Menu

Lakehead University

Indigenous Veterans Exhibit

Lakehead hosts exhibit for Indigenous Veterans’ Day

, ,

The Lakehead University Agora is featuring an exhibit to commemorate northwestern Ontario’s Indigenous veterans.

The Indigenous Veterans of Treaty #3 exhibit is open to the public for the rest of the week.

The exhibit’s launch coincides with Indigenous Veterans’ Day, which is observed separately from Remembrance Day.

“There’s a purpose behind that,” retired Lieutenant Colonel Darla Oja explains, “Making it on the tenth of November brings deeper understanding to, ‘hey, we missed this part of our history.’ Now we’re trying to correct it.”

Oja spent 31 years in the Canadian Armed Forces, including a tour of duty in Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2006.

In the ceremony at Lakehead to introduce the exhibit, Oja spoke to the long history of Indigenous military service in Canadian history.

In the time of the World Wars, thousands of Indigenous soldiers enlisted despite not being considered Canadian citizens and lacking many rights, including voting rights.

Indigenous soldiers who enlisted were often forced to give up their Indian Status, but were not granted Canadian citizenship in return, leaving them in legal limbo when they returned home from the war.

For decades, Indigenous veterans struggled to receive their veterans’ benefits.

In the ceremony, Oja outlined why Indigenous peoples volunteered to fight for a country that didn’t recognize them:

“For many Indigenous veterans, service meant not only fighting for freedom abroad, but also for recognition and equality at home.”

Retired Lieutenant Colonel Darla Oja speaks during Lakehead’s Indigenous Veterans’ Day ceremony. (Sam Goldstein/November 10, 2025)

Gillian Balfour is Provost and Vice President, Academic for Lakehead University. She sees the display as an opportunity for the public to educate themselves on an oft-forgotten chapter of Canadian history.

“It’s so visual, and it’s so personal to see the names of the veterans and where they served, and where they died for this country,” she says.

The Indigenous Veterans of Treaty #3 exhibit gives Indigenous military history a human face. (Sam Goldstein/November 10, 2025)

“Let us remember that their service was not only about defending borders,” Oja said as she concluded her speech.

“They fought and continue to fight for a kind of freedom that reaches beyond the battlefield: a freedom that lives in classrooms, in communities, and in the choices we make to stand beside each other every day.”

ltn3vvcj

Lakehead University hands out this year’s alumni awards

, , , , , , , ,

A handful of former Lakehead University students were honoured in October by the Alumni Association.

Since 1989, the association has presented awards honouring outstanding graduates and supporters whose accomplishments reflect Lakehead’s enduring mission and impact.

At the Lakehead Celebrates alumni awards ceremonies in October, each campus recognized this year’s recipients, especially notable on the university’s 60th anniversary.

“Lakehead’s graduates transform lives while inspiring others to follow their lead,” says Mark Tilbury, Lakehead’s alumni and annual giving director in a statement. “As we celebrate 60 years, these honourees show how our alumni and supporters bring the university’s mission to life through their skill, dedication, and vision.”

Among the graduates honoured at the Thunder Bay campus was local native David Bruno, who has “led national initiatives in cybersecurity and helped shape the Canada’s secure digital service policy landscape.”

Along with Michael Fox, a member of Weenusk First Nation and president and CEO of Indigenous Community Engagement Inc, Bruno received the Distinguished Alumni Award, given to those who have accomplished lifetime contributions through professional achievement, community involvement or philanthropy.

Jack and Carolyn Verhoeven were honoured with the Legacy Award for their exceptional commitment to the Alumni Association and the Lakehead community.

They most notably created Lakehead University’s largest donor-funded endowment, which assists 10 to 20 engineering students each year.

Francis Clayton, retired head coach of the university’s varsity wrestling team, joined Orillia graduate Jessie Clarke in accepting the Ambassador Award, which celebrates “champions of Lakehead University whose continued dedication strengthens the university community.”

Nominations for the Alumni Association Honours are accepted throughout the year with the annual deadline set for March 31.

A full list of the alumni honourees can be found on Lakehead University’s website.

Lakehead University.

Lakehead University earns another top distinction

, ,

Maclean’s Magazine has released its top university rankings for 2026 and Lakehead University is again, leading the way.

Named Ontario’s top primarily undergraduate university, the school ranked first in student awards and student-to-faculty ratio and second in scholarships and bursaries.

“Lakehead has always been a place where students achieve their full potential through transformative, world-class education,” said Dr. Gillian Siddall, the university’s president and vice-chancellor in a release.

“This recognition in Maclean’s celebrates the dedication of our faculty, staff, and partners in creating an environment where excellence and inclusion go hand in hand.”

Maclean’s annual university rankings highlight the top Canadian post-secondary schools across three categories: primarily undergraduate, comprehensive, and medical/doctoral.

Lakehead’s growing reputation continues to gain international attention as well.

Last week in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026, Lakehead placed second in Ontario and second in Canada among primarily undergraduate universities.

Cynthia Wesley Esquimaux and Dr. Gerald Walton

Lakehead University launching President’s Public Lecture Series

, ,

Lakehead University is launching a new lecture series.

The event is being held to honour Lakehead’s 60th anniversary.

“We’re marking our 60-year history in a way that centres and celebrates those who have supported us from the beginning, by opening our doors, sharing ideas and knowledge, and most importantly, saying thank you to the communities who built us,” said President and Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Gillian Siddall.

“Lakehead’s story has always been one of partnership, of what’s possible when people come together to imagine a brighter future. This series is an open invitation to the communities we serve to re-engage, reconnect, and imagine what’s possible when knowledge is shared freely and widely.”

The six-part series is kicking off this month and is running through June, and will feature Dr. Cynthia Wesley-Esquimaux, Chair of Truth and Reconciliation, and Faculty of Education professors Dr. Gerald Walton and Dr. Sonia Mastrangelo, with more to be announced.

Events will alternate between Lakehead’s Thunder Bay and Orillia campuses, with all lectures available via live stream and posted online for on-demand viewing.

Most lectures will be held outside of regular business hours to help enable easy participation and access.

“Last year, Lakehead was recognized by Maclean’s as Ontario’s top primarily undergraduate university, an honour that reflects the outstanding teaching and learning led by our dedicated and talented faculty,” explained Dr. Siddall.

“Through this lecture series, I’m delighted to introduce the public to some of those individuals. I’m confident you will enjoy these talks, may they spark new ideas, inspiration, and conversation.”

The free lecture series is open to anyone interested in attending or listening.

All lectures will be streamed virtually while also offering in-person attendance.

Dr. Cynthia Wesley-Esquimaux is hosting the inaugural lecture live from Lakehead Orillia on October 24 at 10:00 a.m.

On November 20, the lecture series is coming to Thunder Bay, with Dr. Gerald Walton will untangle the roots of bullying and offer advice on addressing these behaviours live from The Agora at Lakehead Thunder Bay.

More information and registration can be found by clicking here.

Larissa Speak

Lakehead programs receive $750K boost from federal government

, , , ,

The federal government is providing more than $750,000 to support several research projects at Lakehead University.

The Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) is the federal research funding agency that promotes and supports research and training in the humanities and social sciences.

The university says the federal agency will support eight projects that aim to advance the understanding of people, cultures and societies.

The professors will receive a two-year grant worth more than $67,000 for the study, the results of which will be valuable for universities, colleges, and schools intending to implement land-based learning as part of their curriculum.

“Land-based learning spaces include both Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples,” explained Speak in a release from Lakehead University. “So we need to carefully study the ethics of using Indigenous land-based teaching methods in Canadian law schools to see if they truly have decolonial effects.”

Department of Anthropology professor Dr. Matt Tocheri will also be the recipient of funds from the SSHRC for his work studying the context of an extinct human species and an Indigenous population from between 3,000 and 4,000 years ago.

Dr. Tocheri and his team will receive a five-year grant of $360,000.

At Lakehead’s Orillia campus, two Faculty of Business Administration professors are the recipients of a four-year $65,689 grant that will go towards helpg them study how financial and human resource limitations impact operations and non-profits’ ability to support people in their communities.

Lakehead University.

Lakehead University announces new five-year strategic plan

Lakehead University has announced its new five-year strategic plan called Shaping the EvoLUtion.

“Sixty years ago, Lakehead University was built by the community for the community,” said President and Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Gillian Siddall.

“Today, we’re ready to write our boldest chapter yet, one of growth and transformation, where we reimagine and redefine Lakehead’s role in shaping society through exceptional teaching, groundbreaking research, and meaningful service.”

Approximately 1,200 people provided input on the new strategy, including students, faculty, staff, and community partners.

Five themes form the foundation of the plan, including:

  • Expanding student opportunity and success
  • Sustainable economic and community development and entrepreneurship
  • Advancing societal impact
  • People and culture
  • Financial Sustainability

“The world is changing rapidly, and we know we will face challenges that require strategic approaches and leadership,” said Dr. Siddall.

“Shaping the EvoLUtion will set that course and position us to adapt and respond dynamically, while educating the next generation of thought leaders and changemakers. Together, we will continue to evolve what makes Lakehead a special place, and a launchpad, for so many.”

More information and the entire plan can be found by clicking here.

Lakehead Professors

Two Lakehead professors to join the Royal Society of Canada

, ,

Professors Dr. Christopher Mushquash and Dr. Sarah Olutola of Lakehead University will be inducted into the Royal Society of Canada’s (RSC) class of 2025.

Dr. Christopher Mushquash becomes an RSC Fellow. He is a member of the Pawgwasheeng (Pays Plat First Nation) and is recognized for his contributions in Indigenous mental health and addiction research, clinical care, and training.

His work with Indigenous peoples blends traditional knowledge and modern science. Mushquash is the director of the Centre for Rural and Northern Health Research at Lakehead University, chief scientist at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Research Institute, and vice president of research at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre.

Dr. Sarah Olutola joins the RSC’s College of New Scholars, Artists, and Scientists. She is recognized for her work in Black critical theory, African and African diasporic postcolonialism, and social justice.

Olutola is an associate professor at Lakehead’s Department of English. She also writes young adult literature under the pen name “Sarah Raughley,” through which she has published the Effigies series and The Queen’s Spade. Her writing uses both academic research and creativity to spark conversations on topics including race, gender, and imperialism.

Lakehead President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Gillian Siddal congratulated the professors.

“The recognition of Dr. Mushquash and Dr. Olutola by the Royal Society of Canada celebrates their significant contributions to understanding and advancing people, culture and society– building frameworks to support Indigenous youth and communities, and inspiring more inclusive futures,” said Siddal.

To join the Royal Society of Canada is a prestigious honour for academics, only offered to those considered leaders or great contributors in their fields.

Dr. Mushquash and Dr. Olutola will be formally inducted into the RSC on November 14.

Dr. Chris Mushquash edited

Project aimed at supporting Indigenous youth mental health receiving $10.8 million

,

A national research project being co-led by a researcher from northwestern Ontario has received an additional $10.8 million from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research.

Dr. Chris Mushquash and Dr. Srividya Iyer are leading a four-year project that is focused on building a trust-based learning network across Canada to support culturally-grounded mental health services for Indigenous youth.

Dr. Mushquash is Anishinawbe (Ojibway) and a member of Pawgwasheeng (Pays Plat First Nation).

He is a professor in the Department of Psychology at Lakehead University and also serves as vice-president of research at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre and as chief scientist at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Research Institute.

According to Lakehead University, the project is a part of the ACCESS Open Minds Indigenous Youth Mental Health and Wellness Network, and will strengthen capacity amongst Indigenous communities and integrated youth services (IYS) networks to deliver inclusive, high-quality, culturally and contextually relevant, and responsive mental health services with, and for, Indigenous youth.

The project is being guided by the strength of multigenerational teaching and brings together Elders, Knowledge Holders, youth, families, and community leaders, including Dilico Anishinabek Family Care, who serve 13 First Nations across northwest Ontario.

“This is an incredible opportunity for our network to help close critical gaps by cultivating a trust-based, collaborative learning environment across Canada,” said Dr. Mushquash. “With this investment, we can translate knowledge into real-life improvements for Indigenous youth, ensuring that services are more culturally grounded, accessible, and responsive to community needs.”

“Being able to co-lead this work from northwestern Ontario, and specifically Thunder Bay, is deeply significant, as it reflects both the challenges and strengths of the communities we serve.”