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Registration Now Open for Maamwizing Indigenous Research Institute’s Bi-Annual Conference

Registration Now Open for Maamwizing Indigenous Research Institute’s Bi-Annual Conference

Tradition, culture, and innovation central to events on November 15 and 16, 2024

October 28, 2024 - The Maamwizing Indigenous Research Institute (Maamwizing) will host the fourth bi-annual Maamwizing Conference focused on community-driven research by, for, and with Indigenous Peoples. The event promises to be an enriching gathering for innovative collaboration and knowledge sharing with cultural highlights including a fashion show and art market.

Keynote speakers include Dr. Kathy Absolon and Dr. Amy Shawanda. Dr. Absolon is from Flying Post First Nation and is an Associate Professor at Wilfrid Laurier University, who will present "The Pause in Indigenous Research: Building Courage to Re-think and Look Again". Dr. Amy Shawanda is from Wikwemikong Unceded Territory and is an Assistant Professor at McGill University, who will present “Paddling Upstream: An Anishinaabekwe Journey Towards Ethical Frameworks in Indigenous Research”.

 

Conference Highlights:

● A fashion show and art market featuring local artists, celebrating the creativity and cultural expressions of Indigenous makers

● A student showcase, offering emerging scholars the opportunity to present their research and connect with other academics

● Presentations from exceptional guest speakers dedicated to advancing Indigenous research

 

Maamwizing plays a crucial role in connecting undergraduate, graduate students, and early career researchers with Indigenous scholars. The institute fosters community collaboration essential for navigating the complexities of research and community-based, culturally informed services. “This conference brings together tradition and innovation,” said Nicole Wemigwans, Director of the Maamwizing Indigenous Research Institute, emphasizing the significance of this event. “Maamwizing is pleased to host this assembly of brilliant minds to energize the Indigenous research community in the north.”

Join Maamwizing and Laurentian University at the Maamwizing Conference on November 15 and 16, 2024. Registration is open until November 4, 2024. For more information about the conference and the work of the Maamwizing Indigenous Research Institute, please visit the website.

Graduate Spotlight: Eric Roots

Graduate Spotlight: Eric Roots

“Beneath the surface” with electromagnetic geophysics

October 25, 2024 - Eric Roots, a PhD candidate specializing in mineral deposits and Precambrian geology at Laurentian University, will receive his PhD during the fall 2024 convocation on November 2nd after an exceptional seven-year journey. His research, which focuses on electromagnetic geophysics as part of the groundbreaking Metal Earth project, has made significant contributions to understanding the geological underpinnings of Canada’s mineral-rich regions.

Eric’s research involved collecting and analyzing electromagnetic data to uncover why certain areas of the Canadian Shield are endowed with metals while others are not. As the only researcher working on his specific data subset within a collaborative environment of graduate students and faculty, Eric found both challenge and camaraderie.

“Working on such a large scale project was really interesting because while I was very much working on my portion of the project, I also got the opportunity to network and collaborate with other geologists, supporting them with their data and work,” Eric recalls.

The COVID-19 pandemic introduced significant obstacles, causing disruptions in research and shifting the academic landscape to remote learning. While many colleagues faced challenges in sample and data collection, Eric’s was completed in the Canadian Shield across Ontario and Quebec during the summer of 2018. Having already collected his data, he was in a much better position than many others when the pandemic started. He had what he needed to continue working on his project. However, he recalls that the isolation of remote work took its toll, presenting new hurdles to overcome as technology and virtual collaboration quickly developed to adapt to the needs of the world.

Throughout the project, Eric was able to refine his research skills and engage in collaborative writing projects, including a four-month research trip to Prague. This experience allowed him to present his findings on a global stage, further enhancing the visibility of the Metal Earth initiative.

“My PhD took almost seven years and it was a journey that really taught me a lot about myself and pushed me to grow in many ways. I’m grateful for the lasting connections I made along the way and everything that I am taking away from this experience. I’m looking forward to my future in geophysics.”

As graduation approaches, Eric is reflecting on his personal and academic growth. The pandemic was a significant marker in the middle of this journey and when it started Eric left Sudbury for Ottawa to be close to family. Now fully rooted in Ottawa, he looks forward to finding a local or remote opportunity that aligns with his research background.

Business leaders visit campus to inspire the next generation

Business leaders visit campus to inspire the next generation

Inspired Entrepreneurs Event A Success

October 23, 2024 - The first annual Inspired Entrepreneurs event brought together nearly 100 students from various programs across the university. The event, held in the Jim Fielding Innovation and Commercialization Space of the Cliff Fielding Research, Innovation, and Engineering Building on September 25th was designed to bring students together with experienced business leaders in the community.

Local entrepreneurs and business leaders shared invaluable insights on building successful businesses and navigating the complexities of entrepreneurship.

The panel of professionals included diverse community entrepreneurs, some of whom are Laurentian alumni. Each shared their journey, highlighting both the challenges and successes they encountered along the way.

Community Entrepreneurs in attendance included:

  • Pat Dubreuil, President of Let’s Roll Ideation Consulting
  • Nicole Paquin, Owner of Nickel City Cheese Sudbury
  • Hailey Hastie, Founder and CEO of The Social Soulpreneur
  • Melissa Deschenes, Innovation Quarters, Regional Business Centre


Led by Dr. Patricia Orozco and supported by Laurentian University’s Bureau des Affaires Francophone, the event featured a bilingual speaker's panel of past and present student entrepreneurs, keynote speakers, and a networking lunch. The goal of the event aligned with Dr. Orozco’s research interests which focus on entrepreneurial skills and competencies and the significance of attributes like creativity, resilience, and leadership.

“As educators we want students to feel empowered to reach for their goals. With this event, we wanted to create a space where students can not only learn about business but also understand the personal journeys that made these diverse entrepreneurs successful,” said Dr. Orozco.

A panel discussion, moderated by fourth-year Business Administration student Athena Florentis Grandmaison, gave attendees the opportunity to hear from current and former students who balanced their course work with building their business as emerging entrepreneurs, including:

  • Samantha Blender, Owner of Gwiddy (@shopgwiddy)
  • Emma Lapointe, Founder of Solace Supply and Co-Founder of Go & Glow Cleaning Services (@shopsolacesupply, @goandglowservices)
  • Florish Abebayo, Owner of Beiwty Rish Rish Cosmetics, fourth-year biochemistry student (@beiwty_rish)


“The multi-layered approach to this event is what made it so special. Attendees were in the presence of brilliant, successful local business people and given the chance to mingle with them,” remarked Florentis Grandmaison. “Hearing their experiences and engaging in discussion allowed us to see firsthand how entrepreneurs in Northern Ontario are creating impact in the business world.”

The Inspired Entrepreneurs event is exemplary of the School of Business Administration’s broader mission to connect students and the local business community, fostering relationships to guide and inspire future entrepreneurs. Plans are already underway to make Inspired Entrepreneurs an annual event.

Canadian Research of Finnish Architecture Showcased in Museum Exhibit

Canadian Research of Finnish Architecture Showcased in Museum Exhibit

Dr. Tammy Gaber’s research on Aalto Architecture to be featured in Alvar Aalto Museum in Finland.

October 21, 2024 - Dr. Tammy Gaber, Director and Associate Professor at the McEwen School of Architecture, is being recognized in a feature exhibit at the Alvar Aalto Museum in Jyvaskyla, Finland. The exhibit, Sacred Spaces: Community and Continuity in Aaltos’ Architecture will run from September 27, 2024 to January 5, 2025.

Dr. Gaber researched, curated and designed the exhibit which showcases 35 sacred spaces designed by Alvar, Aino, and Elissa Aalto. Over the course of five decades, the Aaltos were involved in the renovation of seven historic churches, designed 11 built ecclesiastical structures, and conceptualized 17 unbuilt sacred spaces for communities in various parts of Finland and several other countries. The detailed 3D drawings on exhibition highlights the Aaltos’ unique contribution to church architecture.

The exhibit, funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC) with collaborative support from the Alvar Aalto Foundation, is a tactile representation of the work of the Aaltos over the span of their lives, accompanied by detailed historical information. The pieces are organized chronologically, revealing the relationships between the designs developed over five decades. It also includes textual and visual reflections on key themes in sacred spaces, such as art, projects designed outside Finland, and the subsequent phases of the constructed churches.

Dr. Gaber led two Aalto-themed courses at the McEwen School of Architecture, where students were given an opportunity for collaboration. In the 2022 graduate course, ‘Mythic Places: Crafting Aaltos’ Design Universe’ and the 2024 undergraduate course, ‘Community and Continuity in Aalto’s Sacred Spaces’, students played a crucial role in creating the 3D drawings displayed in the exhibit. These drawings integrate original architectural plans (including floor plans, sections, and elevations) with all available information, allowing for a comprehensive spatial understanding of both the built and unbuilt ecclesiastical spaces as the Aaltos envisioned them.

Ten McEwen School of Architecture students and two alumni traveled to Finland with Dr. Tammy Gaber in September to build and launch the exhibit.

The following students created the 3D drawings featured in the exhibit:

Graduate: Laura Auchinleck, Abigail Hudyma, Sarah Belchkar, Livingston Boyd, Zachary Briguglio, MacKenzie Cameron, Lauren Carr, Cat Daigle, John Grzeda, Jonathan Kabumbe, Candice Kinnunen, Sarah Mason, Aaron McRoberts, Janae Rodrigues, Sydney Sheppard, Jacob Smith (alumnus, 2022).

Undergraduate: Elijah Alkhoury, Noam Aufgang, Sam Ballantyne, Maddison Belanger, Andrew Eveleigh, Humbert Gelas, Ravleen Gill, Kalila Hamilton-Bachiu, Gustav Jost, Isi Lusha, Sasha Sousa (alumna, 2024).

Drawings were created with the help of PhD candidate, Laura Auchinleck. Abigail Hudyma worked with Dr. Gaber as a Graduate Research Assistant for the duration of the project, supporting and contributing with collecting data, creating drawings, and curating the exhibit.

The Sacred Spaces exhibit offers a unique opportunity to explore the multifaceted and significant legacy of the Aaltos’ in church architecture. On opening night of the exhibit, Dr. Tammy Gaber gave a public lecture to 60 local and international visitors of the exhibit and was awarded the ‘Alvar Aalto Medal of Valor’ for her years of dedication to researching the Aalto buildings.

This project showcases Dr. Gaber’s creativity and dedication not only to her research but also to her students whose academic experience was enriched through this unique intersection of education and architectural heritage.

Laurentian Researchers Awarded $2.2 Million in Funding

Laurentian Researchers Awarded $2.2 Million in Funding

Government and industry partners invest in a range of projects in the fields of ecology, genetics, and social sciences

October 17, 2024 - Laurentian University researchers have been awarded a total of $1.79 million from Canada’s federal research funding agencies for projects over the next five years. This significant funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC), the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), as well as significant contributions from Vale and Glencore, will enable in-depth exploration in reptile conservation, aquaculture, genetics, social work standards of practice, and marketing, further solidifying Laurentian’s commitment to innovative research that addresses pressing societal issues.

“These awards are a testament to the ingenuity and innovation of Laurentian researchers,” said Dr. Tammy Eger, Vice President, Research. “We are thankful for the investment from these funding agencies, they play a key role in advancing research in Canada. These projects will have a significant impact on our understanding of societal challenges and are vital to our future. Congratulations to all our award recipients.”

“We are excited by this collaborative opportunity, with support from our industry partners and NSERC, to take the Sudbury story of restoration to the next level – one that considers new stressors and uses new approaches – and to train students to keep this good work moving into the future,” said Dr. Jacqueline “Jackie” Litzgus, Director of the Vale Living with Lakes Centre and Jane Goodall Research Fellow in Conservation Biology, who is one of the researchers who has been awarded funding for her project.

The funding supports the following research projects:

 

● Jackie Litzgus, School of Natural Sciences: is the lead researcher on a $1.35M NSERC Alliance Grant entitled, Conservation and Restoration of Aquatic Diversity in the face of Legacy and Emerging Stressors (CRADLES). The CRADLES project, based out of the Vale Living with Lakes Centre, includes partners from several universities and $450,000 in funding support from industrial partners Vale and Glencore as well as in-kind support from the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks. Dr. Litzgus is also the recipient of an NSERC Discovery Grant of $65,000 per year for five years to support her research program entitled, Population ecology and behaviour inform the conservation of reptiles.

● Thomas Johnston, School of Natural Sciences: Awarded an NSERC Discovery Development Grant of $20,000 per year for two years to investigate the trophic niche in aquatic food webs.

● Thomas Merritt, School of Natural Sciences: Secured an NSERC Discovery Grant of $67,000 per year for five years to conduct genetic and experimental studies on stress pathways using the Drosophila melanogaster model system.

● Isabelle Côté, School of Social Work: Awarded an SSHRC Insight Grant of $105,080 for her work on integrating the concept of coercive control into professional practices addressing domestic violence.

● Kamran Eshghi, School of Sports Administration: Received an SSHRC Insight Grant of $81,715 for his project analyzing the drivers and performance of Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) adoption in the retail industry.

 

Viviane Lapointe, Member of Parliament for Sudbury and Marc G. Serré, Member of Parliament for Nickel Belt and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources and to the Minister of Official Languages announced this funding on October 17th, 2024, at Laurentian University. The event highlighted the importance of these research initiatives and their anticipated contributions to both academic knowledge and societal advancement.

 

Laurentian University’s New Student Equity Centre: A Hub for Support and Advocacy

Laurentian University’s New Student Equity Centre: A Hub for Support and Advocacy

October 16, 2024 - A new shared space for equity deserving student groups has arrived with the launch of the Student Equity Centre (SEC). With a focus on fostering community and addressing the unique challenges faced by equity-deserving groups, the SEC is ready to be an invaluable resource for students.

The SEC is a branch of Laurentian’s Equity, Diversity, and Human Rights office and aims to provide a safe space for students to find the support they need, with resources tailored to education on specific issues like social justice, equity, and important topics like sexual and gender-based violence and consent awareness.

With a central location in the Arts Building (Room A-126) in the bowling alley near the Tim Hortons, the SEC is a drop-in center that serves as a shared space for students to connect with one another. The SEC emphasizes mentorship and advocacy, making it easier for students to access the support they require.

The SEC is led by Lyailya Makhambet, Equity & Community Engagement Coordinator and Kayla Deschatelets, Sexual & Gender-Based Violence Support Coordinator and collaborates with four key student groups, centering students for an enhanced support network: the Women’s Center, Laurentian Pride, the Students For Social Action Committee, and the Consent Is Simple Action Team. Each group addresses critical issues ranging from human rights, gender equality to 2SLGBTQIA+ rights, and consent education. Students are encouraged to access the student groups for services or to reach out for volunteer opportunities.

Students can look forward to awareness campaigns and workshops throughout the year, including the 16 Days of Activism starting November 25, which coincides with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. Other important events include Human Rights Day, Black History Month, and International Women’s Day, all designed to raise awareness and promote a culture of inclusivity.

With Consent Awareness Week happening from October 21 to 26, the SEC is hosting events to spread the message of clear and enthusiastic consent. If you are a Laurentian student seeking a space that promotes equity and social justice, drop into the Student Equity Centre, located in room A-126 in the bowling alley, where you are a welcomed part of a community committed to making a difference.

On the Right Path: Aurel Fox-Recollet's Journey Toward Athletic Excellence and Personal Growth

On the Right Path: Aurel Fox-Recollet's Journey Toward Athletic Excellence and Personal Growth

Creating the conditions for your success

October 9, 2024 - Aurel Fox-Recollet, a 30-year-old Bachelor of Social Work student at Laurentian University is running toward a bright future where academics are priority, resilience is rewarded, and balance is key. As the athletic accolades add up, Aurel is approaching his academic journey the same way he approaches his long-distance running: at his own pace.

Aurel’s upbringing in the small rural community of Wikwemikong inspired him to explore social work as a career option. “Growing up, you hear about the needs of the people and I thought social work would be a good fit for me.” He started by taking the Indigenous Specialization in the Social Service Worker Program at Cambrian College, then transferred many of those credits to take the Bachelor of Social Work program at Laurentian.

The natural environment that makes up the Laurentian campus brings Aurel a sense of comfort and belonging. “It’s small! I went to a university in southern Ontario to visit a friend, and their campus felt like a city. At Laurentian, you get to know the campus and the people quickly. It feels like home,” he shared, adding that the smaller class sizes have fostered relationships with professors.

Aurel’s interest in social work is deeply personal. “I wanted to take the lessons that I had learned as a college student who struggled from time to time with alcohol-use and turn them into a means of helping others. I think that my lived experience makes me a great support to others who are struggling with life’s challenges.”

Fusing his affinity for community and his commitment to helping others, Aurel worked as a peer coach with both the Peer Wellness Program and the Indigenous Sharing and Learning Centre over the summer.

In addition to his studies, Aurel is an avid long-distance runner, dedicating himself to his craft with discipline. “I run almost every day, logging about 80 kilometers a week,” he shared. “The most I will run in a week is 95 kilometers, and the least is around 70. Running is my lifestyle, it’s part of who I am.”

He recently claimed victory in the Sudbury Masters Ramsey Tour Half Marathon in September, in addition to silver and bronze medals at the Masters Indigenous Games in 2023. “I enjoy running for myself, on my own schedule, and I’m excited to defend my title next year and continue to find news races to compete in.”

Aurel’s running is deeply intertwined with his well-being. “If I’m not running, I’m not my best self,” he confessed. Running provides him clarity and emotional wellness, offering a time for reflection and connection with nature. “I’m introverted and running gives me a chance to think and process everything.”

Aurel’s competitive spirit motivates his running and academic goals. “I’m always looking for self-improvement. I want to win races, and qualifying for the Boston Marathon is a dream of mine. But more than that, I want to achieve high standards in my studies because I want my parents to see me succeed. Bringing home a university degree is the goal.”

As Aurel continues his studies at Laurentian, he is not just carving a path for himself; he is also inspiring those around him through his resilience, discipline, and unwavering commitment. His journey reflects a belief in the power of community, the importance of self-awareness, and the relentless pursuit of self-betterment.

Laurentian University to name Jason F. McLennan and Tom Blake as honorary doctorates

Laurentian University to name Jason F. McLennan and Tom Blake as honorary doctorates

Honorees will be recognized during November 2nd Convocation ceremony

October 8, 2024 - Laurentian University will be awarding two honorary doctorate degrees at this fall’s convocation ceremonies on November 2, 2024. The honorary degree recipients will be in attendance to be recognized alongside graduating students.

“We are very fortunate to have these inspirational leaders join us to be recognized and speak to our graduating class. Both Jason and Tom have accomplished so much in their distinguished careers and I believe they will demonstrate to the graduating class that there is no ceiling on their futures. Jason is both a pioneer and innovator in his industry, and Tom is another world-class leader who has chosen to give back so much to Laurentian. They are both so deserving of the highest honour we can bestow, ” said Dr. Lynn Wells, President & Vice-Chancellor, Laurentian University.

The convocation ceremonies will be streamed live via YouTube and are available from laurentian.ca

 

Award Dates

  • November 2, 10:00am: Jason F. McLennan - Honorary Doctorate of Architecture
  • November 2, 2:30pm: Tom Blake - Honorary Doctorate of Sports Administration

Jason F. McLennan
Chief Sustainability Officer of global firm Perkins&Will, and founder of McLennan Design, Jason is a distinguished designer, author, speaker, consultant, and environmentalist, he stands as one of the world's most influential individuals in the field of architecture and the green building movement. His ideas have earned national and international acclaim, including winning the Buckminster Fuller Prize, the ENR National Award of Excellence, and the Ashoka Fellowship. Jason has designed and consulted on many of the world’s greenest projects and is regularly sought out by leading companies and institutions for sustainability and social justice strategy. Jason created the Living Building Challenge, the planet’s top standard for certifying green buildings and he is the author of seven books on sustainability and social justice, including the pioneering Philosophy of Sustainable Design that has been used in dozens of architecture schools around the world. He was born and raised in Sudbury before moving on to work all over the world.

 

Tom Blake
One of the world’s most respected and dynamic sales executives. Tom is the author of the best-selling book “Championship Selling”, is the Co-Founder of Optimé International, and worked for 18 years from the entry level to executive at global sales and marketing leader Procter & Gamble. Tom and Optimé have trained hundreds of sales organizations like AT&T, PepsiCo, P&G, and many other Fortune 100 companies. The company was recently recognized as a 2024 Top Sales Training Company by Selling Power. In 2011, he co-founded Sprout Wellness Solutions, a holistic digital health and wellness solution, which was acquired by Telus Health in 2022. Tom was part of the inaugural intake for the School of Sports Administration (SPAD) in 1972 and is one of SPAD’s first graduates. Tom has regularly contributed to Laurentian over the past 50 years by serving on multiple Advisory Boards, hiring Laurentian graduates, intern and teaching Championship Selling in the SPAD program for 15 years.

Series: Laurentian University Appoints New Tenure-Track Faculty Members

Series: Laurentian University Appoints New Tenure-Track Faculty Members

Professors being added to multiple faculties to enhance the student experience

Part 3 of 3 in this series

 

October 3, 2024 - From the exploration of sustainable architectural design to critical feminist approaches to understanding health technologies, the diverse academic strengths of Laurentian’s faculty is reflected in the roster of newly appointed tenure-track faculty.

"We proudly welcome these exceptional tenure-track faculty members to our institution," said Dr. Malcolm Campbell, Provost and Vice-President Academic. "Their scholarly excellence and commitment to teaching will empower our students to succeed and contribute significantly to the positive impact of our vibrant intellectual community at Laurentian University.”

With the fall term underway, the faculty are already settling into their roles and delivering courses. The newly appointed tenure-track faculty members are listed by Faculty below.

 

Faculty of Science, Engineering and Architecture

Louis-Pierre Bélec, he/him/il, McEwen School of Architecture

  • Research interests: Architecture, adaptive reuse, sustainable design, architectural representation, material cycles, cultural practices, vernacular design
  • Anticipated Courses: ARCH 2526 Architectural Communication, ARCH 2505 Atelier de conception 3 - Paysage I, ARCH 2515 Atelier de conception 4 - Paysage II

 
Ahlam Maremi, she/her/elle, Bharti School of Engineering and Computer Science

  • Research interests: Long-term and Short-term Mine Planning Optimization, Waste Management, Mine Machinery, Uncertainty-based Models
  • Anticipated Courses: ENGR 4366 Reliability of Mining Equipment, ENGR 3307 Materials Handling, ENGR 2106 Introduction to Mineral Resources, ENGR 5276 Mine Machinery Selection, ENGR 3337 Explosives and Blasting techniques, ENGR 2517 Plane Surveying and Photogrammetry

 
Blake Dotta, School of Natural Sciences

 

Faculty of Arts

Mélanie Girard, she/her/elle, School of Social Sciences,

  • Research interests: Théories en sciences sociales, Études relationnelles, Rapports sociaux de sexe, Identité sexuelle, Modifications corporelles, Criminalité et  parcours de violence
  • Anticipated Courses: SOCI 1015FL Étude de la société, SOCI 2087FL Crime et peine II, SOCI 2816FL Théories en criminologie, SOCI 3307FL Problèmes sociaux : l'aspect juridique

 
Anas Karzai, he/him/il, School of Social Sciences

  • Research interests: Social and political theory, Colonialism & imperialism, War and refugees, The rise of new authoritarianism, The role of international law and human rights in the 21st century
  • Anticipated Courses: SOCI 3016 Modern Sociological Theory, SOCI 2826 Crime and Media, SOCI 2017 The Emergence of Sociological Theory, SOCI 2806 Crime and Culture

 

Faculty of Education and Health

Sonia Meerai, she/her/elle, School of Social Work

  • Research interests: Critical feminist approaches to understanding health technologies, tracking applications, AI-enabled technologies, and at-home health management technologies at the intersections of gender, fatness, race/racism. Issues undertaken at these intersections include: reproductive care and fertility, diabetes, among other chronic conditions.
  • Anticipated Courses: SWRK 4915 Foundations of Practice II, SWRK 4726 Issues in Social Policy

 

See part 1 of this series.

See part 2 of this series.

Laurentian University Hosts Symposium for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Laurentian University Hosts Symposium for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

September 26, 2024 - Laurentian University will mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation with a Symposium. On September 30th, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. community members will gather in the Indigenous Sharing and Learning Centre (ISLC) Round Room as Indigenous elders and academics share their experiences.

“We have a vision for Truth and Reconciliation to center Indigenous voices and perspectives, emphasize the importance of storytelling, and create safe and sustained dialogue,” said Dominic Beaudry, Associate Vice-President of Academic and Indigenous Programs. “The symposium allows the Laurentian community to feel a sense of kinship while marking this important day. We look forward to welcoming our keynote speakers and having them share their teachings with us.”

The symposium will feature keynote speakers:

Shirley Williams, Traditional Anishinaabe Elder and Professor Emeritus with the Chanie Wenjack School for Indigenous Studies at Trent University. Born and raised in Wikwemikong, Manitoulin Island, Williams attended St. Joseph’s Residential School in Spanish, Ontario. Her insights and experiences are pivotal in understanding Indigenous history and reconciliation. She is the first Indigenous woman in Canada to reach full professor status via traditional knowledge.

Lorney Bob, Language Revitalization Coordinator with Indigenous Students Affairs at Laurentian University. He is a Traditional Anishinaabe Elder and teaches Anishinaabe land-based courses that integrate daily language learning, cultural teachings, and ceremonies, fostering a deeper connection to Indigenous traditions.

Jason Nakogee, Truth and Reconciliation Coordinator with the Office of Academic and Indigenous Programs at Laurentian University. Nakogee’s role is crucial in promoting and facilitating dialogues around truth and reconciliation within the academic community.

In observance of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day, September 30th is a national teaching moment. In lieu of normally scheduled classes, students are encouraged to join the symposium and take this opportunity to further educate themselves.

“Orange Shirt Day is a grassroots, Indigenous-led movement that was started by Phyllis Webstad to honour those affected. It led to Canada’s designation of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation as a national day of observance,” said Beaudry. “Laurentian University’s Symposium on Orange Shirt Day is a memorialization of the tragic and dark history and the legacy of the Residential School system and a vital component of the ongoing reconciliation process.”

Orange Shirt Day honours the children that never returned home, the survivors of residential schools, and the families and communities that were and continue to be impacted by the legacy of the residential school system. This day is dedicated to amplifying Indigenous voices and fostering meaningful conversations about truth and reconciliation.

All members of the Laurentian community are encouraged to attend and engage in this event as we collectively continue our commitment to truth and reconciliation.

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