Thunder Bay, ON - Monday, May 26, 2025: Thunder Bay Public Library is pleased to welcome Stephanie MacLaurin to the operations team as the new Senior Advisor, Indigenous Relations. Stephanie will oversee the Indigenous Services Department and serve as a liaison to both the Indigenous Advisory Council and organizational partners. Their work will support the ongoing implementation of the Library’s Relationship-Building and Reconciliation Action Plan. Developed in 2018 with the support of the Indigenous Advisory Council, the Plan describes the Library’s commitments to the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and to the decolonization of Library practices and spaces.
Stephanie is Anishinaabe from Fort William First Nation and a proud, lifelong resident of Westfort. They hold a double Honours Bachelor of Arts in Political Science (Pre-Law) and Indigenous Learning, as well as a Master’s degree in Indigenous Governance. With over eight years of professional experience, Stephanie has worked across the fields of lands and governance, political science, and mental health. They also served as a professor in an Aboriginal Law and Advocacy program for four years.
“A new job isn’t just a fresh start,” Stephanie said. “It’s the opening chapter of a story waiting to be written with passion, purpose, and possibility. Stepping into this new role feels like stepping into the life I’ve been working towards. I’m so excited to serve as the Senior Advisor, Indigenous Relations and have the chance to pour my heart into something truly meaningful. I’m bringing every lesson and challenge with me and I cannot wait to grow, give, and thrive in this next chapter.”
“We’re thrilled to welcome Stephanie to our team,” said Raili Roy, Director of Community Development. “They stood out as an exceptional candidate, and we feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to work with them. We have much meaningful and rewarding work ahead, and Stephanie shares our enthusiasm to get started.”