Menu

Lakehead University

Lakehead-Grassy Narrows MOU

Lakehead signs MOU to train staff for upcoming Grassy Narrows care home

,

Lakehead University and Grassy Narrows First Nation are partnering to prepare students for roles at a new care home in the community.

The Grassy Narrows Mercury Care Home is scheduled to open November 2027.

“Finally they’re training our people how to care for our people and our community,” said Grassy Narrows Chief Sherry Ackabee. “Nobody deserves to be away from home. All of our people are shipped into Kenora for Mercury, for care. And there’s been mistreatment in hospitals. Everybody knows about it. But at least at home in Grassy, they’ll be well looked after.”

Executive Director of Grassy Narrows Mercury Care Home Lauri Ann Marshall signs the MOU at Wednesday’s ceremony (Jacob Henriksen-Willis / May 6 2026)

Lakehead President Dr. Gillian Siddall estimates a need for around 100 full-time staff at the home.

“We are providing access to nursing programs, social work programs, and possibly kinesiology programs as well,” Giddall said. “We’re also looking at offering some of that programming on site in Grassy Narrows so that community members don’t always have to come to Thunder Bay to get that education.”

Members of Grassy Narrows First Nation made the six-hour drive to Lakehead for the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding and the Memorandum of Agreement.

“The Memorandum of Understanding, signed between me and the Chief, is to acknowledge our mutual commitment to working together in various capacities,” Giddall said. “The Memorandum of Agreement is a manifestation of that, where we’ve actually got some concrete actions identified where we can work together and learn from each other.”

Grassy Narrows First Nation representatives and students travelled over six hours to Lakehead’s Agora for the ceremony (Jacob Henriksen-Willis / May 6 2026)

Lakehead’s Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences will lead the training of students for the care home.

“Some of our people need constant care,” Ackabee said. “Because of all the years we’ve waited, we’ve lost so many. Our younger generations are getting more sick too. I would just like to try and keep our people as healthy as could be, but we take it one day at a time.”

“November of next year will be an exciting time. Our people get to come home and into our own Mercury Care home.”

IMG_6971

Lakehead University to sign MOU with Grassy Narrows Mercury Care Home

,

Lakehead University and Paapiiwaaniimaan Grassy Narrows Mercury Care Home (GNMCH) will formally sign a Memorandum of Understanding and Memorandum of Agreement on Wednesday.

According to a Lakehead press release, the goal of the agreement is to advance education, workforce development, student placements, and community-driven research.

Dr. Chief Sherry Ackabee and Deputy Chief Bear Copenace of Grassy Narrows First Nation will be in attendance as well as Lakehead President Dr. Gillian Siddall and Health and Behavioural Sciences Dean Dr. Mirella Stroink.

The event will be held at Lakehead’s Agora. Opening prayer and ceremony are scheduled for 11 am.

petvalu

Paws for a Cause raising funds to train more vets

Lakehead University is asking the public to help complete fundraising efforts to build a new large animal education facility for its veterinary program.

To donate online, click here. All three Pet Valu locations in Thunder Bay have opened their doors to host donation centres for the program as well. Donations to this Paws for a Cause initiative will be accepted until the end of April.

“I think many people across the north are aware of the vet shortage,” said Todd Randall, Dean of the Faculty of Science and Environmental Studies at Lakehead and interim Chair of the Department of Veterinary Science. “The importance of this program is to address that shortage.”

Last year, the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association reported that the vet shortage in northwestern Ontario was severe and could continue until 2031. Many pets in the region are on a wait list for treatment that can last from months to years.

“We need vets very, very badly,” said Jeff Palmer, Lakehead alumni and owner of all three Pet Valus in Thunder Bay. “Probably for the last 15 years we’ve been dealing with this where vets are just not taking new clients.”

Lakehead interim Chair of the Department of Veterinary Science Todd Randall (left) shakes hands with Pet Valu franchisee Jeff Palmer (right). Jasper, Randall’s furry friend in the middle, is currently on a long wait list to get vaccinated (Jacob Henriksen-Willis, April 8 2026)

The new education facility will house large animals. It will have the capacity for 24 cows, 14 sheep and 6 horses. Funds will also go towards a communication skills lab, clinical skills lab and an anatomy lab for the vet program.

According to Randall, students will learn the anatomy of these animals, how to assess their overall health, and then how to prescribe a treatment plan for them.

There are only two large animal vets in northwestern Ontario.

“The idea that someone can go to school here and stay here, continue to practice here and maybe have their own vet clinic here is exciting,” Palmer said. “I think it’s needed.”

Lakehead’s new collaborative Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Program is a partnership between Lakehead University and the University of Guelph’s Ontario Veterinary College. 20 northern students are accepted each term. They spend two years at Guelph then two years at Lakehead to complete their degree.

The program started in September of 2025. The students are currently completing the Guelph portion of their degree, and Lakehead expects its new facilities to be ready when they arrive in Thunder Bay in 2027.

“Our first 20 students are from all over northern Ontario,” Randall said. “They feel very prepared.”

Anyone who donates more than $5 at Pet Valu will have their name displayed on a paw on the community bulletin board at the store.

“I’ve been around town and when people realize I’m connected to the vet program, they get really excited about what it means for the city and the wider region of the north,” Randall said.

forest

Lakehead project studying forest drought earns provincial grant

, ,

A Lakehead University research project studying how climate change-induced drought affects conifer pine trees will receive $60,000 over the next four years from the Ontario government’s Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR).

The project is headed by Dr. Qing-Lai Dang, a Lakehead Professor in the Faculty of Natural Resources Management.

As climate change makes droughts more frequent and severe, Dang hopes understand the stress mechanisms which cause Ontario’s conifer pines to die.

“What we do not know is how dry is too dry for the trees, and how much the drought actually reduces their growth and productivity,” Dang explains.

The research project will also provide information to the MNR to help the body update its forestry management guidelines, with future-proofed policies that account for climate change.

Through studying how pine trees die from drought, Dang also hopes to make forests more resilient.

In drought, trees tend to die either from “carbon starvation” or “hydraulic failure”.

Dang hopes to determine which tree species are dying from which mechanism.

“That mechanism of identification can be used by tree breeders to breed trees for the future that will be more drought resilient,” he says.

The professor believes his research has environmental and economic implications.

Drought will hurt forestry industries and the communities which rely on them, and diminish the biodiversity of forest ecosystems.

In addition to the provincial grant, the project is also receiving $120,000 from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada.

The grant money will help the project pay for graduate and postdoctoral students to assist with research.

Dang says the focus of his research for more than two decades has been to understand how boreal forests will respond to climate change, to see “what kind of forests we will have by the end of the century.”

image001

Thunder Bay post-secondary institutions receiving funding to train more students

, , ,

Both Confederation College and Lakehead University (LU) have received money from the provincial government to help the organizations train more students.

The college is receiving the bulk of the funding, a total of $2,238,925, to train up to 267 additional students in construction programs.

“Between the multiple (construction) programs, the demand is huge. There’s obviously major construction that’s happening in northwestern Ontario, and these programs help to support that work,” said Confederation College President Michelle Salo.

“There’s definitely domestic student demand. That’s what we saw this past fall with the intake, so we’re hoping it will continue.”

The programs are also available to eligible international students.

According to the college, most of the students stay in the north to continue their careers.

An additional $800,320 is being delivered to Lakehead to expand enrollment in nursing programs at the university.

“Absolutely wonderful news for Lakehead and for our nursing program, but more importantly for the city of Thunder Bay in the region of Northwestern,” said the President and Vice Chancellor of Lakehead University, Dr. Gillian Siddall.

“Nurses are the backbone of our healthcare system, and I think particularly so in the north and in more rural and remote regions of the north, so it’s just fantastic news.”

LU was unable to provide information on how many more students will be able to enter a nursing program with the funding.

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.

new-european-union-flag

LU Professor Says EU Membership for Ukraine Uncertain

, , , , , , ,

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky wants the process for Ukraine membership into the European Union (EU) to be fast-tracked.

He made the plea Tuesday as the conflict with Russia is into day five.

Former President Petro Poroshenko signed an association agreement with the EU in 2017, which requires both parties to co-operate and converge on economic policy, legislation and regulation.

“A broad range of issues (are covered) including things like workers rights, human rights, VISA free movement between Ukraine and the 28 member states of the European Union,” explained Dr. Stephen Jobbitt, Associate Professor in History with Lakehead University. “There’s also a commitment to exchange information and staff with respect to justice issues. There’s also talk of modernizing the energy infrastructure of Ukraine.”

Jobbitt noted that the economic part of the agreement was certified in 2014 following the overthrowing of former President Viktor Yanukovych, which contributed to growing tensions between Russia and Ukraine, and Russia and the West.

Jobbitt added it is unlikely that the EU will fast track membership for Ukraine, largely because Putin will consider it a further act of aggression by the West.

If finalized, Ukraine would gain more direct access to the European Investment Bank (EIB).

Countries that want to join the EU have to make a commitment to economical, judicial and financial reforms that meet European standards.

Officials made no commitment to expedite the process of membership.

kpdsb-lu-sign-scaled-1

LU, Keewatin Patricia School Board Sign Agreement

, , ,

Lakehead University and the Keewatin Patricia District School Board are working together to help more students go to university through their new Achievement Program.

Before the they signed a memorandum of understanding this past week, Lakehead University President and Vice-Chancellor Moira McPherson said it’s all about the kids.

“Today is about hope and opportunity. It’s about young students, and offering them hope and an opportunity to realize their dreams of going to university,” McPherson said.

The Achievement Program starts in grade four and helps eligible students earn financial support towards their first year at Lakehead.

At the moment, only eligible students from Sioux Mountain Public School in Sioux Lookout will be participating.

KPDSB Director of Education Sherri-Lynne Pharand said it offers plenty of opportunities for students to visit the school.

“They’ve experimented in the nursing lab, they’ve gone to the astronomy lab, they’ve built structures, they’ve tried out engineering, all kinds of different careers and possibilities for them to begin to dream about,” she explained.

Jill Dunlop is the Minister of Colleges and Universities and pointed out Lakehead and the KPDSB are taking important steps to increase access to post-secondary education.

“By removing some of the financial and other barriers to higher education, we are helping young learners onto the path of education, training, and skills building they need to start rewarding careers, helping to recognize their potential, and contributing to a stronger community,” Dunlop said.

The KPDSB has schools in the communities of Kenora, Sioux Narrows, Vermilion Bay, Ear Falls, Red Lake, Dryden, Sioux Lookout, Ignace, Pickle Lake, Savant Lake and Upsala, and serves many neighbouring and far north First Nation communities.

lakehead-university-photo-supplied-1

LU Holds Virtual Convocation

, , , ,

Lakehead University is recognizing its latest batch of graduates with a virtual convocation ceremony.

It’s the university’s first virtual ceremony.

President Dr. Moira McPherson says with today’s online event, they want to recognize students’ achievements and the people who have supported them, especially during the pandemic.

“Convocation is also a very, very special day for them as well,” she points out. “We extend our congratulations to our graduates, but we also extend congratulations to their family and friends.”

Dr. McPherson notes the university has been preparing for this since the early days of the pandemic.

The main convocation ceremony gets underway at 11 this morning, and you can watch it at this link.

The university will also hand out honourary degrees to the Honourable Murray Sinclair, PARO Centre for Women’s Enterprise Founder and CEO Rosalind Lockyer, and former CEO of Paterson GlobalFoods and past Chair of Tbaytel Donald Paterson. Lakehead will also honour Seppo Paivalainen and Vince Mirabelli by naming them Fellows of the University for contributing to the growth, development, welfare and well-being of the school.

Approximately 2,600 students will graduate during faculty convocation ceremonies being held from June 7 to 11. Graduates from the class of 2020 are also invited to attend. Each ceremony can be watched live at lakeheadu.ca/convocation.

Faculty convocation schedule

Monday, June 7

  • 10 am – Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences
  • 1 pm – Northern Ontario School of Medicine (West Campus)

Tuesday, June 8

  • 10 am – Faculty of Science and Environmental Studies
  • 1 pm – Faculty of Law

Wednesday, June 9

  • 10 am – Faculty of Natural Resources Management
  • 1 pm – Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities

Thursday, June 10

  • 10 am – Faculty of Engineering
  • 1 pm – Faculty of Education

Friday, June 11

  • 10 am – Faculty of Business Administration
50651912413_46598febd3_b

LU To Study Mental Health, Exercise Amid COVID

, , , , , ,

Lakehead University is getting a $25,000 grant to study how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted student’s physical activity and mental health.

Professor Ian Newhouse and Associate Professor Erin Pearson, both from Lakehead University’s School of Kinesiology, will be heading the research.

Dr. Pearson explains she’s noticed trends in university students’ physical activity since the start of the pandemic.

“Interestingly, what we’ve seen is that some people have actually increased their physical activity during COVID to cope, or as a form of stress release, whereas others have had their levels decline or stay at zero,” she notes.

Dr. Pearson feels this is an important subject to study.

“This has been a really hard year, and for university students in particular we’ve seen evidence of poor mental health, partly in response to the remote learning shift and lots of really important life facets,” she explains. “Because we’re researchers in the School of Kinesiology, we are interested in learning more about physical activity and how that can be used as a health promoting strategy in various populations.”

Dr. Newhouse says the this project would last around a year.

“We’re just bringing it through ethics now and we hope to recruit our participants in September, and we’ll do the quantitative portion of this study that first semester. Interviews would follow in February of next year,” he says.

This study will help identify barriers to physical activity and the connection to student mental health, and help develop future programs to benefit students.

Load More