The Lethbridge Public Interest Research Group (LPIRG) is proud to bring the students at the University of Lethbridge a three day event on November 20th, 21st and 22nd called “Sustainability: How We Can Make a Difference.” This is an event which is aimed at raising awareness about our impact on the Earth, and also promoting the idea of sustainability as a priority in our lives and education.
On Tuesday the 20th, starting at 11 am in Andy’s Place (Anderson Hall) until 2 pm, speakers will be presenting on Blackfoot philosophies, notions of sustainability, and what we can do to affect change in our lives and communities. Speakers include:
Narcisse Blood – speaking on the Blackfoot relationship to the land
Billy Wadsworth –speaking on the application of Traditional Blackfoot Warrior Ethics in Modern Society
Paul Bohnert – speaking on environmental sustainability
Stan Knowlton – speaking on Blackfoot Starscape
Trevor James – speaking about hemp products
Everyone is welcome to attend part or all of this event. Snacks and refreshments will be provided.
On Wednesday the 21st, there will be display tables, speakers and live music in the Atrium from 11 am to 3 pm. Display groups will include:
- Project Porchlight
- Council of Canadians, Lethbridge Chaper
- Lethbridge Green Map
- Harvest Haven
- Solar Alberta
- Oldman Watershed Council
- Southern Alberta Group for the Environment
- Re-Pete
- University of Lethbridge Physical Plant and Operations
- Good Food Club
- LPIRG
- Green Party of Canada
There will also be several student presenters, including:
- Christine Michell and Tom Rutherford, students: display on Prairie Sky, communal living in Calgary
- Nadine Duckworth, masters student: display on communal living in general
- Native American Studies Department table: display on “Relationship to the Earth”
- Danis Claire, NAS student: display on her trip and experiences in Bolivia
- Cindy Deschenes, NAS student: speaking about the current situation of clear cut logging on her reserve in Northern Quebec
In the evening, there will be a FREE SHOW AT THE SLICE BAR & GRILL, starting at 7pm, featuring the funky music of The Creationists and Love Potion Ice-Nine. Come out and dance for the Earth!
On Thursday the 22nd, we will be hosting the dialogue “Knowledge is Power,” the first of its kind at the U of L. It will run from 11 am to 2pm at Andy’s Place. This is a discussion that is open to all students, professors and community members.
The topic for this is going to be the implications of the academic pursuit of learning, and seeks to answer the question of how is our identity as students - and consequently our relationship to our surroundings - shaped by how we learn at university? The dialogue will be officially moderated by Leroy Little Bear.
That evening at 7pm there will be a screening in Galileo’s Gallery of 'Toxic Alberta', a film showcasing the exploitation of the tar sands in Alberta’s north. Due to improved oil extraction technology and record oil prices, Canada is poised to become a major player in the geopolitical market place. The big question going in is what does this sudden access to previously unobtainable oil mean? Is this our get-out-of-jail-free card for the present energy crisis, or is it another pipe dream being hyped up by the very corporations and lobbyists who stand to gain the most from it?
Traveling through the haze of Ft. McMurray did nothing but fortify filmmaker Meredith Danluck’s stance on fossil fuel. It's dirty, expensive, and - most importantly - nonrenewable. Al Gore recently likened the oil sands to a drug pusher, satisfying our jones for quick and cheap energy. Like all of the other events this week, admission is free and refreshments will be provided!
For any questions or comments please email stephen.mcglenn@uleth.ca.
