Lakehead University professors Dr. Christopher Mushquash and Dr. Sarah Olutola are joining the Royal Society of Canada's Class of 2025, one of the country's highest academic honours.
Dr. Christopher Mushquash
Dr. Christopher Mushquash, a leading figure in Indigenous mental health and addiction research, clinical care, and training, will be inducted as an RSC Fellow in recognition of his remarkable contributions to shaping policy and practice that improve systems of care across the country. His work integrates traditional knowledge with scientific approaches to ensure care for Indigenous peoples is culturally and contextually appropriate.
"To be recognized as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada is a tremendous honour made possible through the support and dedication of my family, friends, colleagues, trainees, and research team, but most importantly, the respectful collaboration with our community organization partners, Elders, youth, and communities that our team is dedicated to serving," said Dr. Mushquash, Canada Research Chair in Indigenous Mental Health and Addiction and professor in the Department of Psychology.
A member of Pawgwasheeng (Pays Plat First Nation), Dr. Mushquash holds several key leadership roles, including Director of the Centre for Rural and Northern Health Research at Lakehead, Vice President Research at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, and Chief Scientist at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Research Institute.
Dr. Sarah Olutola, a rising leader in Black critical theory, African and African diasporic postcolonialism, and social justice, will be inducted into the RSC's College of New Scholars, Artists, and Scientists. Recognized as both a groundbreaking scholar and a leading voice in young adult literature, her work bridges academic research and creative writing to spark global conversations about race, gender, and youth culture.
"As a scholar, public intellectual, and novelist, I've designed the scope of my research and art to materialize the transformative potential of Black feminist scholarship, and I'm truly honoured that the College has recognized my work," said Dr. Olutola.
An associate professor in the Department of English, Dr. Olutola brings together scholarship and creative writing to engage global audiences, exploring race and gender in popular media and youth culture. Writing under the pen name "Sarah Raughley," she is the author of several young adult fantasy novels, including the bestselling Effigies series and the recently released The Queen's Spade, which addresses themes of imperialism, humanitarianism, and adoption.
Lakehead president and vice-chancellor, Dr. Gillian Siddall, extended her congratulations.
Dr. Sarah Olutola
"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 Dr. Siddall. "Congratulations to these exceptional researchers whose achievements are affecting real change for people and making a lasting impact on society."
Dr. Mushquash and Dr. Olutola will be formally inducted into the RSC at a ceremony on November 14.
