campus community in this series of interviews.
April 2, 2025 - Dr. Susan Manitowabi is a distinguished alumna, educator, and administrator whose journey embodies the resilience and growth of Indigenous education at Laurentian.
Dr. Manitowabi’s connection to Laurentian began in 1977, when she enrolled as a first-generation university student, pursuing a sociology degree with a minor in Native Studies. At a time when Indigenous representation in postsecondary education was limited, she found inspiration in the newly established Native Studies program, led by Dr. Ed Newbery.
“I was the first person in my family to go to university,” recalls Dr. Manitowabi, who is from Whitefish River First Nation. Her decision to pursue higher education was deeply influenced by her ogiin, a residential school survivor, who instilled in her children the importance of education. “My mother always insisted that we prioritize our education,” says Dr. Manitowabi. “She wasn’t given the same opportunities and didn’t pass on her language. I made sure that I fulfilled her dream.”
After completing her Masters at U of T, she returned to Laurentian in 2001 as a professor in the Native Human Services Program, started the next chapter in her career in teaching. Her dedication to academia came through once again when she completed her PhD in Rural and Northern Health in 2021.
Dr. Manitowabi’s approach to education was also shaped by her mother’s wisdom, which became her lifelong teaching philosophy: “Never think about what you can teach people; think about how you facilitate learning. Everybody in the classroom has something to offer, and the best learning environment is one open to sharing.” This perspective guided her throughout her career and helped shape generations of students at Laurentian.
Throughout her career, Dr. Manitowabi co-chaired the (former) Native Human Services Program, was the founding Director of the School of Indigenous Relations, served as Interim Associate Vice-President, Academic and Indigenous Programs, and shortly before retiring, she co-founded the Maamwizing Indigenous Research Institute and helped develop the course Anishinaabemowin Immersion in the Four Directions.
Dr. Manitowabi played a pivotal role in advancing Indigenous education at Laurentian, from the accreditation of the Native Human Services program in 1998 to the establishment of the Master of Indigenous Relations. She encouraged the growth of Indigenous faculty representation and helped build a learning environment rooted in Anishinaabe ways of knowing, being, and doing.
Dr. Manitowabi credits the strength of Indigenous community as a driving force behind the success and perseverance of Indigenous programs at Laurentian. While Indigenous teachings, including the Seven Grandfather Teachings and the medicine wheel, are foundational to weaving Indigenous culture into the University, Dr. Manitowabi says that the biggest lesson for Laurentian comes from Indigenous peoples’ resilience and connectedness.
“Our programs and people have always been sustained by Indigenous community support,” she says. “We come together, raise each other up, and meet over fire no matter the hardship we face. That’s how we keep our culture strong—sharing our way of knowing, being and doing has helped the university through challenging situations. It has helped to show a different way and build relationships with the wider university community.”
Dr. Manitowabi dedicated her life's work to Indigenous culture and education, ensuring that future generations had opportunities that her mother never did. From student, to educator and administrator, she made a significant impact on the University’s Tricultural Mandate and commitment to Indigenous education.
As Laurentian University celebrates its 65th anniversary and looks ahead at the next chapter in its history, Dr. Manitowabi’s legacy stands out as one that has made a lasting impression on the Laurentian community and will continue to guide Indigenous relations at Laurentian for years to come.
Photo credit: Mary Laur
