Cultural Dimensions of Ecological Governance

March 7th, 2013
University of Victoria, Cadboro Commons

Who we are in relation to the natural world is defined by our beliefs, values, actions and inactions. Ecological governance means embedding ecological values in all levels of decision-making and action, from the personal to the global. What is the relationship between ecological governance and culture values, norms, integrity, or even cultural identity? This panel presentation and facilitated discussion explores diverse understandings of cultural-ecological relationships and governance. The event was sponsored by the UVic Centre for Global Studies and the POLIS Project on Ecological Governance, and was part of UVic Ideafest 2013.    

Presentations: 

Cultural Dimensions of Ecological Governance: Introduction to Panel Presentations

By Dr. Kelly Bannister (Event Moderator), Co-Director, POLIS Project on Ecological Governance

Spiritual Dimensions of Environment and Relationships to Land, by Florence James 

By Florence James, Elder and Educator, Penelakut Tribe, Coast Salish

Advancing Law and Culture to Achieve Life in Harmony with Nature

By Linda Sheehan, Executive Director, Earth Law Centre and former Visiting Scholar, Centre for Global Studies

Environmental Governance: Collective Action and the Role for Culture 

By Dr. Oliver Schmidtke, Director, Centre for Global Studies and Professor, Political Science and History, University of Victoria; Jean Monnet Chair, European History and Politics

A Journey from a Walk in the Woods to Becoming Part of a Global Movement

By Kathy Wachs, Co-Founder, Chemainus Residents Association and Community Liason, Chemainus Biodiversity Education Project

Exploring Hupakwanum: Art as Advocacy for the Nuu-chah-nulth Fishing Rights Decision 

By Kelly Foxcroft-Poirier, Member, Tseshaht First Nation; Fellow, Vancouver Island University's Institute for Coastal Research; Affiliate, Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council Fisheries Department (Uu-a-thluk)