Wahkohtowin Staff Attends the Canadian Institute of Forestry National Conference

From October 5th to 8th, 2025, Stevie and Carly attended the Canadian Institute of Forestry (CIF) National Conference in Anemki Wequedong (Thunder Bay). Under the theme Finding Opportunity in Complexity, the conference explored the interconnectedness of forest fire management, biodiversity conservation, Indigenous stewardship, and socio-economic considerations in forestry. 

Speaking at the conference was Dr. Nelson Thiffault from Natural Resources Canada and a partner in Wahkohtowin’s Herbicide Alternatives Program (HAP). In his presentation, Climate Change: Friend or Foe, Dr. Thiffault presented national research initiatives on adaptive silviculture that aim to provide communities, land stewards, and foresters with the tools and knowledge to manage forests for resilience, diversity and long-term sustainability under climate change. 

The CIF also held its annual awards ceremony at the conference. The event recognized outstanding accomplishments in the forestry sector and welcomed Dean Assinewe from the Ojibwe of the Sagamok Anishnawbek, as the newest CIF President. Dean is the first Indigenous president of the CIF. Congratulations, Dean! 

Dean Assinewe addressing the room as the new CIF President.

The three-day conference concluded with a field trip across Anemki Wequedong, where we visited a variety of places. Our first stop was Confederation College, where we toured its biomass energy facility. We saw firsthand how this 'living lab' is used for training and applied research in biomass heating systems and technologies. Following that, our group travelled to the Lakehead Sustainable Forest Management Area to learn about some of Northwestern Ontario’s oldest logging operations. While here, Stevie found Namepin (Wild ginger) growing in an area adjacent to one of the areas that was logged. Namepin, known as heart medicine for the shape of its leaf, is difficult to find in other regions of the boreal forest. 

Namepin (Wild ginger) 

We enjoyed our lunch on the beautiful shores of Gichi gami (Lake Superior) while visiting the Lakehead Region Conservation Authority. While there, local staff explained their Shoreline Protection Program, which supports community members in planting over 100 different native plant species. By improving water quality and providing erosion protection, native plant species help maintain a healthy shoreline habitat.

Our final visit was to Fort William First Nation. There, on top of Anemki Wajiw (Thunder Mountain), we learned about how the Thunderbirds take time to rest during their migration on its flat surface. From Anemki Wajiw you have the most beautiful and clear view of Nanabijou (Sleeping Giant). We entered their Arbour to hear Ogima Kwe Michele Solomon speak about the history of the Land and some of the economic developments that are underway between the Nation and forest industry. It was a great way to end the conference! 

Fort William First Nation’s Arbour and Anemki Wajiw 

Written By: Stevie Rae Luzzi & Carly Jackson