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Laurentian to celebrate International Women’s Day all week long

Laurentian to celebrate International Women’s Day all week long

Events include Women’s Centre Open House and key discussions about women, gendered bodies, and gender equity.

(March 6, 2023) - International Women’s Day is a global celebration of the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. A gender equal world free of bias, stereotypes and discrimination is one that we must collectively strive towards, and though International Women’s Day is annually celebrated on March 8th, Laurentian University is recognizing women and their achievements all week long, March 6th - March 10th, 2023.

Events will kick off on March 6th with a presentation in the Indigenous Sharing and Learning Centre (ISLC) by journalist, professor, activist and Halifax’s former Poet Laureat, El Jones, who will speak about “Women, resistance and empowerment.”  

On March 7th, LU’s Women’s Centre (P-222), a volunteer-led group who advocates for women’s equality and a positive environment for women on campus, will host an Open House from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. “The Women’s Centre is important to have at Laurentian University because it allows women to have a place where they can feel at peace, feel safe and have support,” said LU’s Women’s Centre Coordinator and third-year Psychologie du sport student, Monica Jean-Baptiste.

“Historically, the function of the Women’s Centre has been to support women in crisis or who are disadvantaged. We offer a friendly atmosphere in addition to emergency support,” added volunteer and third-year Bachelor of Arts student, Josephine Suorineni. “Being student-led, the Women’s Centre is where women can find their voice among peers and help make positive changes at Laurentian. Sometimes, our community members may not be aware of what help is available to them, therefore, the Centre plays a crucial role in connecting women to services and resources.” 

On March 8th, the Brenda Wallace Reading Room in the JN Desmarais Library will host Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Advisor, Dr. Victoria Kannen, for a book reading, “Gendered Bodies and Public Scrutiny.” 

Events on March 9th include presentations in the ISLC by Inuk Architectural Designer Nicole Luke, and a keynote panel at the McEwen School of Architecture, “Embracing Challenges and Seizing Opportunities.” Facilitators include keynote Nicole Luke and panelists, Dr. Brenda Brouwer (Interim Provost and Vice-President Academic), Dr. Jennifer Johnson (Manager of Laurentian Online and Adjunct Professor), and Yacine Cisse. 

“Celebrating the achievements of women can inspire and empower others – by sharing their journeys and experiences, women raise awareness about challenges, successes and what fuels their fire to do what they do,” says Dr. Brenda Brouwer, Interim Provost and Vice-President Academic, Laurentian University. She adds that the International Women’s Week events will shine a light on issues relating to gender equality. 

Community members are encouraged to participate in the many offerings of International Women’s Week.

A full schedule of events may be found here. 

Laurentian University Engineering Students Top Multiple Categories at Canadian Mining Games

Laurentian University Engineering Students Top Multiple Categories at Canadian Mining Games

Students placed first in Underground Mine Design and Sustainable Development

(March 3rd, 2023) - Laurentian students have once again made their mark on the Canadian Mining Games, taking home two first place finishes as well as two third place finishes in the 2023 competition. The 33rd edition of this long-standing event saw students compete in multiple facets of mining. This year’s competition was jointly hosted in Vancouver by UBC and BCIT, with events at each campus. 
 

Laurentian University:

  • 1st Place: Underground Mine Design
  • 1st Place: Sustainable Development
  • 3rd Place: Health & Safety
  • 3rd Place: Tailings & Closure Management

Next year, the 34th Canadian Mining Games will be proudly hosted by Laurentian University and will see hundreds of participants traveling to Sudbury to compete. 

In addition to the students who competed in Vancouver, another group of Engineering students competed in Denver, Colorado, within the international mine rescue competition. They finished in third place for the first aid event and Quinn Roos also finished third in the individual field test technician event.


Canadian Mining Games Team Members:

  • Georgina Coste-Ramsay - Mississauga
  • Jackson Miteff - Toronto
  • Zayan Mansoori - Milton
  • Nicholas Eyre - Sudbury
  • Joshua Kroll - Thompson Manitoba
  • Matthew Price - Toronto
  • Nana Awuah-Ben - Accra, Ghana
  • Darshan Shah - Ahmedabad, India
  • Kirsten Deneka - Sudbury 
  • Joseph Boye - Richmond Hill
  • Alex Colangelo - Georgetown
  • Justin Gmehlin - Strathroy
  • Quentin Quibbell - Innisfil
  • Miguel Lefebvre - Sudbury 
  • Sharon Cardenas Sanchez - Junin, Peru
  • Cat Biskupski - Vaughan

Laurentian University Mine Rescue Team Members:

  • Noah Lambert  -  Iroquois Falls
  • Dan McCormick - Barrie
  • Felix Gervais - Hanmer
  • Quinn Roos - Sudbury
  • Camryn Dunn - Ottawa
  • Jordan Sutton - Kirkland Lake
  • Philip Vipond - Staff Advisor

Laurentian Relay for Life returns for the 8th consecutive year

Laurentian Relay for Life returns for the 8th consecutive year

Campaign aims to add $30,000 to a total of over $280,000 since 2015.

(March 3, 2023) - On March 10 and 11, 2023, Laurentian Relay for Life will host its eighth annual event. Relay for Life raises awareness and funds in support of the battle against cancer. Fundraising efforts are donated to the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS); the nation’s largest cancer charity and charitable funder of cancer research. The campaign has raised $284,493.61 since 2016 and hopes to raise another $30,000 this year. 

Ann VanDerAa (Mount Forest, Ontario), fourth year Bachelor of Arts and Education student double majoring in History and English Literature, Media and Writing is this year’s LU Relay for Life President, and one of twenty student volunteers on the 2022-2023 organizing committee. “I started volunteering with LU Relay for Life in my first year, and I’ve managed to work my way up all the way to the executive team. Every year’s campaign has taught me so much, and it's amazing being a part of something that affects us all. I haven’t met a person who hasn’t been impacted by cancer in one way or the other, so being a part of making a difference, that’s been really powerful.” 

Other members of the 2022-2023 LU Relay for Life executive team include Vice-President of Engagement, Caitlyn Brannon (Whitby, Ontario), fourth year Sports Psychology student, and Vice-President of Finance, Cameron Hourtovenko (Sudbury, Ontario), fourth year Biomedical Biology student. 

“We are very proud of the work put in to support Relay for Life, a truly collaborative effort,” said VanDerAa. “The event takes place in the Ben Avery gymnasium from 7:00 p.m. on Friday evening through 7:00 a.m. Saturday morning. The night is filled to the brim with live entertainment, food stations, games, sports tournaments, everything you can think of. Ultimately, at the end of the night, we come together to reveal our fundraising total.” Laurentian competes with some of the largest schools in the country in terms of number of participants and amounts fundraised. 

“Relay For Life is a global movement, taking place in 29 countries and 6000 communities worldwide and this year, we are so excited to celebrate the 8th annual Relay For Life event at Laurentian University. When Laurentian Relays, the school community helps make it possible for the Canadian Cancer Society to provide a national support system for people with cancer and their families. Together, we’re helping people manage life with cancer with services including accommodation at our cancer lodges, transportation to treatment, and one on one support with peer support volunteers. It’s truly because of the work from our incredible student leaders, volunteers and donors that our mission at the CCS is possible. We thank the Laurentian University community for making a remarkable impact and together, we can unite and inspire all Canadians to take control of cancer,” said Allie Raper, Senior Specialist, Relay For Life Youth, Canadian Cancer Society. 

LU Relay for Life is centered around four key ceremonies. An opening and closing ceremony, a survivor ceremony and a luminary ceremony. “The luminary ceremony is a particularly emotional and heartfelt point where participants get the chance to honor people they may have lost in a very respectful way,” said VanDerAa. Participants are each given a small paper bag to decorate, in which a light is inserted. “We dim the lights in the gym and give people time to reflect. It’s genuinely some people’s favourite part of Relay.” 

Though more than 125 Laurentian students have registered to participate in this year’s Relay for Life, the goal is for over 300 LU students to get involved. Students can register individually or in teams of 5-12. 

LU Relay for Life welcomes new registrants up until the day of the event, March 10th. They are grateful to their many supporters, including local sponsors as below: 

Platinum sponsors: Verdicchio’s Ristorante
Gold sponsors: Starbucks, Sudbury Five, Angèle’s Bakes
Silver sponsors: Greater Sudbury Utilities, Peavey Mart, Ferguson Deacon Taws, TestMark
Bronze sponsors: Salute Coffee Company, Handmade by Logan, New Sudbury Spice Co., Science North, Joyful Home, Sage, Twiggs Coffee Roasters, the Daventry, That’s My Jam, Positive Inception, Mastermind Toys, Sudbury Wolves, Party City, and Gourmet World

Black Futures keynote address, "Trust Black Women"

Black Futures keynote address, "Trust Black Women"

(March 2nd, 2023) - Laurentian University’s Equity, Diversity and Human Rights office and Black Lives Matter Sudbury is pleased to present the Black Futures keynotes address, Trust Black Women, on Saturday, March 4th, 2023 from 2-5:00 p.m. in the Fraser Auditorium.

This keynote address features a one-to-one conversation with journalist, professor, activist and Halifax’s former Poet Laureate El Jones, with artist, professor, Black Lives Matter Sudbury cofounder and LU alumna, Ra’anaa Ekundayo (formerly Brown).

In this intimate discussion, panellists will tackle themes where race and gender are foregrounded, noting how Black women have been at the helm of many movements for social change. This panel discussion will have ASL interpreters provided by Interprétation signes et paroles.

Keynote speaker and moderator bios may be found here. Please register and obtain a ticket in advance. Laurentian students are offered a ticket free of charge. 

Click here to view the poster.

For further details or questions: 
Equity, Diversity and Human Rights office, Laurentian University 
edhr@laurentian.ca 

Moose Hide Campaign Day

Moose Hide Campaign Day

(March 1st, 2023) - Laurentian University’s Indigenous Student Affairs office is pleased to present Moose Hide Campaign Day on March 2nd, 2023 from 9:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. 

9:30 a.m. -      Opening ceremonies
9:45 a.m. -      Address by Jason Najogee, Kitzhaay Anishnaabe Niin Program Coordinator
11:00 a.m. -    Address by Sage Lacerte, Moose Hide Campaign National Youth Ambassador & Dominic Paul, Moose Hide Campaign National Ambassador
12:00 p.m. -    Lunch/End of Fast* 

This campaign brings awareness to violence against women and children and the pledge from men and boys to hold each other accountable and end this violence in our society. 

All are invited to attend this free event in the Indigenous Sharing and Learning Centre or via Zoom. 

To take part in the fast, or for further details: 
Mélanie Roque, Events and Media Coordinator, Indigenous Students Affairs
isa@laurentian.ca | my_roque@laurentian.ca

Laurentian University to hold Open House, March 11, 2023

Laurentian University to hold Open House, March 11, 2023

Personalized tours, services fair, and sample lectures will be delivered

(March 1, 2023) - The Laurentian University community is preparing to welcome many future students, parents and other guests at the March 11th Open House, from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. 

“Visitors can expect to participate in fascinating presentations and academic lectures demonstrating what their first year could look like at Laurentian. Guests will also have the opportunity to participate in a personalized campus tour,” said Events and Communications Coordinator, Office of Domestic Recruitment, Danielle Yasko-Pellerin. Stops along the way will include learning spaces and lecture halls, labs to libraries, residences to food services, and everything in between. 

“The entire university community including alumni, student ambassadors, staff, and faculty have come together to plan and execute this event that will welcome future students and other guests from near and far,” explained Pieter Breijer, Manager of Domestic Recruitment. “We're extremely excited to be showcasing Laurentian's outstanding faculties, services, and student life.”

Those interested in touring the University’s McEwen School of Architecture can expect a round-trip shuttle to and from this location and the University’s primary campus. A student ambassador will be eager to welcome all aboard.

Guests interested in attending sample lectures led by outstanding faculty members can expect to get a true sense of what it’s like to be a Laurentian student. Lectures will engage the audience on topics such as Ecohealth Promotion, Genetics and Genetic Diversity, Qu’est ce le stress et comment le gérer and Analyse sociologique du phénomène du tatouage.

Those interested in star gazing and the many teachings associated with the night sky can attend demonstrations in the Doran Planetarium, a 10-meter wide dome that projects a simulation of the sky ablaze with the twinkling of hundreds of bright stars. 

A student services and faculty fair will ensure that no question is left unanswered about Laurentian’s many services and programs. 

Laurentian regularly offers information sessions and campus tours to showcase campus.

Registration for Open House is available online.

 

Postscript: 

Attendance highlights include: 

  • 253 prospective students and more than 800 guests attended March Break events. This is a record number of attendees for LU’s Spring Open House! 
  • 117 student and alumni ambassadors worked events. 
  • More than 20 student clubs participated in events.
     

Laurentian alumna looks back on twenty-three years and counting of French language teaching

Laurentian alumna looks back on twenty-three years and counting of French language teaching

Jennifer LaBrosse inspires the next generation of students in her JK/SK classroom

(February 28, 2023) - A strong start in school helps children learn, develop problem solving and creative thinking, and supports social and emotional growth. Benefits associated with engaging experiences in early school years are widespread, and parents and guardians gain peace of mind when they are confident in the skills and empathy of their child’s educator. 

Jennifer LaBrosse (née Johnson), a Laurentian alumna (Geography, 1998 and Éducation, 1999), has been educating young minds for the past twenty-three years. She is precisely the kind of teacher that parents and guardians appreciate for her enthusiasm, dedication to her students, and caring disposition. 

“I love being a teacher. Children are amazing, each of them unique when it comes to their needs. Being able to make a positive difference in the early years of my students is what drives me.”

LaBrosse grew up in the small community of Warren, Ontario, located about forty kilometers east from the city of Greater Sudbury. She graduated from Sturgeon Falls’ École secondaire catholique Franco-Cité (1994). “My English and Geography teachers back in high school were very supportive,” she enthused. “It was because of them that I wanted to teach. My mother was a teacher, and I remember loving every opportunity to be able to help her as a kid. I was always excited to visit her classroom, and felt as though teaching would be a career I’d want to pursue.” 

Only a few short months after obtaining her teaching qualifications, LaBrosse was hired to teach a split grade 1-3 class at École publique Franco-Manitou in Manitouwadge, Ontario. “I have to admit that I was a little nervous moving so far away from home to a community that was unfamiliar to me. But as soon as I arrived, I dove right in and had a really good experience. I only had nine students in my class. We were a very small school, but this was familiar to me, having grown up in a small community.” 

In the Spring of 2000, when teaching positions closer to home became available, LaBrosse applied to Markstay, Ontario’s École publique Camille-Perron. “That first year, I was hired to teach grades 4-6, precisely the age group I always thought I’d want to educate. However, after two years teaching these school grades, I was asked if I was interested in teaching the junior/senior kindergarten (JK/SK) class. It was my school’s principal who convinced me to make this change. She told me, ‘I think you’d be great. I see how you are and I think you’d be great with the young kids.’ I wasn’t initially so sure, but I accepted the posting in September 2002 and I haven’t looked back.” 

It’s obvious that LaBrosse is passionate about teaching and supporting the bright futures of her students. “It’s never a dull moment. Every day in the classroom is different and you never know what is going to happen. The kids are caring, and it’s easy to love them. They are so inquisitive, so imaginative, and it’s great to be a part of it.” 

LaBrosse incorporates as much outside-the-box thinking into her teaching methods. “I enjoy sharing what I love with my students, and this includes music and travel. I think bringing into the classroom what I am passionate about makes things more interesting. As a JK/SK teacher, you want to try and find fun ways to learn things, such as learning syllables through music with the help of instruments.” In her spare time, LaBrosse plays the guitar. She often teaches through music to better engage many of her students. “I try to bring as much imagination into my teaching as possible.” 

LaBrosse also fosters inclusivity in her classroom. “I teach in a French-language school, but that doesn’t mean that every student who comes into my classroom speaks French before starting school,” she explained. “I welcome all students in my classroom, and I’ve got to say that as the days and weeks go by, it’s incredible to see how quickly students learn and pick up the French language. My students are like little sponges. They soak up everything that comes at them and witnessing their progress is truly rewarding.”

When parents and guardians meet LaBrosse for the first time, they often seem pleasantly surprised to see dozens of pictures of her former students proudly hung on her classroom walls. “All of my students’ graduation pictures are in my classroom. Every single one of them, kind of like a mosaic. So when parents come in, they tend to like to see that - to see how welcoming we make our teaching spaces. As teachers, we tend to be very proud of our students.”  

There is a strong sense of community amongst LaBrosse and her colleagues, she explained. In addition to teaching, she is Chair of her school’s social committee, which means that she takes responsibility to ensure positive relations are fostered amongst her peers. “We all get along really well, and many of us have worked together for years. I actually grew up with some of my colleagues, which I think is pretty amazing.” 

For those considering a career in teaching, LaBrosse encourages you to pursue your dreams. “Get as much experience as you can while accomplishing your teaching qualifications,” she said. “Be open to possibilities, be open minded. I absolutely love my job and am excited about what my ongoing future in teaching holds.” 
 

Student Club Spotlight: Laurentian students building community through faith

Student Club Spotlight: Laurentian students building community through faith

The Laurentian Christian Fellowship offers a friendly and inclusive environment for new and current members

(February 24, 2022) - Community, faith, and friendship.

These words come to mind when members describe the Laurentian Christian Fellowship, a student-led community of like-minded individuals interested in discovering and learning about Christianity.

“Laurentian Christian Fellowship is a really good place to meet new friends,” says Grace Raddon, the current President of Laurentian’s Christian Fellowship. “People would be surprised to realize what they can find in a community like ours. Our faith is a faith of community and that is what enables us to be so vulnerable with one another.” Connections made within Laurentian’s Christian Fellowship go beyond weekly planned events as members frequently participate in spontaneous study sessions, potlucks, camping trips, in addition to skating and bowling nights.

Grace is a francophone student in her third-year of Biologie and Psychologie from Blind River, Ontario (École Secondaire Catholique Jeunesse-Nord, 2020). She is joined by Vice-President, Kanah Sanfilippo, a third-year Indigenous Social Work student from Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario (Rift Valley Academy, 2019). Together, they form the leadership of LCF and welcome new members to join in their events. 

The group meets weekly on Friday evenings at 7:00 pm in the Classroom building, room 206, to host a variety of community building events. These events include prayer nights, guest speakers, worship nights, and group discussions. The Laurentian Christian Fellowship also hosts four smaller discipleship groups that meet throughout the week to foster in-depth, meaningful relationships.

InterVarsity, a nation-wide, non-profit, Christian organization, is the Fellowship's parent association. An InterVarsity staff member assists Laurentian’s Christian Fellowship student leaders, however, it is the students who ensure the Fellowship’s continued success.

Grace and Kanah encourage anyone interested in joining a community such as theirs to reach out or attend a Friday event. “Whether you are an active Christian or just need a friendly face, we are glad to have you and will welcome you with open arms,” says Kanah. “We would love for people to come out and have fun learning what it means to follow Jesus with us,” added Grace. 

To learn more about The Laurentian Christian Fellowship, please email lcfchanel@gmail.com or visit their Instagram or Facebook page.

Laurentian launches online Master of Health Administration (MHA)

Laurentian launches online Master of Health Administration (MHA)

Program now accepting applications for fall 2023

(February 23, 2023) - In a partnership between the graduate Nursing and Master of Business Administration programs, Laurentian University has officially launched the Master of Health Administration (MHA). This unique, comprehensive, and accessible graduate program is now accepting applications for students to begin their studies in September 2023. 

“The program has been designed to meet the needs not only of nurses but all other health care providers who have transitioned to leadership roles. The content encompasses all essential knowledge for health administrators in addition to having a strong rural, northern and Indigenous focus,” said Dr. Roberta Heale, Professor in the School of Nursing. 

The program will be offered exclusively online and can be completed via full-time or part-time studies. Applicants will hold a baccalaureate, or graduate degree from a recognized university, and be licensed in a regulated health profession.

Students will follow a combination of courses rooted in management and health, including: Organizational Behaviour, Accountability Structures in Healthcare, Program Planning and Evaluation Strategies in Healthcare Environments. All students will also be required to complete Indigenous Cultural Competency Training as part of their studies.

This new program will support the growth and development of healthcare professionals here in Northern Ontario, as well as throughout the country. 

Learn more about the Master of Health Administration (MHA): https://laurentian.ca/program/health-administration-mha/
 

Two new scholarships from Perkins&Will are awarded to support Indigenous Architects in Canada

Two new scholarships from Perkins&Will are awarded to support Indigenous Architects in Canada

The annual awards are now available to Indigenous students in partnership with Laurentian University and Indspire

(February 22, 2023) - Perkins&Will is pleased to announce the recipients of the studio’s Architecture Excellence and Graduate Architecture awards for Indigenous students enrolled in the Bachelor and Master programs at Laurentian University’s McEwen School of Architecture. The two new annual scholarships were created as part of the studio’s commitment to reconciliation in Canada. Matched in available years by Indspire, Canada’s national, award-winning Indigenous registered charity, students will be awarded up to $5,000 for each scholarship. Recipients will also be granted an internship at Perkins&Will’s donor studio in either Vancouver or Calgary.

“Indigenous peoples are underrepresented in architecture with less than thirty professionals registered in Canada. We created these scholarships to support talented students to graduation and build capacity within the field,” says Susan Gushe, Principal and Managing Director of the Vancouver and Calgary studios of Perkins&Will.

The awards were conceived in response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action report. Further demonstrating its commitment, the studio developed an internal Reconciliation Working Group and engages with Indigenous consultants to speak with and educate employees around knowledge of Indigenous culture and history. The studio continues to advocate to bring Indigenous peoples to the table and to involve them in projects in a meaningful way.

“The McEwen School of Architecture is proud of its tri-cultural mandate with Indigenous learning embedded in many courses throughout the program and members of Indigenous communities, Knowledge Carriers, and Elders contributing regularly in design and theory courses. The McEwen School of Architecture is proud of the students and graduates who have chosen to learn, apply, and respectfully engage to support further knowledge and design with and for Indigenous peoples,” said Dr. Tammy Gaber, Director and Associate Professor at Laurentian University’s McEwen School of Architecture.

As the only University in Canada with a tri-cultural mandate, Laurentian offers a comprehensive approach to Indigenous education. Indigenous worldviews and knowledge are present in courses and community settings throughout the program. Design studio options include ‘Architecture and Craft,’ ‘Indigenous Design’ or ‘Community Building’ and emphasis is placed on developing expertise in wood and sustainable materials.

“We are pleased to be working in partnership with Perkins&Will and Laurentian University on this important initiative. These scholarships not only represent a significant new opportunity for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis students who want to pursue careers in architecture, it is also a tangible sign of reconciliation in action. We look forward to walking this productive path together with Perkins&Will and Laurentian University,” says Mike DeGagné, President and CEO of Indspire.

 

Perkins&Will, Indspire and Laurentian University congratulates the following award recipients: 

The Perkins&Will Canada Indigenous Graduate Architecture Award

  • Recipient for the 2022-2023 academic year: Kyara Wendling, MA Architecture student
  • Recipient for the 2021-2022 academic year: Bohdana Chiupka Innes, MA Architecture graduate

(This award is distributed to Indigenous students who are enrolled in the Masters in Architecture program at Laurentian University’s McEwen School of Architecture. The recipient is selected based on academic achievement and a thesis research project.)

The Perkins&Will Canada Indigenous Architecture Excellence Award 

  • Recipient for the 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 academic years: Mackenzie Pitawanakwat, BA Architecture student

(This award is distributed to third and fourth year Indigenous students who are enrolled in the Bachelor of Architectural Studies program at Laurentian University’s McEwen School of Architecture. The recipient is selected based on academic achievement and design excellence.)

To find out more about the awards or apply, visit: https://indspirefunding.ca/laurentian-university/. Application deadlines are February 1, August 1, and November 1. 


More about the winners

Kyara Wending was born and raised in Port Colborne but is also a member of the Archigantegou community. She is a 2nd year Master's in Architecture student studying and writing her thesis in French at Laurentian University’s McEwen School of Architecture. Kyara describes being fortunate to have learned a great deal about history and the significance that buildings hold through travel. “Buildings are artifacts that speak to us about how past cultures leave a lasting impact on today's world. As an artist, I've always wanted to leave my mark and I believe architecture is my outlet.” After graduation, Kyara hopes to continue working in the field of architecture in Canada and become a registered architect. She is eager to focus on integrating Indigenous methodologies, traditional knowledge and culture within the context of architecture. “I hope to continue to engage with various Indigenous communities and empower them through the built environment by learning from those around me while also continuing to find my own identity through my work.”

Bohdana Chiupka-Innes is a Moose Cree from Moose Cree First Nation. Having fostered an interest in Interior Design since a young age, Bohdana’s passion to learn more about Indigenous Architecture found her applying to Laurentian University’s McEwen School of Architecture where she obtained her B.Arch in 2020 and M.Arch in 2022. “Learning about Indigenous Architecture at Laurentian University and how architecture can be a way to express our culture through built form has become a passion of mine. I hope to work with Indigenous communities across Turtle Island, bringing their vision and culture to life through architecture. Learning the history of our people is important, and I see Architecture as a way for our people to heal by connecting back to teaching and traditions through building design.”  

Mackenzie Pitawanakwat is an Anishinaabekwe from Atikameksheng Anishnawbek First Nation. She is a fourth-year student studying her Bachelor in Architectural Studies at Laurentian University’s McEwen School of Architecture. From a young age, Pitawanakwat found passion in the act of designing and creating. Keeping inclusivity in mind, she describes that she has benefited from the McEwen School of Architecture’s curriculum that supports the integration of Indigenous and natural materials in building and design. She has also benefited from interaction and guidance with elders and knowledge carriers (First Nations and Métis). “As an architect, I hope to influence the world we live in by working diligently to bridge the gap between a holistic and technical relationship within Architecture itself. I hope to contribute to First Nations Architecture and representation with the goal of giving back to my community and Indigenize land through design.”

 

About Perkins&Will:
Perkins&Will, an interdisciplinary, research-based architecture and design firm, was founded in 1935 on the belief that design has the power to transform lives. Guided by its core values—design excellence, diversity and inclusion, living design, research, resilience, social purpose, sustainability, and well-being—the firm is committed to designing a better, more beautiful world. Metropolis named Perkins&Will “Firm of the Year” in 2022 for its industry leadership in advancing climate action and social justice. Fast Company named Perkins&Will one of the World’s Most Innovative Companies in Architecture three times, and in 2021, it added the firm to its list of Brands That Matter—making Perkins&Will the only architecture practice in the world to earn the distinction. With an international team of more than 2,000 professionals, the firm has over 20 studios worldwide, providing integrated services in architecture, interior design, branded environments, urban design, and landscape architecture. Industry rankings consistently place the firm among the world’s top design practices. Partners include Danish architects Schmidt Hammer Lassen; retail strategy and design consultancy Portland; sustainable transportation planning consultancy Nelson\Nygaard; and luxury hospitality design firm Pierre-Yves Rochon (PYR). For more information, visit www.perkinswill.com.

About Indspire:
Indspire is an Indigenous national charity that invests in the education of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people for the long-term benefit of these individuals, their families and communities, and Canada. With the support of its funding partners, Indspire provides financial awards, delivers programs, and shares resources so that First Nations, Inuit, and Métis students will achieve their highest potential. In 2021-2022, Indspire provided more than $23 million through 6,612 bursaries and scholarships to First Nations, Inuit, and Métis students across Canada.

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