Each year, Lakehead University’s Department of History, Lake Superior Scottish Regiment, the HMCS Griffon, and the Thunder Bay Branch of the Canadian International Council partner to hold an annual symposium focusing on issues relating to the Canadian Forces.
This year’s symposium will focus on the First World War, with an emphasis on Northwestern Ontario. It will be held on Saturday, November 8 at the O’Kelly Armoury, 317 Park Avenue, in Thunder Bay, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Admission is free and open to the public.
The morning begins with Andrew Godefroy, strategic analyst and historian, Canadian Army, and editor and chief, Canadian Army Journal, who will deliver the keynote speech, Apprentice in Arms: Major General Arthur Currie and the Battle of Mount Sorrel.
After the keynote will be the following speakers and speeches.
The Military Contribution of Northwestern Ontario to Canada’s War Effort — David Ratz, Lake Superior Scottish Regiment and Lakehead University Department of History, and Stuart Kilpatrick, independent scholar.
‘Doing Your Bit’ on Thunder Bay’s Home Front 1914-1919 — Margaret Frenette, independent scholar.
Sport at the Lakehead During the Great War, 1914-1918 — C. Nathan Hatton, Lakehead University Department of History.
Labour at the Lakehead During the First World War — Michel S. Beaulieu, Lakehead University Department of History, and Meaghan Malashewski, Lakehead University Department of History.
Food Control in the Lakehead During the Great War — Beverly Soloway, York University Department of History. (Note that this speech will be delivered, I expect not coincidentially, immediately before lunch.)
Captain O’Kelly’s Victoria Cross — George J. Romick, Lake Superior Scottish Regiment and Thunder Bay Military Museum.
Howard Green and the Legacy of the First World War in Canadian Politics — Michael Stevenson, Lakehead University Departments of History and Interdisciplinary Studies.
Visiting Battlefields: Managing Expectations, Educating Visitors — Harvey Lemelin, Lakehead University School of Outdoor Recreation Parks and Tourism.
Additional partners this year include the Ontario Historical Society, Thunder Bay Military Museum, Thunder Bay Historical Museum Society, Northwestern Ontario Archivists’ Association, and Thunder Bay Public Library.
For more information, visit Lakehead University’s Annual Military Symposium web page or contact Dr. Michel S. Beaulieu at 807-343-8341 or michel.beaulieu@lakeheadu.ca.
