Margaret Kenequanash Recognized with an Honorary Degree from Lakehead University
June 11, 2025
Wataynikaneyap Power extends congratulations to CEO Margaret Kenequanash, who was recognized for her leadership with an Honorary Degree from Lakehead University.
Lakehead University celebrated the achievements of 1,999 graduates at its Thunder Bay campus convocation ceremonies on May 29 and 30, 2025. In addition to celebrating the graduating class of 2025, Lakehead University recognized three outstanding individuals with honorary degrees, honouring their leadership, creativity, and contributions to their fields and communities: Jean Paul Gladu, Jennifer Podemski, and Margaret Kenequanash.
Margaret’s degree of Doctor of Humane Letters was conferred on Thursday, May 29 during the afternoon ceremony at the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium. She addressed the Faculty of Education and Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences graduates with her keynote speech.
The ceremony can be watched below; Margaret’s remarks begin at 1:40:00:
Margaret Kenequanash
Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters
Margaret Kenequanash has spent over 20 years leading initiatives to bring reliable power to First Nations in northern Ontario. She has been the CEO of Wataynikaneyap Power since August 2017, an Indigenous-led, licensed transmission entity that brought grid connection to remote First Nations previously powered by diesel generators.
Margaret has a vast wealth of knowledge gleaned from over 25 years in various senior leadership positions, including being on the Sioux Lookout Municipal Council from 1990-1994 and Executive Director of the Shibogama First Nations Council from 2005-2017. Margaret carries the distinction of being the first female Chief in her community at North Caribou Lake First Nation when she was elected in 1996. She is well known and respected throughout First Nation communities and government for her work in promoting opportunities to facilitate a better quality of life for First Nation Peoples.
