Lakehead University will celebrate the achievements of 1,999 graduates at its Thunder Bay campus convocation ceremonies on May 29 and 30, 2025.
"Crossing the convocation stage signifies not just the conclusion of a chapter it represents a transformation," stated President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Gillian Siddall. "During their time at Lakehead, our graduates have developed their knowledge, confidence, and resilience. The entire university community is honoured to celebrate their achievements and to be a part of their journey. Congratulations to the class of 2025!"
In addition to celebrating the graduating class of 2025, Lakehead will recognize three outstanding individuals with honorary degrees and a retired long-serving faculty member with the title of Fellow of the University, honouring their leadership, creativity, and contributions to their fields and communities.
Jean Paul Gladu, Margaret Kenequanash, and Jennifer Podemski will each be conferred an honorary degree, and Dr. Nancy Luckai will be named a Fellow of the University.
"The Lakehead community is excited to celebrate the incredible work and insights of this year's honorary degree recipients," said Dr. Siddall. "Each of them has made meaningful contributions to Indigenous empowerment, economic development, and the arts. Their inspiring voices will surely motivate our graduates as they embark on their journeys into the future."
2025 Thunder Bay Honorary Degree and Fellow Recipients:
Jean Paul Gladu
Doctor of Commerce
Jean Paul (JP) Gladu is the Principal of Mokwateh and a leader in Indigenous business and sustainable development. With nearly 35 years of experience in the natural resource sector, JP has worked across Canada and internationally with Indigenous communities, industry, and governments to advance economic reconciliation.
He served as President and CEO of the Canadian Council for Indigenous Business for eight years and has held leadership roles with organizations including Suncor, the Institute of Corporate Directors, and BHP's Forum for Corporate Responsibility. JP holds a forestry diploma from Sault College, a degree in forestry from Northern Arizona University, and an Executive MBA from Queen's University. He is a senior fellow with the Macdonald-Laurier Institute and a 2024 Public Policy Forum Honouree.
The degree of Doctor of Commerce will be conferred on Thursday, May 29 at the 9 a.m. ceremony at the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium.
Margaret Kenequanash
Doctor of Humane Letters
Margaret Kenequanash is CEO of Wataynikaneyap Power and a visionary leader in First Nations infrastructure and governance. A member of North Caribou Lake First Nation, she was elected her community's first female Chief in 1996 and has spent more than 25 years in senior leadership roles, including as Executive Director of the Shibogama First Nations Council.
At Wataynikaneyap Power, Margaret led the Indigenous-owned project that connected 17 remote First Nations to Ontario's power grid, ending their dependence on diesel and improving quality of life through clean, reliable energy. She is widely respected across First Nations and governmental sectors for her tireless advocacy and commitment to Indigenous-led development.
The degree of Doctor of Humane Letters will be conferred on Thursday, May 29 at the 2 p.m. ceremony at the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium.
Jennifer Podemski
Doctor of Fine Arts
Jennifer Podemski is an award-winning actor, writer, director, and producer whose work has reshaped Indigenous representation in Canadian film and television. Of Anishinaabe and Ashkenazi heritage, Jennifer co-founded Big Soul Productions and later launched Redcloud Studios Inc., producing groundbreaking content that centers Indigenous voices.
Her creative work includes the acclaimed series Little Bird and The Other Side and performances in Degrassi, Blackstone, Empire of Dirt, and Cardinal. In 2020, she founded The Shine Network Institute, a nonprofit that supports Indigenous women in the screen and media industries. Jennifer continues to be a force for storytelling, representation, and mentorship in Canadian arts and culture.
The degree of Doctor of Fine Arts will be conferred on Friday, May 30 at the 9 a.m. ceremony at the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium.
Dr. Nancy Luckai
Fellow of the University
Dr. Nancy Luckai is Professor Emerita in the Faculty of Natural Resources Management and a proud Lakehead alumna, having earned undergraduate and master's degrees in forestry before completing a PhD from the University of Guelph. Her expertise in forest ecology and soils led to the creation of the FoReST Lab, a nationally accredited facility that supported research, industry, and community partners for over 20 years. Her work has earned her several honours, including Lakehead's Innovation Award and the Woman of Influence (Public Sector) Award from the Northwestern Ontario Businesswomen's Association.
A dedicated volunteer, Dr. Luckai has served on the boards of the Nanabijou Childcare Centre, the National Training and Development Centre, and Lakehead's Alumni Association, where she was named Director Emerita. She also served as Deputy Provost and continues contributing to forestry education as a Canadian Forestry Accreditation Board reviewer.
The title of Fellow of the University will be bestowed on Friday, May 30 at the 9 a.m. ceremony at the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium.
For more information, visit lakeheadu.ca/convocation.
