June 23, 2023
Wampum Learning Lodge (Photo source: Steven Anderson/Western Communications)
The Office of Indigenous Initiatives will run the eighth annual Building Reconciliation Forum next week in the new Wampum Learning Lodge, bringing together Indigenous and academic leaders from across Canada to learn through oral histories, workshops and artistic performances.
Justin Zhuang, BMOS graduate (Photo source: Christopher Kindratsky/Western Communications)
International student Justin Zhuang has built relationships across campus and in London during his four years at Western, including with people experiencing homelessness. He started chatting and bringing food to people he met on the street, resulting in meaningful connections all over the city.
(Photo source: Steven Anderson/Western Communications)
As co-founder of Western’s Queer Caucus, FIMS professor and associate dean Susan Knabe reflects on its history over the past 15 years and the importance of celebrating 2SLGBTQ+ faculty, staff and students.
(Photo source: Geoff Robins)
A new program, offered by Human Resources and the Office of EDI, is helping to equip leaders with the skills and perspectives to cultivate greater inclusion on their teams.
Emma Pennell, BMus graduate (Photo source: Christopher Kindratsky/Western Communications)
New graduate Emma Pennell raised their voice ─ as a lead in Opera at Western’s production of Falstaff and as a two-spirit Mi’kmaw of Ktaqmkuk, advocating for increased Indigenous inclusion.
Professor Matthew Teeter, Schulich Medicine & Dentistry (Photo source: Schulich Medicine & Dentistry)
Researchers at Western and Lawson are examining whether the use of a daily probiotic can improve outcomes in patients who undergo total knee replacement surgery.
Working at Western
(Image source: Rob Potter/Western Communications)
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Eid al-Adha: Parking lot and road closures
On June 28, London’s Muslim community will gather at Alumni Stadium to observe Eid al-Adha. Philip Aziz Avenue will be closed to through traffic from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Staff and faculty who normally park at Huron Flats or South Valley are encouraged to park in other areas, where your permit allows.
Photo of the Week
Check out the Pride book display at Weldon Library throughout June and July, featuring recent publications by popular queer authors from around the world with a wide variety of identities and perspectives. A central theme of the display is queer joy, which is reflected in the colourful decorations library staff came together to make. (Photo source: Weldon Library)
Coming Up
(Photo source: Western Sustainability)
June 23 (11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.)
Guided campus walk
Western’s Friends of the Garden and Campus as a Living Lab program are offering a guided walk on campus to celebrate Pollinator Week. Visit several different habitats across campus, including the newly expanded Pollinator Garden. No reservation needed. Meet at the Community Garden, behind Collip Medical Research Building.
June 24 (12 to 1 p.m.)
New Horizons Band – Advanced I Outdoor Concert
Join New Horizons Band - Advanced I for their final performance of the season. Bring a lawn chair to the parking lot of the YMCA at 165 Elmwood Ave E. In case of rain, the event will move to the Music Building, room MB227.
July 5 (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
Indigenizing your syllabus retreat
Getting your syllabus ready for fall? The Office of Indigenous Initiatives is hosting a retreat at the Wampum Learning Lodge to help you indigenize your content.
Western in the News
Demo Kaltabanis (Submitted photo)
The London Free Press
Western nursing grad overcomes big obstacles
Nursing grad Demo Kaltabanis is using his experiences growing up in poverty and as the first in his family to attend university as a way to break stigma and inspire others.
CBC Fresh Air
A new study has found that honeybees can also benefit from probiotics
Recent Western-led research has found probiotics given to honeybees make them healthier. Biology professor Graham Thompson explains how changing the insects’ microbiota not only provides health benefits but may also change bees’ social behaviour.
CTV Your Morning
Studying severe weather in Canada
Engineering professor and Northern Tornadoes Project lead researcher Greg Kopp discusses why tracking severe weather and tornadoes in Canada is vital to mitigate damage in the future.
CBC The Current
Doctors urge caution as more parents use melatonin to help their kids sleep
While the evidence is lacking on the benefits of melatonin for kids, Schulich Medicine & Dentistry professor Dr. Michael Rieder also warns parents that the regular dose for adults is far too high for children.
Commentary
A neighbourhood in Toronto (Photo source: Wikimedia Commons)
To address chronic homelessness, the federal government needs to include funding for longer-term supportive housing in its National Housing Strategy, says nursing professor Abe Oudshoorn.
