WEST 2024 Keynotes | Water and Environment Student Talks

Keynote #1: Climate-driven changes in terrestrial-aquatic linkages contribute to the rise of cyanobacteria in some but not all lakes

Eutrophication of coastal and inland waters has become one of the grand environmental problems if the 21st century. In freshwaters, the primary culprits that “bloom” and reduce water security are members of cyanobacteria. While scientists seek a common “unified theory” of cyanobacterial lake dominance, the “Holy Grail” is elusive – no one model satisfies the cyanobacterial invasion and dominance predictions. Here, I argue that the crucial connection between terrestrial and aquatic systems informs different drivers that lead to the familiar nemesis. In the process, I will illustrate the direct and indirect roles of climate change in initiating cyanobacterial blooms.

Dr. Irena Creed
Professor, Ph.D., Vice Principal of Research & Innovation, University of Toronto

Dr. Irena Creed is Professor at the Department of Physical & Environmental Sciences at the University of Toronto. She has gained an international reputation for creatively combining theory and practice to improve understanding of the links between hydrological and biogeochemical processes and their ecological consequences in freshwaters, particularly for at-risk human settlements. She employs diverse approches in her research including satellite and ground-based measurements, field and laboratory experiments and statistical and mathematical models. She provides expert advice to provincial and federal governments to inform policies on ecosystem services. She carries out her environmental research across Africa, Asia, Europe and North America, including studies of the future of the Laurentian Great Lakes and the Saskatchewan River Basin. She has been recognized by many honors and awards, including induction as a Fellow in the Royal Society of Canada and the American Geophysical Union, an honorary degree in agricultural sciences, distinguished professorships.

Keynote #2: Water justice in Canada? Insights on water governance from collaborative research with Carcross/Tagish First Nation

Approximately 20% of the world’s freshwater lies within Canada’s borders. With this comes a significant responsibility to ensure water governance is conducted in a just and sustainable manner. Yet, present water governance arrangements fall short of this goal in many regards. Colonial understandings of water and of Indigenous peoples’ roles and authorities in water governance put these concerns in stark relief. In this talk, I draw on insights from research conducted over the last decade in partnership with Carcross/Tagish First Nation. I will review the current injustices in water governance arrangements. More importantly, I engage with the strengths of Indigenous water knowledge, relationships, and laws which centre water as a living entity for rethinking water governance in Canada.

Dr. Nicole J. Wilson
Assistant Professor, Canada Research Chair T II in Arctic Environmental Change and Governance, Department of Environment & Geography, Centre for Earth Observation Science, Co-Chair, UM United Nations Academic Impact Hub for SDG 6, University of Manitoba

Dr. Nicole J. Wilson is a scholar of settler origin whose research examines Indigenous relationships with water and water governance in the context of colonialism and environmental change. She is an Assistant Professor and Canada Research Chair in Arctic Environmental Change at the University of Manitoba. Dr. Wilson holds a PhD in Resource Management and Environmental Studies from the University of British Columbia, an MS in Natural Resources from Cornell University, and a BA in Development Studies from the University of Calgary. She is currently conducting community-based research with Carcross/Tagish First Nation (Yukon/British Columbia) and Igluligaarjuk (Chesterfield Inlet), Nunavut. Since 2021, Dr. Wilson has co-chaired of the University of Manitoba United Nations Academic Impact Hub for Sustainable Development Goal 6 on Clean Water and Sanitation.

Keynote #3: How colonization changed the First Nations interactions with water and what we can do about it

With arrival of settlers to Turtle Island, the life of First Nations Peoples changed forever. The interactions between Peoples and Land and Water Spirit shifted as industrialization and capitalism became part of every day life. The active oppression, cultural genocide and assimilation efforts has resulted in systemic racism, negative stereotypes and prejudice against Indigenous Peoples. As we come to face the Truth and increase our understanding and empathy, we can find reciprocal ways of helping culture and language restoration, healing of Peoples, and remembering Indigenous ways of environmental stewardship. We can find a future in re-building trust. This keynote will discuss how colonization changed First Nations interactions with Water and what we can do about it.

Jessica Vandenberghe
P.Eng., FEC, FGC (Hon), Assistant Dean of Community and Culture, University of Victoria

Jessica Vandenberghe is a member of the Dene Thá First Nation, a sixties scoop survivor and raised in an inclusive German farming family in northern Alberta. Her exceptional career is based on two engineering degrees from the University of Alberta. She has worked in the oil sands, mining, regulatory, infrastructure, consulting industries and academia. She is the Assistant Dean, Community and Culture with the Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science at the University of Victoria and the owner of Guiding Star Consulting. She is a mother of two and at the intersection of two equity deserving groups in the Engineering Profession, which drives her passion for equity, diversity and inclusion along with Truth and Reconciliation. She believes that we can walk together to heal, build strong relationships, teach ethical and respectful behaviour, and be changemakers to create progressive and inclusive organizations and communities.