English

This thesis critically engages with the historic site Sainte-Marie among the Hurons. The most visited historic site in Ontario anchors a vivid and pervasive story of early Canada while archaeological excavations and reconstruction have a history of their own. It is intertwined with the Martyrs' Shrine and regional sites of significance and pilgrimage in the Catholic world where veneration as saints of Jesuits collectively known as the Canadian Martyrs takes place. Through a panoramic perspective and participant-observer experiences within the sites, in present-day Wendake, Québec, and at a Jesuit mission in Chiapas, Mexico, dimensions of landscape, temporality, materiality, and identity are explored. Development of this history and place in relationship to Indigenous peoples, the Catholic Church, and the Canadian public are examined with consideration for findings of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, advancement in archaeological knowledge, and ongoing tensions in the practice of archaeology in Ontario.

Author Keywords: Canadian Martyrs, Huron-Wendat, Jesuits, Landscape, Sainte-Marie among the Hurons, Truth and Reconciliation Commission

Contemporary struggles with Indigenous identities in Canada are deeply rooted in the historical and ongoing impacts of colonization, which have left profound and lasting effects on different geographical regions across the country. These struggles are multifaceted, encompassing complex questions surrounding who qualifies as Indigenous and what criteria are used to authenticate claims of Indigenous heritage.

In the modern era, the digital landscape has become an integral part of our daily lives, revolutionizing how we interact with the world around us. Digital spaces, including the vast expanse of the Internet, various social media platforms, and mobile applications, have transformed how we communicate, conduct business, seek entertainment, and share information. These virtual environments offer unparalleled opportunities for connectivity, collaboration, and the exchange of resources and ideas.Within this digital realm, social media platforms have emerged as powerful tools for self-expression and exploration of identity. Individuals increasingly use these platforms to delve into the complexities of their identities, including their intersectionality and connections to specific geographic locations. Research has shown that this exploration often leads to a reclamation and revitalization of Indigenous identities, serving as a form of political resistance against the ongoing legacies of colonization. Through social media, Indigenous individuals and communities are able to reclaim their voices, assert their autonomy, and challenge dominant narratives.

This research delves into how digital spaces, mainly the social media platform of TikTok, shape Indigenous identity formation, maintenance, and resurgence. By employing a mixed-methods approach, this study analyzes various dimensions of this phenomenon, including the role of storytelling, community building, and cultural expression in digital spaces. Moreover, the research explores how these digital platforms can empower Indigenous communities to reclaim, revitalize, and reconstruct their identities and notions of community. Ultimately, by examining the impact of digital spaces on Indigenous identity, this research provides valuable insights into contemporary practices of identity revitalization and proposes strategies to support Indigenous futures in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

This research used the Medicine Wheel, adapted from the research of Dr. Kathleen E. Absolon, Anishinaabekwe from Flying Post First Nation, in her article Indigenous Wholistic Theory: A Knowledge Set for Practice, as a framework to explore the dynamic interplay between Indigenous identity and the digital age. It highlights how each quadrant—East (birth and rejuvenation), South (relationships and advocacy), West (challenges and resilience), and North (wisdom and healing)—provides unique insights into the cultural preservation, self-discovery, community engagement, and integration of traditional knowledge with modern technology. Indigenous communities leverage digital platforms to rejuvenate cultural practices, foster relationships, advocate for social justice, and empower their voices while navigating the complexities of online spaces and ensuring cultural authenticity.

The findings emphasize the transformative potential of social media in preserving and revitalizing Indigenous cultures, advocating for critical issues, and empowering different generations. Ethical engagement in digital spaces is crucial, as well as promoting cultural respect and addressing historical injustices. The research underscores the importance of balancing traditional values with modern technology to foster resilience, empowerment, and holistic well-being within Indigenous communities.

Author Keywords: Colonialism, Identity Resurgence, Indigenous Identities, Online Communities, Self-Determination, Social Media

The widespread adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) is crucial for reducing transportation-related emissions and achieving sustainability goals. However, a significant research gap exists regarding specific consumer groups, such as university students, and their attitudes toward EV adoption, as they represent a demographic influential in shaping future adoption patterns. This research uses a quantitative approach to explore Trent University students' attitudes and perceptions toward EV adoption.A survey of 154 students examined the factors influencing their willingness to adopt EVs. Various quantitative data analyses, including cross-tabulation tables and chi-square tests, were employed to investigate the relationships between socio-demographic, social, environmental, and economic factors and students' willingness to adopt EVs. The findings indicate that while socio-demographic factors do not significantly influence willingness to adopt EVs, factors such as first-hand experience, knowledge about EVs, social influence, upfront costs, charging infrastructure, and government incentives significantly impact students' willingness to adopt EVs. The study revealed that although students recognize the benefits of electric vehicles (EVs), such as reduced emissions, lower operating costs, enhanced energy efficiency and health advantages, key barriers to student EV adoption include high upfront costs, limited charging infrastructure, concerns about driving range and charging time, and a need for more knowledge and awareness. The findings of this study fill a significant research gap and add to the existing literature on EV adoption. The insights generated can inform targeted strategies by policymakers, educational institutions, and EV manufacturers to promote widespread EV adoption among students. Keywords: Electric Vehicles, Internal Combustion Engine Vehicles, Zero-emission vehicles, sustainable transportation, attitudes, perceptions, University students, consumer behaviour.

Author Keywords: Consumer behaviour, Electric Vehicles, Internal Combustion Engine Vehicles, sustainable transportation, University students, Zero-emission vehicles

Many communities in Canada rely on water sourced from boreal forest headwaters for their drinking water. The Boreal Shield Ecozone is highly susceptible to climate change which threatens to exacerbate the effects of natural and human-driven disturbances such as wildfire, insect infestation and harvesting on water quality. Therefore, examining source water quality in headwater catchments within the Boreal Shield Ecozone is crucial to elucidating the potential implications of these disturbances to water treatment processes in the context of a changing climate. A synoptic water sampling investigation was conducted to evaluate how dissolved organic carbon (DOC) quantity and quality and disinfection by-product formation-potential (DBP-FP) quantity varied across space and time in the Algoma region of central Ontario. Over a five-month timeframe (June 2021 - October 2021), 168 streamflow estimates and 176 water samples were collected across 30 catchments (catchment areas from 0.2 - 106.8 km2) which varied in their forest disturbance histories. DOC concentration ([DOC]) ranged from 2.4 - 38.2 mg L-1 and tended to be higher in harvest-dominated sites, while no discernible differences in SUVA254 were observed between catchment types. DOC export estimates ranged from 1.0 - 63.2 g C m-2 over a 141-day period (June 5th - Oct. 23nd, 2021). Fluorescence indices for quantifying DOC composition suggested that all catchments were dominated by humified and terrestrially sourced carbon. DBP-FP values were positively correlated to UV-254 (r = 0.76 - 0.78) and [DOC] (r = 0.85 - 0.88), such that DBP-FP spatiotemporal patterns were strongly coupled to DOC dynamics. Multiple linear regression analysis identified that open water was negatively related to [DOC] and SUVA254 and explained the most variability in their spatiotemporal patterns. In addition, catchment area, which was negatively related to [DOC] and SUVA254, and legacy insect infestation and harvesting disturbance helped improve model explanatory power. Other predictor variables, such as slope, wetland cover, coniferous forest cover and recent forest disturbance (i.e., 5-year harvesting and 5-year insect infestation), showed relatively poor explanatory power. Variability in DOC export estimates may be explained by harvesting disturbance (adjusted r2 = 0.68 - 0.82). The results of this study emphasise that complex processes across the terrestrial-aquatic continuum, which are influenced by several factors, such as runoff, forest disturbance and landscape heterogeneity, govern the spatiotemporal patterns in water quality across boreal headwaters within the Algoma region.

This thesis focuses on the Atoskiwin Training and Employment Centre of Excellence (ATEC) in NelsonHouse, Manitoba, and its contribution to Aboriginal adult education and the economic development of the Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation (NCN). The study examines ATEC within the larger history of NCN's relationship with its land, hydroelectric development in northern Manitoba, and Wahbung: Our Tomorrows, the 1971 alternative blueprint to the federal White Paper. I argue that ATEC has played a key role in nurturing a resurgence of the social and economic capacity of people in Nelson House.

The research approach used in this study is ethnographic, drawing on the researcher's livedexperiences and relationships with the community and ATEC. Supporting qualitative data were collected through interviews with ATEC staff and students, allowing for an in-depth exploration of their experiences, perspectives, and the impact of ATEC on their lives and employment opportunities. The thesis examines the historical context of ATEC. It also explores the challenges and achievements of ATEC during two distinct phases: the initial phase focused on training for skilled and unskilled labourers during the construction of the Wuskwatim hydroelectric dam, and the subsequent phase after the dam's completion.

The research shows how ATEC has contributed to the economic and social capacity of NelsonHouse, analyzing its impact on community development and employment opportunities. It also points out the need for greater control, infrastructure and resources for Aboriginal adult education in rural and northern areas. The thesis concludes by discussing the findings and suggesting potential areas for improvement and growth in ATEC's programming and delivery methods.

Author Keywords: Aboriginal, Adult Education

Long-term avian population declines, particularly for the avian insectivore guild, are a conservation concern. With widespread and continuing population trends, climate change and its negative effects on avian food resources is a plausible cross-species driver. My goal was to evaluate whether bottom-up trophic effects of climate change could be influencing avian populations. I used a space-for-time approach to assess the influence of snowpack and soil moisture variability on arthropods and subsequent effects on nest survival. In the 2010 and 2011 growing seasons, I sampled arthropods, soil moisture (soil volumetric water content; VWC), snowpack (snow water equivalent; SWE), forest floor depth (L, F, H layers) and soil texture in conifer plantations and mixed deciduous forest in Southern Ontario's Ganaraska Forest (~4, 400 ha). I used additive linear mixed effects models to assess the responses of arthropod groups' (e.g., order or class) relative biomass (g/day) and abundance (count/day) to those variables. Influences for each arthropod group's biomass and abundance were typically in the same direction. Maximum annual SWE significantly positively influenced most arthropod groups and annual relative difference in VWC positively influenced one quarter. In mixed directions, forest type influenced half of the groups and soil texture and forest floor depth each affected less than one quarter. I then used structural equation models to evaluate relationships between SWE, VWC, the biomass of three arthropod functional guilds, and logistic-exposure model calculated daily nest survival rates for American Robin (Turdus migratorius), Eastern Wood-Pewee (Contopus virens), Least Flycatcher (Empidonax minimus), Ovenbird (Seiurus aurocapilla), and Red-eyed Vireo (Vireo olivaceus). Arthropod guilds included diet-based food, predaceous arthropods and soil-dwelling bioindicators. SWE significantly positively influenced food biomass in all five models and negatively influenced predaceous arthropods in three models. Soil moisture had a mix of positive, negative, and null effects. Eastern Wood-Pewee and Red-eyed Vireo nest survival positively related to food and negatively related to predaceous arthropod biomass. American Robin, Least Flycatcher and Ovenbird nest survival did not appear to be related to arthropod biomasses. Through bottom-up relationships, predicted climate change-induced reductions in snowpack may cause food resource declines and negatively affect some forest breeding bird populations.

Author Keywords: Arthropod biomass, Bottom-up, Forest birds, Nest survival, Path analysis, Precipitation

Giardia intestinalis is the causative agent of a diarrheal disease in mammals, but the mechanisms of disease pathogenesis are unclear. While proteins secreted by Giardia affect the host cells, the potential of hormone secretion has not been investigated to date. Cytokinins (CKs) are classified as phytohormones, but little is known about their role beyond plants. Mass spectrometry-based intracellular analysis revealed CKs typical of tRNA degradation, and extracellular analysis showed CK-riboside scavenging by Giardia with concurrent secretion of CK-free bases. Metabolomics profiling of culture supernatants showed similar trends where nucleosides were up taken, and nucleobases were secreted. The dynamics of amino acids, nucleosides and nucleobases were altered by CK-supplementation during encystation, along with inhibition of encystation. In summary, this is the first study to report CK synthesis and metabolism by Giardia along with the effects of CKs on the metabolite secretome of Giardia, while establishing a link between CK and nucleoside metabolism.

Author Keywords: Cytokinins, Giardia, mass spectrometry, metabolomics, parasite, secretome

The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Black People in Toronto: Informing Public Health Nurses on What They Can Do: A Scoping Review by Fitzroy H. Thompson MScN, explores Black people in low-income neighbourhoods being at increased risk of COVID-19 infection and death due to longstanding health inequity. The research consisted of white and grey literature from Canada between March 2020 and November 2022 using the Social Determinants of Health (SDH) framework. Falk-Rafael's Critical Caring Theory (CCT) guides the critical review of the research collected from the systematic search (Butcher, 2022). The SDH plays a vital role in health outcomes for Black people's access to optimal health services. Community nursing practice can optimize COVID-19 research to advocate for structural interventions tailored to improve SDH access and develop solutions to address needs for policy evolution. The findings act as the foundation for a systematic review and a scholarly synthesis of the evidence on the research question, which would further contribute to the enhancement of nursing care for Black people in low-income neighbourhoods.

Author Keywords: Black people, COVID-19, public health, race, racism, social determinants of health

The neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs), commonly known as Batten disease, are a family of fatal neurodegenerative disorders that primarily affect children. Several subtypes of NCLs have been reported, each being caused by a mutation in a distinct ceroid lipofuscinosis neuronal (CLN) gene; this results in aberrant lysosome function and the accumulation of lipoprotein aggregates (known as ceroid lipofuscin) within cells. Several innate cellular pathways exist to alleviate the stress caused by the buildup of aggregates. The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is an essential organelle in this process because it is responsible for maintaining cellular homeostasis through protein production, quality control, and regulating several signalling pathways. The unfolded protein response (UPR) consists of several conserved pathways devoted to attenuating ER stress caused by an accumulation of misfolded proteins or aggregates; at the center of this stress response is GRP78, a molecular chaperone that binds to misfolded proteins to facilitate proper folding. The social amoeba Dictyostelium discoideum is an excellent model system for studying NCLs as it encodes more CLN-like proteins when compared to other classical model organisms (e.g., yeast, worm, fruit fly). In this study, D. discoideum was used to elucidate the effects of ER stress and build an understanding of how cells cope with increased stress. Beyond this, ER stress in D. discoideum models for CLN3 disease and CLN5 disease were evaluated. First and foremost, during the induction of ER stress by tunicamycin, there was an increase in intracellular and extracellular amounts of Grp78 accompanied by an increase in stress-related changes to the ER. Furthermore, models of CLN3 disease and CLN5 disease displayed increased amounts of Grp78 as well as a disrupted ER morphology. Interestingly, wildtype D. discoideum, AX3 cells, treated with tunicamycin displayed a similarly disrupted ER when compared to CLN models. Finally, when subjected to tunicamycin-induced ER stress, these NCL models displayed a trend towards increased Grp78 amounts, however, these cells appear to have a reduced sensitivity to tunicamycin-induced stress compared to wild-type cells. In summary, this study highlights D. discoideum as a model for studying ER stress through the conserved role of Grp78 in the stress response and concludes that an aberrant ER stress underlies the pathology of the NCLs.

Author Keywords: Batten disease, Dictyostelium discoideum, ER stress, GRP78, neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs)

Lake Huron's food web has experienced drastic changes in response to multiple stressors including declines in offshore productivity, decreased trophic transfer efficiency and a transformation of the benthic food web. However, how these changes have affected the diets and isotopic niches of predatory fish is largely unexplored. My diet study analysed stomach contents from five predatory fish species (lake trout, lake whitefish, chinook salmon, rainbow trout, and walleye) from the Ontario waters of Lake Huron. My isotopic study focused on lake trout and lake whitefish, based on community concerns that recovering lake trout are competing with or consuming lake whitefish. By contrast, I found that lake whitefish were a minimal component of lake trout diets, and the diet and isotopic overlap between these two species was low overall, but varied regionally. Both the dietary and isotope analyses reflect the high regional diversity of energy sources used by predatory fish.

Author Keywords: Food web, Isotopic Niche, Lake Huron, Predator-prey, Regime shift, Regional Energy Sources