b'A Testimonial FromDr. Paul Cormier,Chair of Aboriginal Educationand non-Indigenous peoples in Canada andLakehead. Although not as well known as around the globe. My research interestssome of the larger universities in Ontario and publications are related to Indigenousand Canada, our locations in Thunder Bay research and methodologies, Indigenousand Orillia place us directly in the tradition-Boozhoo, greetings from the Faculty ofPeace and Conflict, and traditional Indig- al territories of many Indigenous groups, Education at Lakehead University. Myenous learning systems. However, despitemaking processes for reconciliation a neces-name is Paul Cormier and I am a very proudthe academic focus of my job, I considersity in our programs and the size of our member of the Red Rock Indian Band ormyself a grass roots person and truly enjoyuniversity an asset. It allows us to maintain Opwaaganasiniing (Place where the pipe- visiting and working directly with Indige- close relationships with our students, their stone comes from) in Northern Ontario. Inous communities. families and communities.am currently an Associate Professor andThese are exciting times in the Depart- I believe people would say that I speak Chair of Aboriginal Education. ment of Aboriginal Education at Lakeheadfrom my heart and try my best to live a I came to this position by accident. I neverUniversity. We are currently running a did well in school as a teenager and took anspecial graduate program with Biigtigongbalanced and respectful life. I love being an extra year to graduate, from high school soNishnaabeg designed and implemented ineducator and I sincerely hope that students I never imagined having a career in educa- partnership with the First Nation. Includedwho come through my classes and take tion. However, after taking a few years offare specific courses related to their uniqueprograms in the Department of Aboriginal school, I completed my Bachelor of Edu- cultural activities on the land. The programEducation will feel this deep sense of broth-cation degree from McGill University andis being used as a model to transform ourerhood and family.then worked for many years with the federalundergraduate teacher education programsIf you desire an educational experience government before returning to school toand we are currently in discussion with an- where you will be treated as a family complete my Masters Degree in Conflictother First Nation to design an undergrad- member, where you will learn from your Analysis and Management. My jobs have al- uate degree program specifically for theircommunity, where you will be encouraged ways been about education and understand- needs. I hope this type of community drivento privilege traditional Indigenous practices, form of education will become common ing between communities and peoples. practice for our department. where you get to know your professors on a My passion is working with IndigenousAs a status Indian and proud First Nationspersonal level, and where you can facilitate communities. The majority of my adult lifeperson who worked in variety of sectorsthe transformation of the education system, I have spent trying to improve their liveswith a number of organizations, I canthen please consider Lakehead Universities and having a PHD in Peace and Conflicthonestly say that I have never been moreFaculty of Education and the Department Studies allows me to directly work on thesupported and welcomed as I have sinceof Aboriginal Education as your choice in complex relationship between Indigenousstarting with the Faculty of Education atteacher training and certification.'