Algoma U hosts climate change symposium next week

NEWS RELEASE
ALGOMA UNIVERSITY
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The third biennial ‘Taking Care Of Our Land Symposium’ (gdo akiiminaan ganawendanaan) will be taking place at the Delta by Marriott Sault Ste. Marie Waterfront from May 6, 2019 to May 9, 2019. This year’s theme is ‘Climate Change and the Four Elements.’

The symposium, hosted by the Algoma University Anishinaabe Initiatives Division and the Department of Geography and Geology, creates opportunities for Indigenous and non-Indigenous academics, practitioners, community members, students, as well as traditional knowledge keepers to engage in dialogue about land-related issues. It aspires to foster a supportive learning community inclusive of all participants.

“We are thrilled to welcome attendees from even farther afield this year including Ontario, Quebec, Manitoba, Alberta, United States, United Kingdom, and the Northwest Territories. At the same time, we are strongly committed to maintaining a local and regional focus and honouring the Akii (land) of the Anishinaabeg in Bawating. Our Land Symposiums have contributed to establishing a partnership with the National Aboriginal Lands Managers Association (NALMA) to be an eastern Canada educational hub. We are excited to be launching the Level 1 Professional Lands Management Certification Program at Algoma University later in May,” says Dr. Nairne Cameron from the Dept. of Geography and Geology.

James Roach from NALMA will be leading a pre-conference workshop on Climate Change and Land Use Planning on May 6. Media are welcome to join the opening ceremony on May 7 at 9 a.m., where officials, elders, and community members will kick-off the symposium.

Keynote speakers, Dr. Kyle Whyte a professor from Michigan State University (May 7 at 9:30 a.m.) and Eriel Deranger, executive director, Indigenous Climate Action (May 8 at 9 a.m.) will both be addressing the topic of climate change. On May 9 at 9 a.m., Dr. Hayden King, executive director of the Yellowhead Institute at Ryerson University will unveil an early overview of Yellowhead’s first 'Red Paper'.

Conference attendees have an opportunity to take a 'Big Canoe Ride' on the St. Marys River, tour Algoma University, as well as visit Batchewana First Nation territories. Symposium sponsors include NALMA, Algoma University and its Dept. of Geography and Geology, City of Sault Ste. Marie, and Huron Central Railway.

For more information, visit our website and follow us on Facebook #takingcare2019.

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