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Laurentian University to Host Next Building Reconciliation Forum

Laurentian University to Host Next Building Reconciliation Forum

Universities Canada’s annual forum on building reconciliation to be held in Sudbury

October 30, 2023 - Laurentian University will host the next Building Reconciliation Forum, an event aimed at connecting Indigenous and university communities to create meaningful change in support of Indigenous education and Truth and Reconciliation.

Hosted by the office of Academic and Indigenous Programs at Laurentian University, Universities Canada’s 2024 Building Reconciliation Forum will take place in the Indigenous Sharing and Learning Centre in June. 

The Forum will support participants in exploring critical issues related to education for First Nations, Inuit and Métis students; responding to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action; and Indigenizing post-secondary institutions. 

“Indigenous education and reconciliation are core to Laurentian University’s tricultural identity and we are honoured to host the Forum. We hope to grow an understanding of what universities can do to advance the work and impact of reconciliation,” said Dominic Beaudry, Associate Vice-President, Office of Academic and Indigenous Programs (Zhibiigegamik wi Kendaaswin miinwa Nitaamgayaajig Kinomaagewinan) at Laurentian University. 

“Congratulations to Laurentian University on its selection as host of the next Building Reconciliation Forum,” said Philip Landon, interim president and CEO of Universities Canada. “Advancing Indigenous education and reconciliation is a top priority for Canadian universities, and the Forum helps universities do so in a meaningful and collaborative way. We look forward to engaging with communities surrounding Laurentian University in 2024 as we continue this critically important work.”

“Laurentian University is proud to be hosting the Forum and we look forward to welcoming our colleagues to Sudbury.” said Dr. Sheila Embleton, Interim President and Vice-Chancellor, Laurentian University. 

The Forum will facilitate sharing of knowledge and experience in a wide variety of formats: panel discussions, oral histories, workshops, posters, lectures and presentations from the visual and performing arts. Guest speakers, Elders and Knowledge Keepers will all be engaged in advancing Truth and Reconciliation. 

The forum will bring together speakers and participants from across the country, Turtle Island and local Indigenous groups and community members. Program details will be shared as soon as possible. 

Learn more about the Building Reconciliation Forum, which will be held on Tuesday June 25, Wednesday June 26 and Thursday June 27, 2024.

 

About Universities Canada

Universities Canada is the voice of Canada’s universities at home and abroad, advancing higher education, research and innovation for the benefit of all Canadians.

Media contact:
Lisa Wallace
Assistant Director, Communications
Universities Canada
communications@univcan.ca 

Student Spotlight: a passion for sport

Student Spotlight: a passion for sport

Hilmi Ordukiran left Turkey with a dream and is realizing it in Canada

(October 24, 2023) - Even when faced with adversity, Hilmi Ordukiran, a third-year Sports Administration student at Laurentian University, led with kindness and determination down a winding road to follow his passion and land where he is today.

Before pursuing a career in sports administration, Hilmi was on track to becoming an engineer. He began a degree in Metallurgy in Istanbul, Turkey where he was born and raised. However, in his second year, Hilmi moved to Germany in 2011 to undertake a Chemical Engineering degree while learning the language and culture of the country.

Volkswagen, German automobile manufacturer, hired Hilmi to take on a co-op position in Interior Quality Insurance during his summer as a student. Although he received great work experience and was grateful for this position, Hilmi discovered that engineering was not the career for him.

Hilmi was at a dead end. He felt burnt out, had no career plans and missed his family. He returned to Turkey in 2016 and received a call that would change his life forever. 

Hilmi’s family had been involved with Fenerbahçe S.K., a sports club in Turkey, for over fifteen years and he grew up attending sporting events with his family. He received a call from Fenerbahçe S.K offering him a position assisting a Head Coach from the Netherlands who was coming to Turkey. Hilmi, who spoke English and German, was an asset to Fenerbahçe S.K and assisted many athletes during their transfer to Turkey over the duration of two seasons. 

“The day I received that call from Fenerbahçe S.K is the day I decided sports is the industry I will stay in no matter what it takes,” said Hilmi.

To follow that dream, Hilmi and his wife decided they would move to Canada as Hilmi had been accepted to Georgian College’s Sports Administration program. After his time in the program, he once again sought to further himself and decided to enroll in Laurentian’s Sports Administration program. “I had been working and studying for almost fifteen years and never got the degree. I was almost there but it was always something I didn't reach. I decided that was the time for me to finally get this degree,” said Hilmi. 

Hilmi was drawn to the commercial and mathematical aspect of Laurentian’s program. “I enjoy mathematics and discovered that sports analytics is important to me as well. Professional sports teams have coaches that just work on numbers, I hope to do something like that in the future,” said Hilmi.

During his education, Hilmi worked with a variety of sports companies and national sports organizations. He is passionate about continuing to teach within coaching: “Teaching, I think, is worth something for these young athletes.” As a soccer and water polo athlete himself, Hilmi understands the importance of mentorship and guidance.

Hilmi is also passionate about giving back to his country. He reached out to program professors and administration, including Dr. Anthony Church, Director of Sports Administration at Laurentian, to help aid his cause. “During challenging times in my country after an earthquake, the Laurentian community was behind me. We collected a nice amount of goods to send to Turkey. That was great, I am really thankful that I chose Laurentian University,” said Hilmi.

After a long and winding road, Hilmi is excited to be graduating next year. He hopes to continue coaching, following his passion for sports, and making a positive difference within his home country.

Laurentian University Announces New Vice-President Finance and Administration, Sylvie Lafontaine

Laurentian University Announces New Vice-President Finance and Administration, Sylvie Lafontaine

Seasoned leader brings decades of experience and accounting credentials

October 17, 2023 – Laurentian University is pleased to announce the appointment of Sylvie Lafontaine as its new Vice-President Finance and Administration. In this role, Lafontaine will provide strategic financial and operational leadership to the University at this especially important time in the University’s transformation.

Lafontaine is a bilingual executive with over 25 years of experience in public and private sector organizations. She is currently the Senior Director of Decision Support – Financial Planning and Resources Management for the House of Commons in Ottawa. She led the implementation of a decision support organizational model enabling the House’s 3-year strategic plan, including the delivery of the 2023-24 budgets two months early to facilitate an earlier start on strategic initiatives.  She also led the creation of standardized processes to increase consistency, transparency in budgeting and reporting. Prior to this, Lafontaine served as the Chief Administrative Officer for the University of Ottawa leading the consolidation of corporate services supporting the finance and administration sectors.

She has also held roles as the Senior Director, Strategy in the President and CEO’s Office of the Royal Canadian Mint, and as Chief Financial Officer and Vice-President, Corporate Services for the Standards Council of Canada. Her prior experience goes even further back with roles in the Canada Post Corporation and as an Assistant Deputy Minister for Service Canada. Lafontaine is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA), Chartered Accountant (CA) and a graduate of the Bachelor of Business Administration program from Université du Québec en Outaouais in 1983.

“The search committee quickly saw Sylvie’s depth of knowledge in financial and administrative operations. She demonstrated compelling and creative ideas, authentic relationship-building skills, and good judgment. She is just the kind of highly competent leader with integrity that the Laurentian community needs, and I very much look forward to working with her as we continue along our transformation path,” said Dr. Sheila Embleton, Interim President and Vice-Chancellor and Chair of the Search Committee.

“I believe deeply in the importance and potential of postsecondary education. Laurentian is especially unique because of its bilingual and tricultural mandate—this institution is special and I look forward to being part of the team that will continue this legacy of academic excellence and community,” said Lafontaine upon her appointment.

Laurentian would like to extend its gratitude to Michel Piché, Laurentian’s current Interim Vice-President Finance and Administration, who has served admirably in the role since fall 2021. Additionally, many thanks to the search committee for their time spent working with KBRS Executive Search on this critical hire. The members of the search committee included: Dominic Beaudry, Brenda Brouwer, Michel Delorme, Tammy Eger, Sheila Embleton, Tom Fenske, Nadia Mykytczuk, Tanya Shute, and Meredith Teller.

Lafontaine will begin her role as Vice-President Finance and Administration starting on October 30, 2023.

Laurentian Research Project Featured on Provincial Stage

Laurentian Research Project Featured on Provincial Stage

Professor Steven Beites and PhD student Ethan McDonald participate in Queen’s Park showcase event

(October 16, 2023) - Laurentian University’s Steven Beites, Assistant Professor at the McEwen School of Architecture, will be among the researchers present at the Council of Ontario Universities’ first Queen’s Park event since the pandemic: A Plan for Prosperity: Fueling the Advanced Manufacturing Supply Chain.  

Taking place on Monday, October 16, from 5 pm to 7 pm, the reception will provide an opportunity to interact with provincial leaders while highlighting the role of universities in creating a stronger Ontario.

At Queen’s Park, Professor Beites, who will be accompanied by PhD student Ethan McDonald, will showcase his research which hopes to address the affordable housing crisis, particularly in Northern Ontario, by developing automated construction processes and novel prefabricated modular assemblies, with a focus on low-carbon construction. He will engage Members of Provincial Parliament, Ministers, ministerial staff and other stakeholders with the help of an example of the automated construction process, posters about the research, and prototypes of the novel prefab assemblies.

This research is the result of work developed both in Steven's Graduate Studios, and by a transdisciplinary team that also includes the Bharti School of Engineering’s Marc Arsenault, the School of Natural Sciences’ Blake Dotta, and Reza Foruzanmehr. The research team received an Exploration grant from the New Frontiers in Research Fund in 2021 for their research titled ‘Human-Robot Interaction and Collaboration as a Catalyst for Creative Economy, Community Outreach and Emerging Design-Build Solutions in Ontario's North’.

Student Spotlight: How Does Someone Become a Geologist?

Student Spotlight: How Does Someone Become a Geologist?

Nia’s post-secondary exploration

(October 5, 2023) - Discovering a mineral deposit is a complex process, there’s no doubt. So too is finding one’s passion within the many post-secondary offerings. For Nia Gauthier, the path to becoming a Geologist was also hidden beneath the surface. 

Nia is now a thesis-based Masters of Geology student at Laurentian University, supervised by Dr. Stéphane Perrouty, originally from Chapleau, Ontario and a graduate from École Secondaire du Sacré Coeur (2018). Through her journey, Nia has successfully completed two post-secondary degrees and is currently working towards her third. 

Initially, it was Nia’s intent to complete Laurentian’s Engineering program, knowing that career options in Greater Sudbury were plentiful. However, she didn’t think she had the grades necessary in her high school science courses to attend. “I didn’t think I could make it to university at first and I am now beginning my masters, something I didn't think was achievable.” 

She didn’t let this discourage her though, and she went on to complete a two-year Civil and Mining Technology program at College Boreal to boost her grades. “Going to college first really helped bridge the gaps of what I was able to understand in high school and gave me the tools I needed for university.” 

During her college studies, Nia discovered she had a passion for geology and wanted to learn more once she had been introduced to the field. Underground and field exploration mapping is where Nia’s interests lie.

Nia worked with Borden Gold, a company located in her hometown, as a Core Technician soil sampling in the core shack alongside geologists during the summers from 2018 to 2020. She was happy to discover that Laurentian has a very well known Earth Sciences program with a variety of field school options, so she prepared herself for the next step and began her degree in September 2020.

“Many of the faculty at Laurentian are passionate about student success,” said Nia. Tobias Roth, Lynn Bulloch, and Dr. Pedro Jugo are just a few staff and faculty members who made a positive impact on Nia’s academic experience.

In her undergraduate studies as an Earth Sciences student at Laurentian, Nia was a member of the Earth Sciences Club. Through this organization, she attended annual weekend trips to Bancroft, Ontario for mineral collecting. “The trips were a big step in getting to know other students while doing something we are passionate about,” said Nia. The Willet Green Miller Centre also created an environment where Nia felt at home with other geology students.

Nia was able to gain field exploration experience during the summer of 2021 while working for SPC Nickel, a junior company local to Sudbury, where she searched for copper, nickel and PGE (Platinum-group elements) bearing minerals. Earlier this year, Nia was notified by a Laurentian faculty member about a field exploration position with Frontier Lithium in Northwestern Ontario. She spent summer 2023 working for the company in search of LCT (lithium-cesium-tantalum) pegmatites.

Nia is excited to be graduating in two years and will seek to travel while working in production or exploration geology. Nia even sees potential for completing a PhD later on in life. Nia is an example of why to follow your passion and never give up, even when it might be more difficult to find than your typical nickel deposit. 

Laurentian’s Association of Chemistry receives recognition for outstanding contributions

Laurentian’s Association of Chemistry receives recognition for outstanding contributions

2023 Canadian Society for Chemistry Student Chapter Merit Award

(September 26, 2023) - The Laurentian Association of Chemistry was selected as an honourable mention for 2023 Canadian Society for Chemistry (CSC) Student Chapter Merit Award.

Since its inauguration in 2020, the Laurentian Association of Chemistry has been led by undergraduate students affiliated with chemistry. The group provides academic support for students through review packages for first-year chemistry exams, tutoring in a wide range of science-based courses, the Chemistry Crash Course bootcamp, and the Science and Engineering Study Socials hosted on campus throughout the academic year. Other events include a symposium series with vocational information from local experts and the annual fundraiser for the Sudbury Food Bank in partnership with other student clubs from the School of Natural Sciences, which has raised $5,665 to date. 

“We try to offer quality programming directed at both the academic and social needs of students at Laurentian,” says Josh Hubert, president of the Laurentian Association of Chemistry. “Our campus is host to a wonderful community which inspires us daily to grow and improve it in whatever way we can.” 

The Chemical Institute of Canada presents annual student awards to bring attention to the outstanding contributions of post-secondary students. The CSC Student Chapter Merit Award has been awarded to student associations to recognize and encourage initiative and originality in Student Chapter programming in chemistry since 1994.

Receiving an honorable mention for the CSC Student Chapter Merit Award is a tremendous achievement for the newly minted association. The Laurentian Association of Chemistry is grateful for its many partner organizations at Laurentian, especially for the chemistry faculty, notably Drs. Eric Gauthier, Louis Mercier, Jeffrey Shepherd and Stefan Siemann, all of whom have contributed significantly to the association’s initiatives over the past three years.

The Laurentian Association of Chemistry is always accepting new members interested in getting involved. Those wanting to learn more about the association are encouraged to reach out through email at lac-alc@laurentian.ca.

Trent, Lakehead, Laurentian, Nipissing Universities Sign MOU to Enhance Impact of Research, Commercialization Activity

Trent, Lakehead, Laurentian, Nipissing Universities Sign MOU to Enhance Impact of Research, Commercialization Activity

Four universities to leverage shared resources, facilities, expertise, and enrich postsecondary contributions to economic development in Ontario

Thursday, August 24, 2023, Peterborough 

Four Ontario universities—Trent University, Laurentian University, Lakehead University, and Nipissing University—have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) focused on enhancing collaboration and resource sharing on research and innovation initiatives to, ultimately, drive economic development in the province. 

“Trent is thrilled to be part of this partnership with universities that are keenly aware of the emerging and untapped opportunities in connecting different parts of Ontario,” said Christopher Rooney, senior director, Research & Innovation at Trent University. “We know that by working together we can realize more benefits from postsecondary research and innovation. We’ll be able to share expertise and resources more efficiently and effectively in a way that boosts overall research and commercialization endeavours.” 

The MOU outlines four key areas for collaboration: research and commercialization support, knowledge sharing, access to professional expertise and advanced facilities, and ecosystem partnerships.  

In particular, the four universities will be focusing efforts and attention on projects related to intellectual property and entrepreneurship, research data management and security, policy development, course/curriculum development, networking and joint symposia, and government relations, such as engaging with provincial and federal ministries and funding agencies. 

To date, the four universities have partnered to establish the Northern and Rural Innovation Cluster focused on critical minerals, cleantech, and battery electric technologies with funding from Intellectual Property Ontario (IPON). The provincial agency is providing a total of $294,000 to the pilot project which has seen an industry liaison officer hired to support the four universities in commercialization efforts related to the cluster’s primary research topics. 

“This is a great example of the kind of initiatives that this MOU will drive,” said Director Rooney. “The funding from IP Ontario goes further with the four universities working together to invest the funding in a way that brings expertise, resources, and programming to each campus but all towards a unified goal. The initiative will help educate and train students and identify more opportunities for collaboration.”  

Director of Research and Innovation at Laurentian University, Gisele Roberts, adds that “having previously collaborated with Lakehead, Nipissing, and Trent as members of a commercialization network, we are excited to renew discussions with these partners to explore opportunities for resource sharing. This will leverage the expertise within our institutions to maximize the research and commercialization impacts of our universities and allow us to quickly adapt to rapidly changing research policy requirements.” 

“Lakehead University is excited to see increased intellectual property literacy within the institutions and ecosystems, improved connectivity between stakeholders, and enhanced economic development through collaboration,” said Ellen MacKay, Lakehead University’s director of Innovation Development. “Lakehead is well positioned for this partnership as we have research and development strength in critical minerals through the hiring of two new research chairs in critical mineral processing and exploration, and the continued work from the Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Mining and Exploration.” 

“Nipissing University is pleased to once again collaborate with Laurentian, Trent, and Lakehead to advance research and innovation programs across the province,” said Dr. Barbi Law,  Interim Associate Vice-President of Research, Innovation, and Graduate Studies. “Sharing knowledge and resources between our institutions will lay the groundwork for building more partnerships and will enhance our overall innovation efforts.”

Laurentian Appoints New Associate Vice-President, Francophone Affairs

Laurentian Appoints New Associate Vice-President, Francophone Affairs

Natalie Poulin-Lehoux brings 25 years of experience in francophone education

(August 22, 2023) - Another experienced senior leader has joined Laurentian University as Natalie Poulin-Lehoux has been appointed to the role of Associate Vice-President, Francophone Affairs. With over 25 years of experience, Natalie brings a deep understanding and appreciation for the role of francophone postsecondary education in Northern Ontario. 

Having most recently served as Director, Office of the Vice-President Academics at Collège Boréal, Natalie has experience leading a portfolio of responsibilities including experiential learning, policy development, and organizational transformation. 

“As a bilingual university, building capacity through strong leadership in the Bureau des affaires francophone (BAF) is critically important.  The qualities and values that Natalie brings, her experience in post-secondary institutions and in cultivating relationships and partnerships make her an excellent fit for this role. We’re thrilled to have her join our team, build on the recent successes of the BAF in expanding French language programming and services, and create new opportunities going forward” said Interim Provost and Vice-President Academic, Dr. Brenda Brouwer. 

Natalie has held roles as an education consultant, as a teacher at multiple levels (including as a sessional faculty member at Laurentian University), and program and curriculum development. Her experiences provide a depth of understanding for each step in the student journey.

Natalie is a graduate of Laurentian University’s School of Education. She also holds a Master's Degree in Education from the University of Ottawa and a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Computer Science from the University of Waterloo.

Laurentian University currently has 34 programs being delivered in French and over 2,300 francophone students. Poulin-Lehoux will begin this new role on October 18, 2023.

Laurentian University Board of Governors announce three new appointments

Laurentian University Board of Governors announce three new appointments

Experienced professionals with wealth of knowledge join board

(August 15, 2023) - The Laurentian University Board of Governors is pleased to welcome three new members, Brian Ramakko, Jean-Pierre (Jay) Barbeau, and Kevin Eshkawkogan. The appointments of these members were confirmed at the Board of Governors meeting on July 13, 2023 for 3-year terms.

“We are pleased to have three new community members extend their exceptional experience and knowledge to support Laurentian University on its path forward,” said Vernon Cameron, Chair of Laurentian University’s Board of Governors. “With the added appointments of Brian, Jean-Pierre and Kevin, we are confident that Laurentian University is well positioned to continue its path to provide leadership through transparency, collaboration and respect.” 

About Brian Ramakko

Ramakko is the owner of Ramakko’s Source for Adventure with nearly 40 years experience in business management and operations. He currently serves as board member and fundraiser chair for Manitoulin Streams and is co-chair of Fisheries Management (Zone 10). He also serves as board member of Finlandia SISU Charitable Foundation, as does he support the membership panel of Sudbury Regional Business Centre. He is a former member of the Rotary Club of Sudbury, where he is recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow. 

About Jean-Pierre (Jay) Barbeau

Barbeau is the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) for the Municipality of West Nipissing, a role within which he has provided strategic leadership for the overall administration of Municipal Services in West Nipissing for over 20 years. He has extensive knowledge and experience in public sector governance, policy development, strategic planning and benchmarking, accounting and finance, human resources management and labour relations as well as operations management. He is a graduate of Laurentian University, and is passionate about alumni relations. 

About Kevin Eshkawkogan

Eshkawkogan, also referred to as Giigidoh Ninii ('The Man who speaks for the people') is an Anishinabek from Manitoulin Island with close family ties in Aundeck Omni Kaning, M'Chigeeng, and Wikwemikong. He is the driving force, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Indigenous Tourism Association of Ontario (ITO) and has been fundamental in growing the Indigenous tourism industry locally, regionally, provincially, and nationally. He currently serves as member of the Board of Trustees for Science North & Dynamic Earth; serves as a Board Director with Sports Tourism Canada; is the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion committee co-chair for Tourism Industry Association of Ontario; and serves as a Executive Committee Member for both the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario and for Northern Policy Institute. He has served many organizations in various capacities. Some of which include as a elected Council Member for the M'Chigeeng First Nation, task force member for Northern Ontario transportation, wealth creation table member for Indigenous Affairs Ontario, Chairperson of the Manitoulin Hotel & Conference Centre, Vice-Chairperson of Destination Northern Ontario, contributing member of the Indigenous Tourism Collaborative of the Americas, and advisory committee member to Trans Canada Trails.

Indigenous Land-Based Courses Offer Life Changing Experiences for Participants

Indigenous Land-Based Courses Offer Life Changing Experiences for Participants

Students take part in a practical learning experience surrounded by nature, culture and Indigenous teachings.

(August 10, 2023) - Not all learning is done in a classroom, and this past July 23 students from various undergraduate programs at Laurentian University participated in an Indigenous Land-Based course at the N’Swakamok Friendship Centre Grounds. This 8-day Anishnaabemowin immersion course is an opportunity for students to learn a language and truly experience Anishinaabe culture. Rooted in language learning, the course is designed to identify and describe the core teachings of the Southern / Zhaawanong direction using the Anishinaabemowin language.

The delivery and success of this course is supported by many devoted Laurentian community members. This includes course instructors Eli Lorney Bob and Maajiijwan Petahtegoose, Paula Potts, as well as graduate student Renee Lemoyne.

The course incorporates daily language learning, a variety of teachings and ceremonies (sunrise, fire lighting, fire keeping, birthing of drums, etc), sharing circles as well as basic outdoor survival skills like cooking, fire lighting, and fishing. Throughout the course, students were paired up and were responsible to watch over the sacred fire. All day and all night, in two hour blocks of time, the students fire keep with a watchful eye (with of course having obtained the appropriate permits).

Originally from Kebaowek First Nation in Kipawa Québec, Renee Lemoyne is a Laurentian alumna from the Biomedical Biology program, a current graduate student in the Masters of Indigenous Relations program as well as a staff member in the Indigenous Sharing and Learning Center (ISLC) as the Indigenous Student Transitions Coordinator. Having assisted in the course delivery as a helper (Shkaabewis), Renee was responsible for a wide range of important elements. As a Shkaabewis, she would be accommodating and supportive of the needs of all those participating such as; food, propane, washrooms, student safety as well as emotional support. 

“It has a life changing impact. The course is everything to the people who go there and make the most of it. It’s a time for letting go… and to learn to love oneself, to get rid of body shame, to feel free to do what you need to do in life and to get away from all of the judgment,” said Lemoyne.

The learning of the course material is expressed through both teachings and experiences. “The foundation of the teaching style is that the Anishinaabemowin language is an emotional language, it’s a language of love, spirit.” Renee continued to support her statement with the importance of the ceremonies in accordance with the language teachings. “Engaging in cultural activities based on the seasonal direction clear all of the emotions that we feel so we can let that emotional language in and have space for it.”

Renee’s passion for the impact and learnings of the land-based courses have made an influence on her personally and academically. “My masters thesis is simply that taking this course improves your wholistic health.” Renee anticipates being able to execute her research hypothesis on the next land-based course; set to take place in August. 

“Every night we would sit there and we would drum and we would sing and we would teach the students some songs. It is magical to say the least.”
For more information about how to register for the Land-Based courses, please visit Laurentian University’s list of Indigenous academic offerings.

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