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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.

Laurentian University approves $8.4M in maintenance upgrades for the coming fiscal year

Laurentian University approves $8.4M in maintenance upgrades for the coming fiscal year

5-year deferred maintenance plan approved by Board

(February 21, 2023) - Laurentian University's Board of Governors has approved $8.4 million in spending on deferred maintenance for 2023-2024. The 5-year plan (ending in 2028) calls for an additional $7.6M in annual spending for deferred maintenance projects. 

“These investments to the campus infrastructure are critical. The goal is to maintain facilities over the next five years before costly emergency repairs are necessary. The project list includes multiple roofing projects, residence renovations, and various accessibility improvements,” said Jeff Bangs, Chair of the Board of Governors.

The approved maintenance will be funded jointly by the Ministry of Colleges & Universities’ Facilities Renewal Program (estimated at $2.6 million) and the University’s operating fund ($5.8 million). 

The spending will support the renewal of multiple campus facilities including:

  • Alphonse Raymond Building roof
  • Arts Building roof 
  • Science 2 Building roof 
  • Jeno Tihanyi Pool* 
  • Residence renovations 
  • Electrical upgrades 
  • Ventilation upgrades
  • Modernization of elevators
  • Campus washrooms
  • Multiple outdoor stair repairs 

*The total amount required to fund the pool deferred maintenance projects is not yet determined, though the University is planning to spend up to $300,000 to address immediate issues. 

The submission of Laurentian’s 2023-24 deferred maintenance projects and its five-year deferred maintenance plan addresses the Auditor General’s recommendation to provide information on the University’s annual capital life cycle maintenance report.

These investments in the future of the University are key to the renewal and long-term viability of the campus infrastructure.

Economics Professor invited to keynote United Nations Development Policy event

Economics Professor invited to keynote United Nations Development Policy event

Dr. Louis-Philippe Rochon will address the topic of inflation and rising interest rates

(February 16, 2023) - It’s safe to say that most people feel the effects of increases to the cost of living. Whether it be the rising price of gasoline or groceries, when the inflation rate is high, we are all impacted. 

It’s also safe to say that Louis-Philippe Rochon, Full Professor of Economics at Laurentian University knows a great deal about the challenges that inflation poses for the economy and for members of society. He was recently invited by the Director of the United Nations (UN) Policy and Implementation committee to be the keynote speaker at an upcoming Development Policy UN event in New York. On February 22nd, he will address the topic, “Inflation and development: Some critical thoughts of current inflation challenges.” 

“It’s an honour to have received this invitation and I’m very excited to be going to New York,” said Rochon. “I’ll be speaking about inflation, especially the way that central banks respond to inflation - the way they respond to inflation by raising interest rates. It’s no secret that this has consequences.” 

An expert in his field, Rochon has been teaching at Laurentian for over nineteen years. He has edited nearly forty books, is Editor-in-Chief of the journal Review of Political Economy and Founding Editor of the journal Review of Keynesian Economics. He is also Director of the Monetary Policy Institute, an international virtual institute whose purpose through publications, webinars, workshops and conferences is to shed critical light on central banking and monetary policy. Amongst other influences, social biases, including gender and race biases and the carbon-biases of monetary policy, are considered. 

“There is a class bias, gender bias, and a carbon bias embedded in changing interest rates,” Rochon explains. “And we have to ask ourselves, under what conditions is it appropriate to raise interest rates?... I argue that the fight against inflation is being fought on the backs of workers. Workers are the ones that pay the price.” 

In addition to demystifying the concept of inflation, Rochon will discuss monetary policies as they impact the income distribution of workers. “The way monetary policy is claimed to work is that raises in interest rates slow down economic activity and in doing so, this should discourage people from buying, and lower prices. Inflation in this model is driven by excessive demand for goods and services. We have to slow that demand down, but the problem is that inflation as it exists today is not caused by that. In doing so, it causes unemployment and a possible recession.  As such, it places the fight against inflation on the backs of workers. Monetary austerity is an attack on the middle class.” 

Rochon surmises that other driving forces of inflation need to be examined, hinting towards influences such as bottlenecks (goods not being able to be sent to their destination, an increased reality of the COVID-19 pandemic), the war in Ukraine (which has impacted rising costs of goods such as oil, wheat and flour), and the increased efforts of companies to raise their profits. Without a doubt, inflation is a complex and hot topic of discussion. 

“Equally exciting is that in April, I have been invited to speak at the UN’s Financing for Development conference which attracts heads of states and Nobel Laureates. This is an even bigger honour,” Rochon enthused. “I have been very fortunate and appreciate these invitations.” 

Though Rochon is eager for his addresses to be well received, he also hopes that by participating in these UN events, he may be able to develop a research group on conflict inflation that he described “would be good for everyone involved.” Rochon is no stranger to collaborative efforts; he has worked with academics from across the globe as a visiting Professor in countries including France, Italy, Mexico, Brazil, Poland, and Australia. He has also lectured in Kyrgyzstan, Switzerland, Hungary, Argentina, Chile, Ecuador, China, South Africa, Colombia, Denmark, Peru, Spain, the United States, and England.

Some of Rochon’s accolades include grants from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council, the Mott Foundation, and the Ford Foundation. 

Students go for gold at the 5th annual Goodman Gold Challenge

Students go for gold at the 5th annual Goodman Gold Challenge

The most unique and realistic mining investment case competition saw teams compete from 7 Canadian and 1 American university

(February 15, 2023) - The Goodman Gold Challenge (GGC) held a special Battery Metal Edition this year from February 2-4 that saw teams from 7 Canadian and 1 American university compete in a very realistic mining investment case competition.

Organized by the Goodman School of Mines at Laurentian University and presented by Kinross Gold as the title sponsor, teams were tasked to evaluate and justify which of three case companies would be the best to invest with. Choices included real mining companies, Frontier Lithium, Magna Mining, and Generation Mining. CEO’s from each company had 30 minutes to convince teams that they should invest with them. Teams then had an opportunity to sit down with each CEO after investment presentations were complete. What competing teams did with their time of only ten minutes was totally up to them! Some teams asked hard hitting questions, while others looked at data and analytics to help form their decision.

Interactions with industry experts didn’t end with the CEO’s. Gold level sponsorships allowed for sponsors to send a representative from their company to judge the competition. This year’s gold level sponsorships judging panel consisted of highly experienced executives from Canaccord Genuity, Dundee Corporation, Kinross Gold, Orix Geoscience, RBC Capital Markets, and Technica Mining. 

Participating team’s included: Laurentian University, University of British Columbia, University of Manitoba, Goodman School of Business-Brock University, Queen’s University, Toronto Metropolitan University, Bishop’s University, and the Colorado School of Mines. Many teams traveled with coaches from their universities, and spent Friday evening perfecting their presentations in preparation for the following day. Teams presented in three leagues where the top team from each league advanced to the final round of presentations. The top three teams for the 2023 GGC were Queen’s University, Bishop’s University, and the Colorado School of Mines. 

Saturday night at the Awards Gala, Johnna Muinonen, President of Dumont Nickel, Magneto Investments LP, gave a keynote address about new horizons in the battery metal market. 

Ultimately, Queen’s University was selected as the winner of the 5th annual Goodman Gold Challenge: Battery Metal Edition, for their “out-of-the-box” approach. They selected Frontier Lithium over other case companies, and went home with the cash equivalent of four ounces of gold. 

“A big congratulations goes to Queen’s University, winners of the 5th Annual Goodman Gold Challenge and another congratulations to all participants whose hard work and presentations humbled those of us who have spent many years in the investment business. The students never fail to impress me and this year was no exception. It gives me great comfort to know that any financial problems of the future, especially with the incredible demand for battery minerals, will be in great hands with this next generation,” said Jonathan Goodman, Chairman of the Goodman Gold Challenge and Chairman and CEO of Dundee Corporation.

This learning experience would not be possible without the generous financial and in-kind support from industry partners. For the fifth year, the Title Sponsor was Kinross Gold. The Opening Gala was sponsored by Dundee Corporation, and the Thursday Evening Social was sponsored by Canaccord Genuity. 

The Greater Sudbury Development Corporation sponsored Gold Coins that were given to all teams. NORCAT sponsored breakfast, MIRARCO, PDAC, and CIM Sudbury sponsored snacks, the bar sponsor was the Canadian Mineral Processors. A mine tour was sponsored by MacLean Engineering, and rock core was donated by KGHM. 

The GGC organizing committee would like to thank all participating teams in this year's competition, making this, the first Battery Metal Edition, a shining success!

Bringing awareness to murdered and missing Indigenous women

Bringing awareness to murdered and missing Indigenous women

The Red Dress campaign honours the staggering number of Indigenous women no longer with us

(February 13, 2023) - Since the 2010 inception of Métis artist Jaime Black’s ongoing art series, The REDress Project, heightened awareness has been brought to the staggering number of murdered and missing Indigenous women across Canada. The Red Dress campaign that stems from Black’s art series has been honoured by Laurentian University since 2016. This year, Laurentian’s Indigenous Student Affairs (ISA) office will recognize the campaign with an event held in the Indigenous Sharing and Learning Centre’s Round Room on February 14, 2023. 

“The Red Dress campaign involves the hanging of red dresses to symbolize the many Indigenous women victimized by violence who are murdered and missing,” explained Mélanie Roque, the ISA’s Events and Media Coordinator. “On February 9th, red dresses were hung across campus in solidarity.”

Historically and disproportionately, Indigenous women are affected by violence. They are also over-represented in statistics of Canadian women that are murdered and missing.

“To honour the Red Dress Campaign and the spirits of murdered and missing individuals, we have invited guest speakers to join us,” said Roque. This includes members from the Greater Sudbury Police Service who will discuss their efforts regarding the elimination of violence against women, girls and those who identify as 2SLGBTQQIA+. In virtual attendance will be Tanya Debassige from the Family Information Liaison Units, who will discuss this program and how it supports family members of murdered and missing Indigenous women and girls. A pre-recorded address by Navaeh Pine, member of Garden River who advocates for missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and two spirits and the Every Child Matters movement will additionally be screened in the ISLC. Pine is an award winning speaker who addresses various human rights issues.

“We also have a facilitator, Kristy Corbiere, hosting a Red Dress workshop in the afternoon,” said Roque. “She will be designing a red tea dress that will be split up into different sections. Participants will aid in assembling the dress and will also have the opportunity to work on some embellishments. All attendees will have the opportunity to take part, and the completed dress will then be displayed every year at our annual Red Dress Campaign event”. 

“As you are walking through campus and see the red dresses hanging along with our posters, it’s important to note that this does not reflect the actual numbers. When taking a moment to pause and reflect on the tens of thousands of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls and 2SLGBTQQIA, we have to remember that one was too many,” said Mary Laur, Director of the Indigenous Sharing and Learning Centre.

The Laurentian community and wider reaches of the Greater Sudbury community are invited to attend this Red Dress Campaign event. Individuals interested in participating in collective activism may choose to hang in their own homes or yards, red dresses, in memory and solidarity to the many Indigenous women whose lives have been affected by violence. These murdered and missing Indigenous women cannot be forgotten. We remember them in spirit.
 

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