Trent University Indigenous Scholar Given Top Provincial Teaching Award

Trent University professor Dr. Barbara Moktthewenkwe Wall has been named a recipient of the 2026 Teaching and Academic Librarianship Award from the Ontario Confederation of University Faculty Associations (OCUFA).

Photo courtesy of Trent University.

“Dr. Wall’s teaching transforms how students understand their relationship with the land and community," said Dr. Cathy Bruce, Trent president and vice-chancellor. "Interdisciplinarity is a cornerstone of a Trent education, and Barbara embodies that work wholly. Students who are fortunate enough to learn from her develop an understanding of care for the environment through their academic and cultural experiences.”

According to Trent, the award recognizes the Chanie Wenjack School for Indigenous Studies scholar, Knowledge Holder of mixed ancestry, Bodwewaadmii Anishinaabekwe, and geotechnical engineer, for her commitment to land-based learning and to bringing Anishinaabe ways of knowing, being and doing into Indigenous and environmental studies classrooms.

“Dr. Barbara Wall's classrooms are inherently different than students’ other classrooms. She teaches in a reflective, compassionate, intellectual way that breaks down barriers,” said Heléna Mauti of the Indigenous Environmental Studies and Sciences program. “Her lecture 'Trees As Knowledge Holders' brings students into a world where they see the power of trees from the perspective of Anishinaabe knowledges. In the students learning reflections year after year, they write about how unique of an experience this is.”

“I am honoured to receive the OCUFA award,” said Prof. Wall. “This is my life’s work and passion. Working alongside learners, practitioners and Indigenous communities to care for our lands and waters is the path forward to sustainability and the protection of biodiversity and all of life. This work brings hope in the midst of the global environmental polycrisis.”

Ruth Duncan of Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation and Jessica Pauze of Garden River First Nation are former students of Wall. They were the nominators for her OCUFA award and contributed to chapters in the book based on their current Indigenous environmental practice.

“She has been one of the professors who has had the greatest impact on me,” said Duncan. “She has cared for me, taught me, and guided me through my journey as a student, both inside and outside the classroom. She has shown me how to carry myself with respect, how to approach challenges with courage, and how to ground myself in both knowledge and community.”

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Pathway of Fame Announces Its Inductees For 2026

The Pathway of Fame, Peterborough & District has announced its class of 2026 Inductees to be honoured at Showplace Performance Centre on Sept. 15.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The Heritage Trio is performing prior to the induction ceremony. The event is open to the general public, as well as to families, friends and supporters of the inductees. Admission is free and reservations are not required.

The following are this year’s inductees and their biographies:

Dr. Kim Curtin (Community Builder)

In response to a 2008 request from Queen’s University, Dr. Kim Curtin developed a two-year Family Medicine Residency Program in Peterborough that today stands as a model of success, with more than 60 percent of its graduates practicing family medicine in Peterborough city and county, most of those contributing to health care at the Peterborough Regional Health Centre and still others very instrumental in the provision of services to the community’s most vulnerable.

Alec Denys (Community Builder)

A five-time Paralympian in archery and a world record holder, Alec Denys’ resilience and determination following a devastating spinal cord injury saw him dedicate his life wholly to the benefit of others, as evidenced by his many years as a peer mentor and support leader with Spinal Cord Injury Ontario, and leadership roles with the Douro-Dummer Seniors Club and the Active Together Program facilitated by Peterborough’s Council for Persons with Disabilities.

Keith Dalton/Elaine Orgill (Community Builder)

Peterborough Action for Tiny Homes (PATH) owes much of its success to the volunteer contributions and strongly beating social hearts of Keith Dalton and Elaine Orgill, their contributions ranging from Elaine’s organizing of, and participation in, fundraising events for the organization to Keith’s service as a member of PATH’s Land Acquisition Group and as a project manager.

Rob Rusland (Community Samaritan)

Building on the legacy of his father who founded Rusland’s Auctions in 1972, Rob Rusland’s has voluntarily conducted thousands of fundraising charity auctions, with the list of grateful beneficiaries near endless and the proceeds in the millions of dollars. In addition, his volunteer work has elicited a number of awards, including Rotary recognition as a Paul Harris

Fellow and the Schofield Award of Community Distinction from the United Way.

Marion Griffin (Dramatic Arts)

President and chair of the Peterborough Theatre Guild for six years, Marion Griffin’s contributions to the community theatre troupe over five decades range from set painting and stage managing to producing and directing. An accomplished pianist and organist, Griffin sings with, and conducts, four community choirs, and, since retiring 10 years ago, has still found the time to tutor students.

Wayne Robinson (Entertainment)

Singer, actor, producer, arranger…Wayne Robinson’s contributions to Peterborough’s cultural landscape number many, with the success of several Peterborough Theatre Guild musicals traced to his involvement both onstage and off. Over six years, he sang a number of songs in each of the popular Spring Tonic shows at Showplace, performed with the Kawartha Jazz Ensemble, has headlined a number of benefits, and is today active with The Peterborough Singers.

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Trent University Canada Research Chair Receives Polar Medal From Governor General of Canada

With his work for Arctic sovereignty and northern security, Trent University’s Dr. P. Whitney Lackenbauer has been awarded the Polar Medal from Mary Simon, former Trent chancellor and Governor General of Canada.

Dr. P. Whitney Lackenbauer (right) stands with fellow Polar Medal recipient Marie-Pierre Parenteau (left) and Governor General Mary Simon (middle) after the medal presentation ceremony. Photo courtesy of Trent University.

“Whitney’s work on polar policy and research has helped shape Canada’s understanding and engagement in the North at a pivotal moment for our country,” said Dr. Cathy Bruce, Trent president and vice-chancellor. “Through leadership service and his role with the 1st Canadian Ranger Patrol Group, he is advancing Canada’s work in Arctic sovereignty and security. It is an exception honour for Trent to see Whitney recognized with the Polar Medal.”

The Polar Medal is awarded to individuals who have provided outstanding service in support of scientific research and exploration relating to Canada’s polar regions and interests. A professor in the School for the Study of Canada at Trent University, Prof. Lackenbauer’s award-winning research explores the historical and socio-political dimensions of Arctic governance and the relationships between Northern peoples, their environment and federal policy.

“In 2026, I cannot say strongly enough how vital this work is—how much it matters to our country and to our shared future. For a long time, there was a disconnect between the needs of Arctic peoples and the decisions that shaped their lives, not to mention the legacy of colonialism,” said Simon. “Today, the Arctic is seen as a region of opportunity. Issues of security and sovereignty are coming to the forefront. Dr. Lackenbauer: thank you for your research on Arctic governance and for your commitment to security, notably as honorary lieutenant-colonel of the 1st Canadian Ranger Patrol Group.”

“With a proliferation of perceived security and sovereignty challenges through, to, and in the Arctic, it is more important than ever to characterize threats appropriately and to ensure that the right actors are empowered with the right tools to mitigate risks and respond as needed,” said Lackenbauer.

Prof. Lackenbauer has worked with the Canadian Ranger Patrol Group forovern a decade, which has been a source of knowledge and guidance for much of his work on community-centred policy and advancing knowledge of Arctic governance, Northern sovereignty and security. In 2025, he published TAKUNIQ: The Canadian Rangers and Canada’s High Arctic in an Era of Strategic Competition, based on his ongoing engagement in this capacity, working alongside Northern communities.

“The Canadian Rangers are the Canadian Armed Force’s eyes, ears and voice in the North, and Northern communities’ voice in the Canadian Armed Forces,” said Prof. Lackenbauer. “Most of the ‘exploring’ that I have done is with experts who are operating in their homeland, which they know intimately. If anything, I have learned to become an ‘expert’ in following their lead, listening to them and then being entrusted with telling stories of what they or we have experienced in hopes that this will improve policy, practice and public awareness.”

Created in 2015 as part of the Canadian Honours System, the Polar Medal was last awarded in 2019. Prof. Lackenbauer is the second Trent faculty member to receive the honour, following the late Arctic historian and author Dr. Shelagh Grant, one of the medal’s inaugural recipients in 2015.

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Junior Achievement of Northern and Eastern Ontario Inducts Class of 2026 Into Business Hall of Fame

Junior Achievement of Northern and Eastern Ontario (JA-NEO) has officially inducted eight names into the 11th Annual JA Business Hall of Fame in a ceremony at the Venue on Thursday night.

File Photo.

The evening honoured outstanding Laureates whose professional achievements, entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to community have helped shape the Peterborough region and inspire future generations of leaders and changemakers, according to JA-NEO.

The 2026 JA Business Hall of Fame inductees include:

• Brenda Ibey, Avant Garden Shop

• Chuck White, Rapid Lift Inc.

• Dave Bucholtz & Jim Bailey, Cambium Inc.

• Jason & Niki Pulchinski, At the Lake Distributing Inc.

• Martha Sullivan, Sullivan Law PTBO

• Peter Blodgett, Darling Insurance

• Vance Robbins, Anden Kitchen & Bath Centre

The evening also included a special tribute recognizing the extraordinary contributions of John McNutt and Sheryl Hopkins to both the Peterborough community and Junior Achievement of Northern and Eastern Ontario.

McNutt had passed away in late April and served as JA-NEO’s CEO and president.

“This event has always been about more than business,” said Cody McIntyre, JA-NEO Interim President and CEO. “It is about showing young people what is possible when passion, integrity, and community come together. Every inductee honoured this evening represents a different path to success, and those stories matter deeply to the next generation. JA-NEO extends its sincere gratitude to the event investors, volunteers, supporters, and attendees whose continued commitment helps make youth programming possible across the region.”

Funds raised through the Business Hall of Fame directly support hands-on learning opportunities in financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and work readiness for young people in Peterborough and the surrounding area.

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Trent University Statistician Receives Two National Awards for Teaching Excellence

Dr. Wesley Burr, associate professor and chair of Mathematics & Statistics at Trent University, is the recipient of two national honours for teaching excellence, announced on Monday.

Photo courtesy of Trent University.

Burr received the Statistics Society of Canada’s (SSC) 2026 Early Career Educator Award and the Canadian Mathematical Society’s (CMS) 2026 Excellence in Teaching Award. 

“Stemming from his ability to combine expertise with enthusiasm and curiosity, Dr. Burr’s work is transforming the experience of learning math and stats for countless learners,” says Dr. Cathy Bruce, Trent president and vice-chancellor. “Some students are intimidated by mathematics, and Wesley is effectively changing that experience. He is helping students build confidence and competence in their learning journey of statistics. These national honours recognize Dr. Burr’s commitment to ensuring every student has the opportunity to succeed.” 

“Mathematics and statistics are fundamental for life and learning, particularly in the sciences, but like a language, you have to practice and speak it regularly to gain fluency. All it takes for kids to believe they can't do math is one bad year, so people close that door too early and shut themselves off from some really interesting possibilities,” explained Burr. “Like a story, courses in math and stats should take students on a journey. Students start somewhere, arrive somewhere else, and along the way they’re connecting ideas, reinforcing concepts and growing.”

Since joining Trent in 2016, Prof. Burr has taught 19 different courses, some as many as 13 times. 

This month, Burr will formally receive the CMS Excellence in Teaching Award at the 2026 CMS Summer Meeting in Saint John, N.B. and the SSC Early Career Educator Award at the 2026 SSC Annual Meeting in Hamilton.

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Peterborough County Warden Recieves Rob Ford Community Leader Award for Cross-Border Leadership through EOWC

For her leadership and service, Peterborough County Warden Bonnie Clark has been named the recipient of the Rob Ford Community Leader Award, announced on Thursday.

Photo courtesy of the Eastern Ontario Wardens' Caucus.

The award recognizes her leadership, dedication to public service, and significant contributions to strengthening communities through her work advancing cross-border collaboration at the Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus (EOWC) as its Chair.

The Rob Ford Community Leader Award is presented annually by the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative and Earl Provost, Ontario’s Agent-General in Chicago, on behalf of the Government of Ontario.

The award honours individuals who demonstrate a strong commitment to public service, regional advocacy, and grassroots engagement.

According to the County, Clark has helped elevate the voice of rural Eastern Ontario on the international stage through her work with the Caucus. She also helped advance partnerships between Canada and the United States, particularly across the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence regions.

A formal presentation took place earlier this month at the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative Annual Conference.

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Community Members Honoured at 2025 Civic Awards

The City of Peterborough recognized individuals and groups whose volunteer efforts, achievements, and contributions strengthened the community and enhanced residents’ quality of life at the 2025 Civic Awards, held at the McDonnel Street Community Centre on Thursday.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough,

“The Civic Awards recognize the outstanding individuals and groups whose contributions and achievements have made a meaningful difference in our community,” said Mayor Jeff Leal.  “Through their volunteer efforts, dedication, and commitment to others, this year’s recipients have helped enrich the lives of residents across Peterborough. On behalf of City Council and the community, I extend congratulations and appreciation to all of the 2025 Civic Award recipients for the positive impact they have made.”

Civic Award recipients are first nominated by community members and each nomination is reviewed by a Citizen Appointment Selection Working Group. A list of candidates is then brought to City Council for consideration.  

Civic Award recipients are as follows: 

Community Betterment 

• Community Care Peterborough Visiting and Social Safety Volunteers

• Jan Williams-Stephen

• Alan Cavell

• Dr. Cam Crawford

• Tiffany Arcari

• Phillip Jolicoeur

• Makaya Dafoe

Cultural Betterment 

• Peterborough Folk Festival 2025 Board of Directors: Rob Davis, Megan Wells, Rebecca Schillemat, Chad Hogan, Carol Lawless, Tanye Nye, Lyn Giles, Emma Macdonald, Jennifer Jaruczek and Teresa Mycroft

• Peterborough Musicfest Volunteers: Lynda Motschenbacher, Marilyn Philpot, Matthew Cabanlig, Sharon Smith, Lucy Ferrill, Michael Shearer and Tracy Beverley

Athletic Award of Merit 

• Braxtin Howard

• Peterborough U8 Tigers Baseball: Weston Perrin, Lucas Nelson, Easton Condon, Louis Curry, Reed Tivy, Chase Massie, Camden Raftis, Declan Manol, Asher Young, Reign Mercer, Henry Helleman and Jackson Pyke

• Kawartha U9 Girls Lacrosse: Sienna Adams, Kinsley Briffett, Jocelyn Brioux, Carly Clark, Grace Crawford, Layla Doherty, Addie Harrald, Chloe Hunt, Nev McCormick, Olivia Oakley, Emma O’Halloran, Rylan Tully, and Perry White

• Anna Christensen  

• Reed Chamberlain  

Environmental Stewardship/Sustainability 

• Steve Paul

Mayor’s Youth Award 

• Natalie Keys

Holnbeck Award 

• Andrea Dodsworth 

Junior Athlete of the Year 

• Matthew Kathiravelu

Adult Athlete of the Year 

• Karl Allen

Senior Athlete of the Year 

• Scott Wasson

Youth Volunteer of the Year 

• Jenisha Sanjit Arora

Volunteer of the Year 

• Mary Jane Smith

Lifetime Achievement Award 

• The Late Paul Wilson

• Kathy Hiltz

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PRHC For Third Straight Year Awarded Highest Possible Standing By Accreditation Canada

Accreditation Canada has recognized the Peterborough Regional Health Centre for achieving Accreditation with Exemplary Standing – the highest possible designation for an accredited organization for a third consecutive time since 2017, announced on Thursday.

File Photo.

Every four years, a team of Accreditation Canada surveyors evaluates more than 2,700 standards for quality, safety, and efficiency at PRHC. Following a visit in April, PRHC received the designation as an ‘organizations that go beyond Accreditation Canada’s requirements and demonstrate excellence in quality improvement.’

“It’s a direct result of the hard work and dedication of every leader, healthcare professional, employee, volunteer and experience partner at PRHC that we’ve achieved this designation again in 2026,” said Dr. Lynn Mikula, PRHC president and CEO. “While we have continued to experience a number of systemic challenges, I’m incredibly proud of the work our people have done to set PRHC apart as a leader in transformation, adaptation and innovation among our hospital peers.”

According to a press release, the on-site survey team explicitly commended PRHC for its strong alignment with service excellence standards; consistent emphasis on people-centred care and interdisciplinary collaboration; focus on clear communication practices, such as regular huddles and structured patient handovers; and its strong education and competency development, supported by engaged clinical leadership and meaningful partnerships that strengthen transitions across the care continuum.

“It is my absolute pleasure to congratulate and thank everyone at PRHC for their unwavering commitment to ensuring that our patients receive the best possible care and support at every step of their care journey,” said Mikula. “This is a well-deserved achievement for everything you do, and a reflection of the qualities that make this such a remarkable team – here when you need us most.”

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City of Peterborough Hosting 2025 Civic Awards Ceremony On May 21

The City of Peerborough is hosting its 2025 Civic Awards ceremony on May 21 at 6 p.m. at the McDonnel Street Community Centre.

Photo courtesy of the City of Peterborough.

The City of Peterborough Civic Awards recognize individuals and teams for their achievements and contributions in 2025. The annual awards celebrate excellence and community leadership in areas including athletics, arts and culture, volunteerism, environmental stewardship and community betterment. 

The Awards honour individuals and groups across 12 award categories, recognizing residents and volunteers whose efforts have made a meaningful impact in the community. 

The event is open to the public.

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City of Peterborough Life-Saving Programs Receive Water Smart Award

The City of Peterborough’s drowning prevention and education programs received the Water Smart award from Lifesaving Society Ontario. 

File Photo.

The Water Smart award recognizes outstanding community service and leadership in drowning prevention education.   

A range of City-led initiatives contributed to the recognition, including free Swim to Survive lessons, the Fleming College Swim to Survive program, the Be Safe at the Beach social media campaign, week-long programming for National Drowning Prevention Week, and community pop-ups at local events. 

“This award is a reflection of the dedication and leadership of our aquatics staff, who are helping to keep residents safe while fostering a culture of water awareness,” said Mayor Jeff Leal. “On behalf of City Council, I congratulate everyone involved in these important programs.” 

“Drowning prevention education is a critical part of building a safe and healthy community,” said Councillor Lesley Parnell. “This recognition speaks to the meaningful impact of these programs and the staff and partners behind them. Initiatives like Swim to Survive and public education campaigns help ensure residents of all ages have the knowledge and skills they need to enjoy spending time in the water with confidence.” 

Summer Ley, coordinator, aquatic programming and Jennifer Bell, Operations Support Manager, Programs and Partnerships, accepted the award on behalf of the City. 

“Sharing water smart messages with our community through events and initiatives helps prevent drownings and water-related injuries,” said Ley. “Each year, we’ve added new partnerships and activities to get people of all ages involved in learning how to be safe on, in or around the water, especially during the warmer months.” 

Lifesaving Society Ontario is a charitable organization that supports drowning prevention through programs such as Grade 3 Swim to Survive, leadership development funding, and Water Smart initiatives. 

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