Oct. 1, 2014 – Thunder Bay, ON

Lakehead University’s In Conversation speaker series returns to the Thunder Bay Public Library this year with talks scheduled from October until April.

Experts from Lakehead University will give free presentations about dementia, Aboriginal People’s legal rights, climate change, Indigenous children and adoption, and the development of Lakehead University during its first 50 years.

“In Conversation introduces the general public to the world of academia,” said Barb Philp, Head of Adult Services at the Thunder Bay Public Library. “We’re excited that In Conversation is returning for a second year.”

Lakehead President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Brian Stevenson said this is an excellent opportunity for the community to learn more about interesting topics presented by members of the university faculty.

“The In Conversation series is an exceptional way for our community and University to come together; where faculty can share knowledge and anyone is free to ask questions about a wide variety of subjects and issues,” says Dr. Stevenson. “I have no doubt that this year’s In Conversation speakers will be as successful as last year.”

The free presentations will be held on the days, times and locations below:

What I’ve Learned from People Living with Dementia

Presenter: Dr. Elaine Wiersma, Department of Health Sciences
Saturday, Oct. 4, 2014
Mary J.L. Black Branch Library – 901 S. Edward St.
2-4 pm

People living with dementia often are stigmatized, avoided, and defined solely by their diagnosis of dementia. But in fact, when we see beyond labels and stigma, people living with dementia have significant contributions to make. This presentation will focus on what Professor Elaine Wiersma and her research team have learned from people living with dementia.

Should Aboriginal Peoples have Special Legal Rights?

Presenter: Professor Karen Drake, Faculty of Law
Saturday, Oct. 25, 2014
Waverley Resource Library – 285 Red River Rd.
2-4 pm

Many Canadians wonder why Aboriginal peoples have special legal rights that are not available to other Canadians. They believe equality requires one law for all. In her talk, Professor Karen Drake will show why the history of colonialism still matters today and why true equality requires that Aboriginal peoples be entitled to special legal rights.


Climate Change: Is Thunder Bay Ready?

Presenter: Professor Jason MacLean, Faculty of Law
Saturday, Nov. 15, 2014
Waverley Resource Library - 285 Red River Rd.                      
2-4 pm

What does climate change hold in store for Thunder Bay? Will climate change be a boon for Thunder Bay, or does it pose very serious risks to the community? And if so, what are those risks, and how will Thunder Bay adapt and respond? In his talk, Professor Jason MacLean will discuss the critical importance of local community participation in environmental protection and climate change adaptation.

Indigenous Children and Adoption

Presenter: Dr. Lori Chambers, Department of Women’s Studies
Saturday, Jan. 24, 2015 
Waverley Resource Library - 285 Red River Rd.          
2-4 pm

The formal adoption of Indigenous children by white families, which came to be known as the “sixties scoop,” is an emotional issue that has given rise to a class action suit in Ontario challenging the legality of adoptions between 1965 and 1984. In this talk, Professor Lori Chambers will review recent history and shed light on some of the main issues surrounding indigenous children and adoption.

Celebrating 50 Years: The Development of Lakehead University

Presenter: Professor Peter Raffo, Department of History
Saturday, April 18, 2015 
Mary J.L. Black Branch Library - 901 S. Edward St.     
2-4 pm

Lakehead’s motto “Achievement through Effort” is encapsulated in this discussion by Professor Peter Raffo as he leads the audience through some of the major milestones of the institution. Find out why the Lakehead Technical Institute was established in the 1940s, how it evolved into a university in 1965, and some of the challenges it has faced in becoming an innovative comprehensive university.

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Media: For more information or to arrange interviews, please contact Brandon Walker, Media Relations Officer, at (807) 343-8177, or mediarelations@lakeheadu.ca.

In 2015, Lakehead University will celebrate 50 years of exceptional education.  Guided by a new Strategic Plan (2013-2018), our University is known for providing an education focused on independent thinking, unconventional scholarship, and a close sense of community.  About 9,700 students and 2,000 faculty and staff learn and work in ten faculties at two campuses, in Orillia and Thunder Bay, Ontario.  Lakehead University is a fully comprehensive university: home to Ontario’s first new Faculty of Law in 44 years, the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, and Faculties of Engineering, Business Administration, Health and Behavioural Sciences, Social Sciences and Humanities, Science and Environmental Studies, Natural Resources Management, Education and Graduate Studies. Lakehead is among Canada’s Top 10 undergraduate universities (2014 Maclean’s University Rankings), as well as 1st in Ontario and 2nd in Canada for its innovative research (Re$earch Infosource).  Visit http://www.lakeheadu.ca.

The Faculty of Law's Founding Dean, Lee Stuesser, from left, John B. Laskin, Barbara Laskin and President & Vice-Chancellor of Lakehead University Dr. Brian Stevenson took part in a celebration announcing that the school of law will be named the Bora Laskin Faculty of Law.

September 30, 2014 – Thunder Bay, ON

Today, at a celebration at Lakehead University’s Faculty of Law, University President & Vice-Chancellor Dr. Brian Stevenson announced that Ontario’s newest school of law would be named the “Bora Laskin Faculty of Law” in recognition of the Thunder Bay son and former Chief Justice’s integrity and contributions to Canadian law.

“An extraordinary man, Bora Laskin was a profound, visionary lawyer and judge who left a lasting influence on Canadian law,” said Dr. Stevenson. “We feel Bora Laskin’s legacy is best honoured by the naming of this faculty after him.”

A large portrait of Bora Laskin was unveiled in the faculty’s main entrance.

“Bora Laskin was instrumental in writing numerous key pieces of Canadian law,” said the Faculty of Law’s Founding Dean, Lee Stuesser. “As a law school making its own unique mark on Canada’s legal landscape, it’s fitting to name this law school for someone who, himself, set precedent-making laws.”

Family of the former Chief Justice (who passed away in 1984) were in attendance for the announcement, including Bora Laskin’s daughter, Barbara Laskin, as well as his nephew, John Laskin.

The naming was officially announced during a Faculty of Law donor reception. The event thanked the many supporters and donors — including those from Thunder Bay’s legal community and friends from across Northern Ontario — who have helped raise three (3) million dollars, to date. Funds have gone to transforming the former Port Arthur Collegiate Institute into Ontario’s newest law school.

Lakehead University’s Faculty of Law first opened its doors in September 2013. Its program focuses on Aboriginal law, Natural Resources-based law, and small and sole practice law.

Lakehead is starting a fundraising campaign in honour of Bora Laskin around the following pillars:

• Transform a Student’s Future
• Inspire a Generation
• Create an Architectural Legacy Endowment
• Name the Law School Library

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Media: For more information, please contact Brandon Walker, Media Relations Officer, at (807) 343-8177, or mediarelations@lakeheadu.ca.

In 2015, Lakehead University will celebrate 50 years of exceptional education.  Guided by a new Strategic Plan (2013-2018), our University is known for providing an education focused on independent thinking, unconventional scholarship, and a close sense of community.  About 9,700 students and 2,000 faculty and staff learn and work in ten faculties at two campuses, in Orillia and Thunder Bay, Ontario.  Lakehead University is a fully comprehensive university: home to Ontario’s first new Faculty of Law in 44 years, the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, and Faculties of Engineering, Business Administration, Health and Behavioural Sciences, Social Sciences and Humanities, Science and Environmental Studies, Natural Resources Management, Education and Graduate Studies. Lakehead is among Canada’s Top 10 undergraduate universities (2014 Maclean’s University Rankings), as well as 1st in Ontario and 2nd in Canada for its innovative research (Re$earch Infosource).  Visit http://www.lakeheadu.ca.

Students, staff, faculty and others attended the grand opening of 3 art galleries at Lakehead University.

Thursday, Sept. 18, 2014 – Thunder Bay, ON 

Lakehead University is opening three new gallery spaces on the Thunder Bay campus, featuring art by faculty, staff, students, alumni and research project affiliates.

“A lot of important research is happening at Lakehead University and these gallery walls can share that learning with others,” said Dr. Pauline Sameshima, Associate Professor in the Faculty of Education, Canada Research Chair in Arts Integrated Research, and curator of the galleries.

“I’m excited to work with artists and researchers to use the arts to provoke and evoke. Live art is wonderful!” Dr. Sameshima said.

The three new gallery spaces are:

•  The LAIR: Lakehead Arts Integrated Research - Bora Laskin Building 2nd Floor
  
  
•  In Other Words - Education Library 
  
  
•  The Junction: Where Science Meets Art - ATAC 6th Floor

Five local, national, and international jurors selected literary and/or visual artwork by Gayle Buzzi, Ledah McKellar, Ayesha Raggi, Dayna Slingerland, Holly Tsun Haggarty, Vivian Wood-Alexander and Li Yu. Work was submitted in June through an open call for submissions.

The esteemed jurors were Dr. Roland Martin, Lakehead Chair of Visual Arts; Dr. Carl Leggo, University of British Columbia Poet and Professor in the Department of Language & Literacy; Julie Titone, Washington State's Sno-Isle Libraries’ Communications & Marketing Manager; Siobhan Farrell, NOSM Director of Active Learning; and Gisella Scalese from Lakehead’s Education Librarian. 

This year, The LAIR Collection features art from The Dementia Pathways Project. The Collection is artwork created through support from the Canada Research Chair in Arts Integrated Studies position and other funding. 

“We are thankful for the Canada Research Chairs program, the Canada Foundation for Innovation and the Ontario Research Fund for supporting these kinds of innovative projects.  The galleries are a significant contribution to community building and wholesome sustainability at Lakehead University,” said Dr. John O’Meara, Dean of the Faculty of Education.

This brings the total number of gallery spaces on campus to four including the Row, a student art gallery in the University Centre that is curated by the Department of Visual Arts. Please visit http://galleries.lakeheadu.ca/ for more information.

September 10, 2014 – Thunder Bay, ON

Lakehead University researchers are receiving nearly $350,000 from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) to improve the quality of people’s lives in Canada and abroad.  

Dr. Vicki Kristman, an assistant professor in the Department of Health Sciences, is receiving a New Investigator Award of $300,000 over five years for a supervisor training program that could improve work disability outcomes for injured workers. 

“This research program will focus on three specific questions,” Dr. Kristman said.

• How can stakeholders identify or develop accommodations for workers trying to return to the labour force?
• How can workplaces and employers support the use of workplace accommodations?
• And, what is the best way to measure and demonstrate the health and economic impacts of workplace accommodation for all stakeholders?

“Results from this research could decrease work disability and save billions of dollars in direct and indirect costs,” Dr. Kristman said. “I want to thank the CIHR for this funding. We wouldn’t have been able to undertake this research program without the CIHR’s assistance.”

The primary project will involve employers in Canada and the US. In order to test a supervisor training program, some supervisors within those companies will receive training sessions and some will not.

Two Lakehead University students will work with Dr. Kristman on this research program.

 Dr. Kristman’s award is funded by the CIHR Institutes of Health Services and Policy Research and Population and Public Health through the CIHR Roadmap Signature Initiative in Community-based Primary Health Care.

This award provides outstanding new investigators with the opportunity to develop and demonstrate their independence in initiating and conducting health research through provision of a contribution to their salary. Only 40 awards are given throughout Canada per year.

Carley Pope, a Lakehead student in the Master’s Clinical Psychology program, is receiving a Canada Graduate Scholarship of $17,500 to spend one year examining if there’s a connection between breastfeeding and postpartum depression.

“Postpartum depression is a serious and under-recognized disorder that can be extremely disruptive for the mother, infant, and family,” Pope said.

“My interest stems from a belief that there is an urgent need for better understanding into why perinatal mental health issues arise in order to develop effective prevention and intervention strategies to improve mental health outcomes for the mother and her family.”

Pope will assess if women who intend to breastfeed and do not breastfeed are at a greater risk of experiencing post-partum depression compared to women who do not intend to breastfeed and do not breastfeed.

“This funding is recognition that Lakehead’s researchers are doing incredible work to make life better for people around the world,” said Dr. Andrew Dean, Lakehead’s Vice-President, Research, Economic Development & Innovation (Interim).

The CIHR is Canada’s federal funding agency for health research. Composed of 13 Institutes, the CIHR provides leadership and support to more than 13,200 health researchers and trainees across Canada.

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Media: For more information or to arrange interviews, please contact Brandon Walker, Media Relations Officer, at (807) 343-8177, or mediarelations@lakeheadu.ca.

In 2015, Lakehead University will celebrate 50 years of exceptional education.  Guided by a new Strategic Plan (2013-2018), our University is known for providing an education focused on independent thinking, unconventional scholarship, and a close sense of community.  About 9,700 students and 2,000 faculty and staff learn and work in ten faculties at two campuses, in Orillia and Thunder Bay, Ontario.  Lakehead University is a fully comprehensive university: home to Ontario’s first new Faculty of Law in 44 years, the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, and Faculties of Engineering, Business Administration, Health and Behavioural Sciences, Social Sciences and Humanities, Science and Environmental Studies, Natural Resources Management, Education and Graduate Studies. Lakehead is among Canada’s Top 10 undergraduate universities (2014 Maclean’s University Rankings), as well as 1st in Ontario and 2nd in Canada for its innovative research (Re$earch Infosource).  Visit http://www.lakeheadu.ca.

New CIHR Grants awarded in 2013-2014

Total value of awards:  $340,251

Faculty Member Grants

New Investigator Award (five-year grant)

Vicki Kristman, Department of Health Sciences, Preventing work disability through accommodation, $300,000.

Planning Grant and Dissemination Grants (one-year grants)

Naana Afua Jumah, Faculty of Medicine, West Campus, and Thunder Bay Regional Research Institute, Northwestern Ontario management strategies for opioid dependence in pregnancy: sharing knowledge and improving care, $8,500.

Co-applicant: Meldon Kahan, University of Toronto.

Laura Curiel, Department of Electrical Engineering and Thunder Bay Regional Research Institute, Improving research activity on novel minimally invasive procedures for cancer treatment in Northwestern Ontario, $10,000 (in partnership with CIHR Institute of Cancer Research).

Co-applicants:

• Naana Afua Jumah, Faculty of Medicine, West Campus, and Thunder Bay Regional Research Institute
• Samuel Pichardo, Department of Electrical Engineering
• Margaret Anthes, Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre

Health Professional Student Research Award (three-month award)

Nicholas G. Escott, Faculty of Medicine, West Campus, Investigation of Blastomyces dermatitidis-induced acute respiratory distress syndrome, $4,251. Grant supports student Daniel Dalcin.

Graduate Student Awards

Canada Graduate Scholarships – Master’s Program (one-year awards worth $17,500)

Carley Pope, Psychology, Breastfeeding and postpartum depression:  A closer look at the bidirectional relationship.

September 3, 2014 – Thunder Bay, ON

Lakehead’s Board of Governors is very pleased to announce that Dr. Brian J.R. Stevenson’s appointment as the University’s President & Vice-Chancellor has been renewed for a second five-year term, beginning in August 2015.

“President Stevenson’s renewal confirms the Board’s confidence in his ability to realize our institution’s goals and objectives,” said Cameron Clark, Chair of Lakehead University’s Board of Governors, and Chair of the Board’s Executive Committee that oversaw the review process. “As Lakehead gets ready to celebrate its 50^th anniversary, we feel that his level of dedication and experience continues to be what our University needs to lead us through the challenges to come and guarantee our success.”

Dr. Stevenson became Lakehead’s sixth President in August 2010. During his first term, and guided by five priorities — academic excellence, University sustainability, Orillia campus growth, internationalization, and community outreach — the University’s presence and list of achievements have been felt in Northwestern Ontario, Central Ontario, and around the world.

As the renewed President, Dr. Stevenson will continue to focus on implementing Lakehead University’s Strategic Plan (2013-2018), as well as prepare for the creation of the 2018-2023 Strategic Plan and a new 2017-2022 Academic Plan for the institution.

“Serving Lakehead has been an absolute privilege and pleasure,” said Dr. Stevenson. “I thank our Board of Governors for inviting me to continue as this exceptional University’s president.

“I look forward to furthering Lakehead’s goals with the support and collaboration of the many wonderful people who make up our University community, our Board and Senate, partners, donors, and friends,” added Dr. Stevenson.

Lakehead’s review and renewal process for the role of President & Vice-Chancellor took place between March and June of 2014, and included surveys and consultation with University students, faculty and staff, as well as the public.

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Media: For more information or to arrange interviews, please contact Brandon Walker, Media Relations Officer, at (807) 343-8177, or mediarelations@lakeheadu.ca.

In 2015, Lakehead University will celebrate 50 years of exceptional education.  Guided by a new Strategic Plan (2013-2018), our University is known for providing an education focused on independent thinking, unconventional scholarship, and a close sense of community.  About 9,700 students and 2,000 faculty and staff learn and work in ten faculties at two campuses, in Orillia and Thunder Bay, Ontario.  Lakehead University is a fully comprehensive university: home to Ontario’s first new Faculty of Law in 44 years, the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, and Faculties of Engineering, Business Administration, Health and Behavioural Sciences, Social Sciences and Humanities, Science and Environmental Studies, Natural Resources Management, Education and Graduate Studies. Lakehead is among Canada’s Top 10 undergraduate universities (2014 Maclean’s University Rankings), as well as 1st in Ontario and 2nd in Canada for its innovative research (Re$earch Infosource).  Visit http://www.lakeheadu.ca.

Friday, Aug. 29, 2014 – Thunder Bay, ON

Action-packed, informative and fun experiences await students participating in Lakehead University’s Fall Orientation.

Thunderwolves Howl! 2014, which will be from Thursday, Sept. 4 until Wednesday, Sept. 10, is focused on helping students make a successful transition to Lakehead University. Faculty and staff at Lakehead look forward to welcoming new undergraduate students and their families to the Thunder Bay campus.

Events and activities cater to varied student populations including students entering from high school, college/university transfer, international, Aboriginal and mature students.

“All of our programming is focused on engaging students in the University experience and assisting them in their transition to university life and the academic community,” said Marian Ryks-Szelekovszky, Vice-Provost, Student Affairs.

“We want students to find their place at Lakehead, to feel a part of the Lakehead community, and we want to provide them with the information and strategies to facilitate their success at university,” Ryks-Szelekovszky said.

“We want to provide students with the tools and resources to help them succeed,” said Robert Perrier, Director, Student Success Centre. “The 2014 Orientation will prepare students for university by introducing them to their classmates and professors, and ensuring they are aware of the many services and supports available to them.”

Organized jointly by the Student Success Centre, Residence & Conference Services, and the Lakehead University Student Union, the Thunderwolves Howl! 2014 Orientation runs from Thursday, Sept. 4 until Wednesday, Sept. 10.

Media are invited to do interviews about orientation on Thursday, Sept. 4 at 2:30 pm in the Agora. Media may also attend any of the activities listed below:

Thursday, Sept. 4

• Starting at 9 am: It's Residence Move-in Day!
• 10 am-3:30 pm: All new students can pick up their Orientation T-shirts and Welcome Bags, take campus tours, and sign up for LUSU day-trips in the Agora.
• Residence students will participate in their “Biggest Event Ever” at 7 pm at the Residence Field, and the entire university community is invited to join in the annual Outdoor Movie at dusk.

Friday, Sept. 5

Whether they are living on- or off-campus, all new students at Lakehead participate in The BIG ORIENTATION DAY, which is also for family and friends so don’t miss out on this!

• 7:30 am: Breakfast in the Residence Cafeteria.
• Noon: Barbecue lunch overlooking Lake Tamblyn beneath the President’s balcony.
• 3:30-4 pm: Opening commencement in the Hangar.
• 5:45-7 pm: Everyone celebrates in style at The President's Dinner - an honoured annual tradition hosted by Dr. Brian Stevenson, Lakehead's President & Vice-Chancellor in the Residence and Main Cafeterias.
• 7:30-11:30 pm: The BIG ORIENTATION DAY kicks into high gear after dinner with the Monte Carlo night in the Agora (7:30 pm), the Tailgate Party in the Outpost (8:30 pm), and the ultimate pep rally at Varsity Madness at the C.J. Sanders Fieldhouse (Thunderdome) (9:30 pm).

Saturday, Sept. 6

• The Lakehead University Student Union (LUSU) has planned several fun and exciting Day-Trips
• Some activities include hiking the Sleeping Giant, visiting Kakabeka Falls, Frisbee Golf Mini Tournament, biking in Centennial Park, bus tours of the City of Thunder Bay, paintball.
• LUSU is also planning a Sailing Adventure for Parents and Mature Students.
• More information will be available at the LUSU Information Table in the Agora on Thursday, Sept. 4 and Friday, Sept. 5, or by calling 343-8259.
• 12-5 pm: Maadaadizi Post-Secondary Aboriginal Student Orientation at Marina Park. Everyone is welcome to attend this free event.

Sunday, Sept. 7

• This is one of Residence Life’s main orientation days
• Residence students will compete with their houses in the Residence Mini-Olympics, take part in Rez Talk, and prepare their rooms and houses for the upcoming school year.

Monday, September 8

• It’s the First Day of Classes!
• 9 am-3 pm: The Agora will be bustling with the Student Services Fair occurring. New and returning students can learn more about the various student supports and services available on campus.

Tuesday, Sept. 9

• 10 am-3:30 pm: It's time for Lakehead's community and retail friends to visit the campus for Vendor's Fair 2014 in the Agora. Learn more about services and opportunities within the Lakehead community, often with special promotions exclusively for students.

Wednesday, Sept. 10

• 8-10:30 am: The Mature Student Coffee House will bring together mature learners in a welcoming setting in the Study. Students will have a chance to mix and mingle with fellow mature learners, as well as connect with student support services at Lakehead.
• 3-7 pm: The Student Success Centre (SSC) will host an Open House throughout the afternoon in the Centre. Students can drop by to learn more about the SSC’s services.

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Media: For more information or to arrange interviews, please contact Brandon Walker, Media Relations Officer, at (807) 343-8177, or mediarelations@lakeheadu.ca.

In 2015, Lakehead University will celebrate 50 years of exceptional education.  Guided by a new Strategic Plan (2013-2018), our University is known for providing an education focused on independent thinking, unconventional scholarship, and a close sense of community.  About 9,700 students and 2,000 faculty and staff learn and work in ten faculties at two campuses, in Orillia and Thunder Bay, Ontario.  Lakehead University is a fully comprehensive university: home to Ontario’s first new Faculty of Law in 44 years, the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, and Faculties of Engineering, Business Administration, Health and Behavioural Sciences, Social Sciences and Humanities, Science and Environmental Studies, Natural Resources Management, Education and Graduate Studies. Lakehead is among Canada’s Top 10 undergraduate universities (2014 Maclean’s University Rankings), as well as 1st in Ontario and 2nd in Canada for its innovative research (Re$earch Infosource).  Visit http://www.lakeheadu.ca.

August 1, 2014 – Thunder Bay, ON

Environmental writers and academics from across Canada and beyond will visit Lakehead University’s Thunder Bay campus to participate in a conference exploring Culture, Environment, and Social Justice from Thursday, Aug. 7 to Sunday, Aug. 10.

This is the third biennial conference of the Association of Literature, Environment, and Culture in Canada (ALECC), a national association whose members show how humanities research provides critical insight into environmental issues.

“This conference will feature many leading environmental humanities scholars giving presentations on a range of topics including water politics, Indigenous rights, feminist issues, animals, and mining, among others,” said Dr. Cheryl Lousley, a member of the organizing committee and Associate Professor at Lakehead University in Interdisciplinary Studies and English.

“All of these subjects are linked by an overriding concern with the intersection between environmental and social justice issues,” Dr. Lousley said.

Conference highlights include three keynote presentations that are free of charge and open to the public and the media:

• Thursday, Aug. 7 at 4 pm in UC1017 – Opening address by the award-winning First Nations educator and writer Jeannette Armstrong.
• Friday, Aug. 8 at 10:30 am in RC0005 – Keynote panel on Feminism and Ecocriticism Now with Greta Gaard (University of Wisconsin, River Falls), Heather Latimer (University of British Columbia), and Catriona Sandilands (York University) – discussing the relationship between feminism and ecocriticism.
• Saturday, Aug. 9 at 5 pm in UC1017 – Keynote talk by Ramsey Hart of Mining Watch Canada who will discuss the Ring of Fire.

Please visit https://conferences.lakeheadu.ca/alecc/schedule for the conference schedule. For more information, email alecc2014@lakeheadu.ca or call Dr. Doug Ivison at (807) 346-7825.

Organized by members of Lakehead’s departments of English and Interdisciplinary Studies, this conference has been made possible with the support of units and individuals across the university.

Financial support was provided by the Office of the Provost and Vice-President (Academic), Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Department of English, Department of Interdisciplinary Studies, Faculty of Science and Environmental Studies, Centre for Place and Sustainability Studies, Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Mining and Exploration (CESME), Dr. Chris Southcott and Resources and Sustainable Development in the Arctic (ReSDA), Canadian Journal of Environmental Education, the Department of Music and the Department of Women’s Studies.

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Media: For more information or to arrange interviews, please contact Brandon Walker, Media Relations Officer, at (807) 343-8177, or mediarelations@lakeheadu.ca.

In 2015, Lakehead University will celebrate 50 years of exceptional education. Guided by a new Strategic Plan (2013-2018), our University is known for providing an education focused on independent thinking, unconventional scholarship, and a close sense of community. About 9,700 students and 2,000 faculty and staff learn and work in ten faculties at two campuses, in Orillia and Thunder Bay, Ontario. Home to Ontario’s first new Faculty of Law in 44 years (Fall 2013) and the Northern Ontario School of Medicine's West Campus, Lakehead is among Canada’s Top 10 undergraduate universities (2014 Maclean’s University Rankings), as well as 1^st in Ontario and 2^nd in Canada for its innovative research (Re$earch Infosource). Our Orillia campus is the first in North America to be built entirely to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) standards. Share your Lakehead story as it relates to our Strategic Plan at www.lakeheadu.ca/presidents-office/nurturing-passion, and learn more about Lakehead at www.lakeheadu.ca.

Dr. Carney Matheson and Margaret-Ashley Veall examined a grindstone surface.

July 15, 2014 – Thunder Bay, ON

Lakehead University Anthropology Professor Dr. Carney Matheson and one of his former students recently travelled to Bolzano, Italy to study the weapons and tools found with Europe’s oldest frozen mummy, Ötzi the Ice Man.

“Some people call Ötzi the greatest archaeological discovery of the last century,” Dr. Matheson said. “He’s one of the oldest natural mummies in the world which is pretty exceptional.”

Ötzi was discovered in 1991 by two German hikers in the Italian Alps. The frozen mummy was so well-preserved that police were called to investigate the discovery as a homicide. At 5,300 years of age, Ötzi lived during the Neolithic Age and is Europe’s oldest natural mummy. Previous examinations of Ötzi’s tools revealed DNA from the blood of four humans. Technology found in Ötzi’s possession, such as medicinal fungi, has not been found elsewhere in the Neolithic Era.

“Our work is a fascinating forensic investigation around the last moments of Ötzi’s life,” explained Dr. Matheson.

The Institute of Mummies and the Iceman, and the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology requested that Dr. Matheson replicate analyses of blood traces on the mummy’s equipment and clothing performed by Dr. Matheson’s former supervisor, Dr. Tom Loy, a researcher at the Institute for Molecular Biosciences at the University of Queensland, who died before his results could be published.

“There are many publications on Ötzi looking at him from all angles, however Dr. Loy was the only researcher to examine the mummy’s tools. Ötzi’s tools and equipment could be the key to everything,” Dr. Matheson said.

Dr. Matheson’s research team travelled to the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology, where the 5,300-year-old Ice Man is housed, in Bolzano, Italy earlier this year. His team examined approximately 20 artefacts found with Ötzi’s body, including hunting equipment, a first aid kit, medicinal items, and clothing.

Dr. Matheson brought equipment from Lakehead University to perform biochemical analyses of residues found on the artefacts, and to bring samples back to Canada for further study.

Research team member Margaret-Ashley Veall, a former student of Dr. Matheson’s who is now a PhD candidate at the University of Oxford, explained the magnitude of the opportunity to study Ötzi. “We’ve been planning this for two years. I dropped everything to do this – it’s a once-in-a-lifetime privilege. This is the best it gets when it comes to career highs.”

A major supporter of this historic research endeavour was the Institute of Italian Studies-Lakehead University (IIS-LU), which helped fund and equip the research team.

“This was a unique opportunity for the Institute of Italian Studies because we usually focus on language and history,” said IIS-LU President, Roy Piovesana. “The Institute was delighted to support any research relating to the Italian experience.”

Crupi Consulting Group provided shirts and lab coats which identified that the researchers were from Lakehead University and the Institute.

Dr. Matheson and IIS-LU intend to host public lectures to share their research findings and Ötzi experience with the community.

Dr. Matheson and Veall are available for interviews.

Roy Piovesana, far left, IIS-LU President, and John Bonofiglio, far right, Vice-President of IIS-LU, presented cheques to Margaret-Ashley Veall and Dr. Carney Matheson. In the middle is Laura Craig, Director of Research, Crupi Consulting Group.

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Media: For more information or to arrange interviews, please contact Brandon Walker, Media Relations Officer, at (807) 343-8177, or mediarelations@lakeheadu.ca.

In 2015, Lakehead University will celebrate 50 years of exceptional education. Guided by a new Strategic Plan (2013-2018), our University is known for providing an education focused on independent thinking, unconventional scholarship, and a close sense of community. About 9,700 students and 2,000 faculty and staff learn and work in ten faculties at two campuses, in Orillia and Thunder Bay, Ontario. Home to Ontario’s first new Faculty of Law in 44 years (Fall 2013) and the Northern Ontario School of Medicine's West Campus, Lakehead is among Canada’s Top 10 undergraduate universities (2014 Maclean’s University Rankings), as well as 1^st in Ontario and 2^nd in Canada for its innovative research (Re$earch Infosource). Our Orillia campus is the first in North America to be built entirely to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) standards. Share your Lakehead story as it relates to our Strategic Plan at www.lakeheadu.ca/presidents-office/nurturing-passion, and learn more about Lakehead at www.lakeheadu.ca.

July 5, 2014 – Thunder Bay, ON

A group of Lakehead alumni, staff and faculty are gathering at Fort William Historical Park from July 4-6 for a reunion of the 1984 Rendezvous Fort William Brigade.

In a partnership between the provincial bicentennial committee, Fort William Historical Park and Lakehead University, a group of 36 students, faculty and staff from Lakehead went on this epic adventure to mark the bicentennial of Ontario and the Great Northwest Company.

 “We spent two months paddling voyageur canoes along the traditional fur trade route. We started in Lachine, Que. and arrived at Old Fort William on July 1, 1984,” said Eric Cline, a technologist in Lakehead’s School of Outdoor Recreation, Parks and Tourism.

“Along the way we did historical presentations to thousands of school children and the public,” Cline said. The expedition had many benefits to all of the partners and for Lakehead there are still some lasting effects. 

“It served as a recruitment tool for potential students, it dramatically raised the profile of Lakehead University and the Outdoor Recreation program in the parts of Ontario that we travelled through, and it provided a lasting legacy in the form of a fleet of voyageur canoes that are still with the Outdoor Recreation program,” Cline said.

This expedition led to four similar trips involving Lakehead University. During the reunion, approximately 24 participants will visit the Lakehead Thunder Bay campus and Fort William Historical Park, and do some canoeing.

“These individuals are returning to Thunder Bay to celebrate the unique experience that for many was the highlight of their time at Lakehead,” Cline said.

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Media: For more information or to arrange interviews, please contact Brandon Walker, Media Relations Officer, at (807) 343-8177, or mediarelations@lakeheadu.ca.

In 2015, Lakehead University will celebrate 50 years of exceptional education. Guided by a new Strategic Plan (2013-2018), our University is known for providing an education focused on independent thinking, unconventional scholarship, and a close sense of community. About 9,700 students and 2,000 faculty and staff learn and work in ten faculties at two campuses, in Orillia and Thunder Bay, Ontario. Home to Ontario’s first new Faculty of Law in 44 years (Fall 2013) and the Northern Ontario School of Medicine's West Campus, Lakehead is among Canada’s Top 10 undergraduate universities (2014 Maclean’s University Rankings), as well as 1^st in Ontario and 2^nd in Canada for its innovative research (Re$earch Infosource). Our Orillia campus is the first in North America to be built entirely to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) standards. Share your Lakehead story as it relates to our Strategic Plan at www.lakeheadu.ca/presidents-office/nurturing-passion, and learn more about Lakehead at www.lakeheadu.ca.

Shad Valley students performed the Banana Song on Monday, June 30 at Lakehead University.

June 30, 2014 – Thunder Bay, ON

Lakehead University will once again host high school students participating in the annual Shad Valley program to learn about entrepreneurship, science and technology.

This year, 64 students from across Canada and one student from Saudi Arabia will live in our Thunder Bay campus residence from June 29 until July 25 while attending lectures and workshops at Lakehead University.

“Shad Valley brings together the brightest and best young minds to Lakehead,” said Dr. Sultan Siddiqui, Mechanical Engineering Professor and Director of Shad Lakehead. “Participating students will have a fun time learning while making friends and memories that will last a lifetime.”

The program is offered to students currently completing grade 10, 11 or 12, Quebec secondaire IV, V or CEGEP I, or the international equivalent.    

With workshops and lectures that focus on the sciences, engineering, technology and entrepreneurship, the program provides an academically stimulating, mind-expanding adventure for top well-rounded students. Students will also enjoy team-building exercises, recreational activities and the opportunity to explore local attractions, said Shad Valley President Barry Bisson.

“The mission of the Shad Valley program is to provide an exceptional and transformational experience that unleashes the entrepreneurial and innovative potential of exceptional youth,” Bisson said. “This program harnesses the potential of young people who will take these experiences and go on to change the world.”

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Media: For more information or to arrange interviews, please contact Brandon Walker, Media Relations Officer, at (807) 343-8177, or mediarelations@lakeheadu.ca.

In 2015, Lakehead University will celebrate 50 years of exceptional education. Guided by a new Strategic Plan (2013-2018), our University is known for providing an education focused on independent thinking, unconventional scholarship, and a close sense of community. About 9,700 students and 2,000 faculty and staff learn and work in ten faculties at two campuses, in Orillia and Thunder Bay, Ontario. Home to Ontario’s first new Faculty of Law in 44 years (Fall 2013) and the Northern Ontario School of Medicine's West Campus, Lakehead is among Canada’s Top 10 undergraduate universities (2014 Maclean’s University Rankings), as well as 1^st in Ontario and 2^nd in Canada for its innovative research (Re$earch Infosource). Our Orillia campus is the first in North America to be built entirely to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) standards. Share your Lakehead story as it relates to our Strategic Plan at www.lakeheadu.ca/presidents-office/nurturing-passion, and learn more about Lakehead at www.lakeheadu.ca.