Supported by a grant from Way Forward / BT2P, the University of Maine at Fort Kent (UMFK) is hosting a series of six Zoom-based webinars and panel discussions focusing on science, environmentalism, human health and social justice. In each session, a Wabanaki cultural knowledge keeper, young environmental stewards from Maine, and a contemporary Western scientist from UMFK (Dr. “Ned” Rubert-Nason) will describe how different global change topics are experienced through Indigenous, youth (age 15-30), and contemporary scientific points of view.
Following their presentations, there will be a panel discussion (moderated by a member of the Sustainability Club at UMFK) in which the audience gets to ask the guest speakers questions. Sessions will conclude with a summary of opportunities to continue working with the presenters, environmental stewards, and Indigenous communities to address environmental and human health challenges.
Date: March 4, 2021
Time: 4:30 PM-6:00 PM EST.
Description: Learn from Darren Ranco (UMaine Wabanaki Center), Cassie Caine (Maine Youth for Climate Justice), Red Fong (Maine Environmental Education Association), and Dr. “Ned” Rubert-Nason (University of Maine at Fort Kent) about how global change and science are experienced differently across cultures, and the importance of being culturally-sensitive when using science to manage threats posed by pollution, pandemics, changing climate and landscapes.
Date: March 24, 2021
Time: 3:00 PM-4:00 PM EDT
Description: Learn how the process of “science” is embraced by Indigenous communities, and how to get started doing community-based science that respects and supports Indigenous peoples.
Date: April 8, 2021
Time: 4:00 PM-5:30 PM EDT
Description: Learn how infectious diseases introduced by European traders and colonists altered the course of Wabanaki history, and led to current challenges in physical and spiritual health.
Date: April 21, 2021
Time: 5:00 PM-6:30 PM EDT
Description: Learn how pollution of air, water and soil at local, regional, and global scales disproportionately impacts the spiritual and physical health of Indigenous peoples.
Date: April 11, 2022
Time: 3:30 PM-5:00 PM
Description: Explore through presentation, storytelling and conversation the intersectionality of Wabanaki and contemporary Western science views on the interrelationships among humans, climate and their environment. RSVP for event on Eventbrite.
Date: April 25, 2022
Time: 3:30 PM-5:00 PM
Description: Explore, through presentation and conversation, opportunities for building empowered intra- and intergenerational and cross-cultural mentoring relationships centered on resilience to global change threats. RSVP for event on Eventbrite.
Founded in 2003, the Bringing Theory to Practice (BTtoP) Project works in partnership partnership with the Association of American Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) to encourage and support colleges and universities in developing sustainable campus cultures that support the greater purposes of higher education: engaged learning and discovery, civic purpose, well-being, and preparation for a meaningful life. Learn more about BTtoP
The Sustainability Club at the University of Maine at Fort Kent is a student run organization for students interested in learning about and working in the field of environmental sustainability. The Sustainability Club aims to foster communication and collaboration between students and environmental experts in the areas of environmental sustainability, climate change, and nature.
The Maine Environmental Education Association (MEEA) is committed to building healthy, resilient, sustainable communities in Maine and supports the work of all educators who are using nature and the out-of-doors in teaching and learning. Learn more about MEEA
Maine Youth for Climate Justice (MYCJ) is a coalition of over 250 youth from all over Maine who fight for bold climate action, a just transition, and a livable future in Maine. MYCJ is open to anyone under the age of 30 who is interested in engaging at the local or state level about climate justice issues. Learn more about MYCJ
The Wabanaki Youth in Science (WaYS) program provides mentoring and training opportunities in the life sciences for Native American youth in Maine. This program, which was motivated by a shortage of young natural resource professionals to manage tribal lands, uses a multifaceted approach (i.e., camps, community outreach, and internships with cultural resource and natural resource mentors) to recruit and retain native youth in science fields. Learn more about WAYS
After participating in any of our free webinars, we hope that you will thank us by completing a voluntary survey of your demographics and your experiences with that webinar. Your feedback helps us better-understand how we can serve you and your friends through online course offerings, networking, and mentoring opportunities. Our survey will be sent to all registered attendees and has been approved for use by the UMFK Human Subjects Research Chair, and is overseen by Dr. “Ned” F. Rubert-Nason (kennedy.rubertnason@maine.edu), a science educator with over 10 years of experience.