Schedule for Season 4 Fall/Winter 2021

Sept. 9 What Really Counts Ron Colman, CPI Atlantic

Ronald Colman is the founder of GPI Atlantic, a nonprofit research group that built an index of wellbeing and sustainable development in Nova Scotia. He has worked with New Zealand government bodies and communities on measures of wellbeing, and spent ten years in Bhutan assisting the government’s development of holistic progress measures and of a new global economic paradigm that was presented to the United Nations. Ronald Colman’s new book, What Really Counts: The Case for a Sustainable and Equitable Economy dissects some of the most serious flaws of our present economic system and proposes a new economic paradigm of the kind the world desperately needs if humanity is to have a future. From Nova Scotia to New Zealand to Bhutan, Ron has worked hands-on with governments over more than two decades to adopt new measures of progress that properly account for the ecological, social and economic benefits and costs of economic activity. Ron will recount some of the real-life successes, failures and challenges he has experienced in the effort to shift policy from a narrow economic growth agenda toward a future based on sustainability and equity. Based on hard experience, he will suggest new ways of creating the changes that are needed, and show how counting what matters can help build a better world. Ron Colman’s book, What Really Counts, is available at Bookmark in Nova Scotia and PEI stores and on Amazon. 

Sept. 16 Action by Churches Together (ACT) and COP 26 Glasgow Simon Chambers

 Simon Chambers currently serves as Director of Communications with the Action by Churches Together (ACT) Alliance. ACT is a global network of 140 churches and church-based agencies engaged in humanitarian, development and advocacy work in over 125 countries.  Part of ACT’s work involves climate justice, including a presence at the UNFCCC’s Conference of the Parties each year.  Prior to working with ACT, Simon was communications coordinator at the Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund, and also worked for PWRDF facilitating their youth programme.  His background includes over 20 years of youth ministry in the Anglican Church from the parish to the international level.  Simon has attended the last three COPs with ACT Alliance, and will be present in Glasgow for COP26, working with ACT and other ecumenical and interfaith groups to raise the voices of the most vulnerable people in the world and to fight for urgent, ambitious, and equitable climate action by all the nations of the world.     A blurb:   COP26 represents a vital opportunity for the world to come together and increase our ambition and commitments to combat climate change and limit global temperature rise.  People of faith around the world are raising their voices, demanding climate justice, supporting the most vulnerable, and living into our baptismal covenant as we work as stewards of creation.  In this session, Simon Chambers from ACT Alliance will talk about the issues that will be on the agenda at COP26, and also about how people of faith can engage in advocacy, follow the events at COP, and join the global ecumenical movement for climate justice. 

 Sept. 23 The Climate Change Task Force, Unama’ki/Cape Breton CCTF Suvir Singh & Terry Gibbs

Who are we?
We are a group of citizens of Unama’ki Cape Breton, deeply concerned about environmental degradation and climate change and the impacts on all living beings. We aim, through this task force, to promote environmental awareness and concrete action to combat climate change through education, advocacy, community mobilization, and investment in local green initiatives. We come from many sectors, backgrounds and political orientations with a desire to work collaboratively for a hopeful and environmentally sound future for ourselves and for future generations. We acknowledge that we are on unceded Mi’kmaq land, and while this group is comprised of members from both indigenous and settler backgrounds, we aim to engage more broadly with indigenous communities while respecting our treaty responsibilities. While our primary focus will be on projects and engagement with communities in the CBRM, we will, where possible, network and collaborate with likeminded groups and initiatives outside the boundaries of Unama’ki Cape Breton. With the belief that locally focused activity is an essential building block to these broader relationships, we aim to act locally while thinking globally.
Our Vision:
We envision inclusive, resilient and environmentally conscious communities where equity and respect for diversity ensure that prosperity is understood as wellbeing for all. We seek to support individuals, businesses and government in growing the green economy. We imagine forging relationships with individuals, organizations and communities outside of our region who share a belief in advancing the right to a healthy environment.
Objectives:
We recognize climate change as an urgent issue that impacts our region. Through education, advocacy, and community mobilization, the Climate Change Task Force will:
• Respond to “urgent” situations with regard to environmental impacts in our community.
• Collaborate with local government to prioritize actions that will lead to a greener, more equitable future.
• Collaborate with businesses and entrepreneurs to grow the green economy in our region.
• Collaborate with educational institutions such as schools and Cape Breton University exploring activities that engage youth while promoting climate literacy and respect for the environment.
• Collaborate with community organizations working on issues such as poverty, housing and mental health/addictions emphasizing the shared goal of healthy communities in the broadest sense.
• Promote local climate action by connecting likeminded people, organizations, and funders.

 Suvir came to Canada in 2012 to pursue a BA in Political Science. On completion of his BA, he enrolled in the MBA program at Cape Breton University, focusing on Community Economic Development. Suvir has been working for the Clean Foundation as an Administrative Support Specialist and has also been dedicating some time to serve as the coordinator for the Climate Change Task Force(CCTF). The CCTF is a pluralistic organization with numerous community stakeholders looking to take action on the climate crisis we currently find ourselves in. The CCTF ranks are filled with academics, students, community leaders, indigenous leaders, business owners, and other professionals. The aim of the CCTF is to have multi-faceted conversations, looking for multidimensional solutions to the problems thrown our way due to the climate crisis. 

Terry teaches international politics at Cape Breton University with a focus on social justice and environmental issues. She has lived and worked around the world in various countries of Latin America, sub-Saharan Africa, East Asia, Eastern Europe and in Palestine. Prior to entering the university system, Terry spent many years working in the non-profit sector both in Canada and internationally and she continues to be involved in community work and social justice activism. She was a founding member of the Cape Breton University Community Garden and the Cape Breton/Unama’ki Climate Change Task Force and she is active in the local food movement. Over the years she has developed a deep commitment to making connections (local to global) and building bridges between various movements and communities.   Terry Gibbs Professor, Department of L’nu, Political, and Social Studies, Cape Breton University 

Sept 30  Electric Ferries and other Trends in Energy and Clean Transportation Krista Phillips, P.Eng., PMP, MBA Clean Transportation Strategist & Acting Manager, Energy Efficiency Nova Scotia Department of Energy & Mines

Krista received her Bachelor of Civil Engineering from the University of New Brunswick in 2000 and her MBA-Leadership from Dalhousie University in 2020. She worked in the engineering consulting field for over 14 years with a focus on water and wastewater systems, and environmental remediation projects across Canada. In 2015, she joined the Nova Scotia Department of Energy and Mines as a senior engineer, where she is leading the province’s transition to electric transportation.   Krista develops policy and programs to reduce Nova Scotia’s GHG emissions in the transportation sector. Her expertise is related to the transition to a clean, accessible and sustainable transportation system, which includes electrifying public transit, and promoting active transportation and shared mobility. Krista is also working with various organizations to explore the environmental and economic opportunities for electric and hydrogen-powered marine fleets for the province, including fishing, tourism, and research vessels. 

October 7  Solutions Movement: 

The Student Energy Solutions Movement aims to secure $10 million in capital to deploy under the Ecosystem Strategy developed by Student Energy, which will equip young people from around the world with both access to small-scale funding and education, training, and mentorship, to be able to implement clean energy projects in their communities. As the first youth-led UN Energy Compacts, this campaign will unlock direct-to-youth funding within Student Energy’s programs – a missing key ingredient to empowering global youth to influence local energy systems. 

Sean Collins is Student Energy’s Co-founder and Director of Student Energy Ventures. He is leading the development and $10 million fundraising campaign for Student Energy Ventures to empower youth entrepreneurs across the globe. Sean has contributed to all major program areas within Student Energy, including helping to fund and launch the inaugural International Student Energy Summit, Energy Literacy platform, Global Chapters program, and more. Sean is deeply passionate about entrepreneurship and has spent his entire career in new venture creation, raising over $45 million for various projects to date. In 2016, he founded Terrapin Geothermics, leading the organization through the capitalization of Alberta’s first conventional geothermal power project. Sean lives in Edmonton, Alberta with his family including partner Renee and two young aspiring change agents, Bo and Haddie. 

October 14 Family & Youth Ministry VSST Rev. Kristen and Allie Colp

  The Youth and Family Ministry VSST (vision, strategy, and support team) is comprised of youth (aged 12-18), young adults (aged 19-25), lay people of various parishes and regions of the diocese, clergy of the diocese, and staff support (the Youth and Family Ministry Coordinator). Our team strives to interpret the Diocesan Vision of being a “Christ-centred, mission-minded, ministering community of faith” in light of the children, youth, and families who are currently within the Anglican community and with those of the wider community. This ministry is carried out by various task groups of the team including: the Diocesan Youth Conference (an annual event for youth aged 12-18), a Young Adult Retreat (an annual event for ages 19+), the Connect workshop series for youth ministry (Plans and facilitates training sessions offered in regions, parishes, and for diocesan youth events), and the Welcoming Families task group (Creates resources and provides support to parishes in ensuring that families are fully included in the life of the church, and works to ensure that diocesan policies support the involvement of parents in diocesan life.) In addition to these ongoing groups the VSST also visions and plans for new opportunities such as the return of the Community Roots camps, creating safe and inclusive spaces in the Church, social justice and advocacy work, and assisting groups navigate resources for leaders in parishes.  Rev. Kristin MacKenzie is rector of the Parish of Liscomb Port Bickerton and Priest in Charge of the Parish of Three Harbours. She was appointed team lead of the Youth and Family Ministry VSST in the spring of 2021, previous to this she has taken part and led in youth and family based such as the Diocesan Youth Conference (DYC), the Canadian Lutheran Anglican Youth Conference (CLAY), the Young Adult Retreat, as well as parish based ministries in these areas. She lives in Sherbrooke with husband, Mike, their son Samuel, as well as two amazing cats Scout and Magnificat.    Allie Colp is the Youth and Family Ministry Coordinator for the Diocese of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. Allie has a Bachelor of Environmental Science, with a major in Environmental Biology, and integrates that knowledge and passion for the environment into much of her ministry. She lives in Amherst with her husband, Will, and their son, Simeon, and she spends much of her free time sewing clothes for her family.

October 21 Nova Scotia Environmental Network 

 The Nova Scotia Environmental Network (NSEN) was established in 1991 as a non-profit organization registered provincially under the Society Act. We have a membership of 30+ environmental organizations whose common purpose is to conserve and enhance the natural environment and build a sustainable future for Nova Scotia. We strive to support, strengthen, and promote the environmental work of our members by connecting them to each other, to governments, and to the general public. We are primarily funded by the financial contributions of our members, as well as occasional government grants for seasonal staff and projects. Chris White: Co-Chair Chris grew up in Deer Lake, Newfoundland before first moving to Halifax in 2008 to study mechanical engineering at Dalhousie University. After earning a Bachelor of Engineering in 2013 and a Master of Applied Science in 2015, Chris is now working towards a PhD as a member of Dr. Lukas Swan’s Renewable Energy Storage Laboratory at Dalhousie. His ongoing research aims to reduce the economic cost and environmental footprint of the clean energy transition by repurposing used electric vehicle batteries into grid-scale energy storage facilities. During his academic career, Chris also gained engineering experience in the USA at Tesla Motors (2013) and Oak Ridge National Laboratory (2019), and co-founded a battery technology startup company in 2016. 

October 28  Bill Montevecchi is a John Lewis Paton Distinguished University Professor in Psychology, Biology, and Ocean Sciences at Memorial University of Newfoundland. His research focuses seabird response to environmental change and perturbation. His lab also engages in environmental assessments and uses science-based evidence to help evaluate, design and mitigate government and corporate regulatory processes. 

Nov. 4 Hope & Inspiration

 The Hope & Inspiration Art Gallery began as an online Art Show when we could not mount a physical exhibit. It featured 4 local artists from the Environment Network of the Anglican Diocese of NS & PEI. Dale Cook, Luke Haugen-Strand and Wendy Bissett Beaver are painters with their own unique styles and Donna Giles is a Nature Photographer. Art expresses ideas that words cannot and projects dreams we cannot accomplish in other ways. In all its forms, art can remind us of the beauty in the world. Recognizing that the climate crisis is the most significant crisis of our time, art can inspire us to reconsider our relationship with creation and point the way to a different, more sustainable world. It is our hope the art will reconnect you with the beauty of the earth. We invite you to allow the art to inspire you to face the climate crisis and vow to take better care of our world. 

Schedule for Season 3 Winter/Spring 2021

Epiphany: Opening our eyes

January 7: DEN a patchwork quilt – sewing the blocks together (Colleen Cameron)

Epiphany is a sudden moment of perception, realization, of understanding. This first gathering of 2021, we will return for a third season at the beginning of Epiphany to reflect on our call to care for the planet, to consider how we might live out our love for God’s Creation, to review the mission of DEN. This is a time to reflect on why we are connected to the DEN, what it means to us, individually and collectively, as a community. Come as you are, with your thoughts, fears, hopes and dreams for the future, the future of our children, grandchildren, great-grand children and generations to come. 

January 14: Ecological Citizenship (Anne Marie Dalton)   

What will it take to get to a just and sustainable society?  What are the demands on our daily lives?  How does one live the new reality? Pope Francis encyclical Laudato si challenged the world, but Christians in particular, to become ecological citizens. Ecological citizenship was already in secular use as a term but Pope Francis must have found it quite congenial with the requirements of Christian/religious commitment. For centuries the Christian church (as one example) created a habitat for Christian life; all the facets —rituals, preaching, visual art, story telling, education, governance, etc. all cooperated in instilling virtues and morals consistent with Christian life in the world. While such all-inclusive socialization can be and often was oppressive and even dangerously cruel (and Francis is well aware of this), there is important wisdom here also. Modern sociological studies also support the fact that whether intentional or not, there is an operative “habitat” or citizen formation to which we are all more or less subject.  Can our contemporary religions offer an alternative, challenge the normative habitat and encourage ecological citizenship? Must we and what would need to change to accomplish this? 

Anne Marie Dalton’s interest in ecology began in the 1970s while an undergraduate student in biology. Her graduate studies were in Religion and Culture, focussing on the relationship between religion and ecology as a student of Thomas Berry at Fordham University.  She is a retired professor from Saint Mary’s University where she researched and taught in the areas of Religion and Ecology, Science and Religion, and Ecofeminism.  She has led or been a participant in environmental projects in China, Vietnam, and Mongolia. Her publications include two books:  Theology for the Earth and Ecotheology and the Practice of Hope. One of her latest publications was an analysis of the religious roots of the concept of ecological citizenship as used by Pope John Paul in his encyclical Laudate si. She is currently co-chair of the board of the Ecology Action Centre and worships at St. Matthew’s in Halifax.  Her favourite and most spiritual thing to do is to walk in nature. 

January 21: The vulnerability of homeless persons to climate change in challenging times (Brianna Maxwell)

Brianna will discuss the connection between climate vulnerability and homelessness, and how key local actors are responding to these challenges. The presentation will conclude with a discussion on opportunities for action. Brianna Maxwell is an urban planner who graduated from Dalhousie Universities Bachelor of Community Design program in May 2020 after completing her thesis on the vulnerability of homeless person to climate change in HRM. Brianna continues to pursue her interests in sustainability, social justice and planning through her work at FBM Architecture | Interior Design | Planning, and the Nudge Global Impact Challenge.  

January 28 Ethical Investments (Robert-Yves Mazerolle)

Robert-Yves Mazerolle, CFP, CIM, RIS   Robert-Yves MAZEROLLE is a partner emeritus and co-founder at Assante Wealth Management Hydrostone, where he works as a Senior Wealth Advisor. He is a graduate in Service Management with the Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM) and has furthered his education with the Institute of Canadian Bankers, the Financial Planning Institute of Canada, as well as the Securities Institute of Canada.   Before founding his practice in 2000, Robert-Yves worked in the banking  industry and served with the Canadian Armed Forces (Navy) for several years. He has been volunteering in his community of Nova Scotia for the last few decades in several organizations. Currently, he serves as Honorary Consul for France in Halifax, President of the board for Fondation Nationale de l’Acadie and as Vice-President of Société Promotion Grand-Pré.   As part of his Wealth Management practice, Robert-Yves is passionate about proactively educating his clients on Responsible Investing, Impact Investing and ESG (Environmental, Social & Governance) factors in the investment process to foster a better, greener, more sustainable and equitable world. He and his associate, Marc Pinet, both hold the RIS (Responsible Investment Specialist) designation delivered by the Responsible Investment Association of Canada.

Feburary 4 Climate Action & Municipalities (Ruth Bishop & Brenna Walsh, Climate Action Hub)

The need to address climate change is becoming increasingly apparent and the longer we wait to take significant climate action the more difficult it will be to decarbonize. Every step we take to slow climate change will reduce the negative effects which will be felt all over the world, but particularly by the world's most vulnerable. When we think of climate leadership, we have typically thought of national scale commitments and action. However, it has become increasingly apparent that action at other, smaller scales - such as that of a city or municipality- can be extremely effective. Additionally, it can engage citizens, build support for action and allow for locally relevant action to be imagined and implemented. Municipalities have direct influence over several sectors key to addressing climate change: City Planning, Transportation, Public Buildings, Waste Management and Zoning. Demanding more from our cities, supporting them when they are proposing ambitious action and collaborating to build solutions which work for our communities is key to addressing climate change.

Building support for local, grass-roots action will be an important way to push all levels of government to build more ambitious climate plans, and implement more inclusive climate solutions. By building collaborations with groups working to build sustainable societies, conserve our natural environments, and improve social wellbeing of vulnerable and marginalized citizens (etc.) we can push for more ambitious local climate action which also makes more vibrant and juste societies. 

The Community Climate Hub initiative is looking to build community led Hubs in Canadian cities which bring together citizens from all parts of our communities to push for decarbonization in our cities. To learn more about the Community Climate Hub initiative, and to sign up to join the Halifax Hub, please visit climatehub.ca. 

Brenna Walsh has been working on addressing climate action at the municipal scale since 2017. Much of the focus of her work has been to bring together stakeholders who have not typically worked together to address climate change together to build more effective solutions. Brenna has worked at the global scale, consulting stakeholders on what gaps in research and knowledge need to be addressed to be able to further municipal scale climate action. She is also the Regional Organiser for Atlantic Canada for the Community Climate Hub initiative, which is supported by the Climate Reality Project (Canadian branch) and a trained Climate Reality Leader and presenter. Brenna is also an active member of the Ecology Action Center's Urban Development Advocacy Team. 

Ruth Bishop has a background in theology and has volunteered in a variety of local community campaigns, including the campaign to ban uranium mining in Nova Scotia. She has also participated in a number of protest movements and played a lead role in organizing protests to allow Syrian refugees to come to Canada. Ruth works primarily as an ESL teacher, but has also worked as a mediator and hospital chaplain.

Feburary 11 TWO-WAY BRIDGES

Recently DEN asked Margaret Bateman Ellison and Judith Cabrita to be DEN representatives to the Healthy Forest Coalition (HFC) to provide a bridge between DEN and HFC. In the past two months they have been apprised of many concerns in respect to forest management and in particular the lack of action in respect to implementation of the Lahey Report. This presentation will provide an overview of these concerns and suggestions as to how DEN and members can address them as well as other environmental issues. A tentative plan to determine government representatives’ understanding  of environmental issues will be considered.  Hopefully the presentation will provide insight on how DEN and individual members can be prepared to address concerns about the environment as there is a new Premier and probably a provincial election in the near future. 

Judith B. Cabrita Anglican by birth and Nova Scotian by choice, graduate and silver medalist, Ryerson Hotel & Tourism Program, practiced in Ontario, England and Nova Scotia. Member, CPAWS, TFPG and DEN, awarded the Canada 125 medal and inducted to Canadian Tourism Hall of Fame in 2017. Certified Hotel Administrator (CHA) by American Hotel and Lodging Association; dedicated promoter of professional credentials for tourism employees. Involved in the broader tourism community and involved in establishing MSVU Tourism Management Degree program. President of Canada CHRIE, tourism educator, and tourism program designer for NS Dept. of Advanced Education. While Managing Director of Tourism Industry Association of Nova Scotia (TIANS) developed partnerships with the World Travel and Tourism Council as well as International Green Globe to promote sustainable tourism as a business practice. Included environmental responsibility and protection of our natural and built history into TIANS’ tenants in 1992. Established a dedicated department for education and training for the tourism industry and was founding Board Member of Tourism Human Resources Canada where instrumental in the development of Occupational National Standards and Certification program. On behalf of the tourism industry served as member of Colin Stewart Forest Forum. Throughout career has maintained an active community service role serving on various non-profits and charities including lighthouse preservation, environmental protection and community beautification.

Margaret Bateman Ellison An Anglican and Maritimer by birth; home economist and educator by choice for over 50 years, Margaret retired as Associate Professor and Professor Emeritus from Mount Saint Vincent in 2005. The interdisciplinary doctoral program in environmental factors she completed in the College of Human Ecology at the University of Tennessee in 1980 provided a foundation for a career that focused on environmental design, family resource management and community development. Her doctoral research on consumer assessment of energy conserving residential innovation led to exploring theories related to: human ecology, innovation diffusion, managing change and social marketing. All areas of study with conceptual frameworks that are beneficial if applied, collectively or separately, to family resource management and/or environment related challenges. Since residing in Nova Scotia she has received a Nova Scotia Energy Award for leadership in efficient energy management. Served on: The National Energy Board advocating for business sustainability and the Residential Building Committee for the National Building Code. In 2010 the Tourism Industry Association of Nova Scotia awarded her their Human Resource Leadership Award acknowledging sheensured her students were talking about environmental issues well before it was the “in” thing to do.Overview of February 11th   DEN Presentation    

Lent: Reconciliation

Feburary 18 Living a Faith that is Committed to Care to the Earth (Nancy Blair)

Feburary 25  Energy efficiency & greening our church buildings. (Ben Grieder)

Everyone is welcome to join our guest, Ben Grieder, as he shares his knowledge of energy efficiency in church buildings.   Ben is passionate about Community Energy Planning, Sustainable Building Sciences, Active Transportation and anything related to Energy Efficiency. Ben graduated from Acadia University with a Professional Studies degree in Community Development and Environmental Sustainability Studies. In recent years, he has worked as a Community Energy Planner, his goal being to help people understand the benefits of energy efficiency, energy conservation and renewable energy. Ben is an energy efficiency specialist, with a background in building sciences and energy analysis. For more information call Rev Marian at 902-483-6866 or Email endionspei@gmail.com

March 4 Green Burial: Carrying our living environmental values into end-of-life choices (Ray Mattolie & Louisa Horne) 

Green burial is a growing global movement and interest in this environmentally sensitive approach to disposition of one’s body in a way that has a useful purpose is rapidly increasing. 

Although Green Burial can be a choice made for interment in any burial ground, there is an increasing demand for dedicated areas to be created in existing cemeteries, or for cemeteries exclusively for green burial. The ultimate choice is for green burial to be in a designated conservation site. There is only one such site in Canada, off the coast of BC, whilst 10 have been established in the USA and many more in the UK.  

This session will provide an overview of the principles of green burial, and consider the opportunities it offers to support wider conservation endeavours. This will include an outline of a plan being developed by a parish in the Diocese to develop a conservation area, with green burial as one of the opportunities it offers.  

Louisa Horne and Ray Mattholie are passionate supporters of green burial, and members of Green Burial Nova Scotia, a project of the Ecology Action Centre.  

Louisa is a Halifax based management consultant, entrepreneur, community volunteer, dog lover and grandmother.  She has worked as a management consultant for many years and has owned Sylvan Learning Halifax for ~30 years. She has a busy volunteer life including being an active member of St. John’s United Church in Halifax and Rotary International, serving as immediate past District Governor for this region.  She is a Certified Corporate Director and has served on boards for Symphony Nova Scotia, Discovery Centre and others, including current service as a Consumer Advocate on the NS Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers. She has also completed training in Community Death Care, End-of-Life Doula and Home-Based Funerals and is enthusiastically exploring ways to enhance how we prepare for the end of our lives and tell our life stories.  

Ray’s professional career covered 50 years in Risk Consultancy in Canada, UK and Asia. He is now ‘almost retired’, and has been living in Glen Margaret for 12 years. Having been a ‘City Boy’ most of his years, he is embracing life in rural Nova Scotia, enjoying sailing, cycling, and hiking with his spaniels.

He is an active member of the Anglican Parish of French Village and undertakes various volunteer roles in the St Margaret’s Bay community. He is a keen supporter and a Director of the locally based charity, Help 2 Overcome (www.help2overcome.org)

He has developed a special interest in green burial and helped form the group Green Burial Nova Scotia to increase awareness and availability of natural burial in our Province. He is also a Director of the Green Burial Society of Canada (www.greenburialcanada.ca) 

March 11 Sacred People/Sacred Earth Day of Action (Nancy Blair & The Rev. Marian Lucas-Jefferies)

Bring your imagination and sense of humour and be prepared to get creative in ways that shout out love for creation and help us develop a deeper spiritual connection with nature in unexpected ways. Prayers, rhyme and song are communication from the heart that speak of our love for and spirit; connection with creation great and small. They can be innovative, different, poetic and maybe even quirky, carrying us through our day and our lives. A way of committing and re-committing ourselves to caring for Creation. We hope that our results will be shared and used in parishes and the broader church.   

March 18 The Art of Sharing (Dale Cook)

Dale Cook is a contributing artist with the Hope & Inspiration Gallery of the Arts. This week we will be engaging on the spiritual practice called "The Art of Sharing" 

From 2009: Have you ever wondered if you have a gift worth sharing? Do you paint, write, sing? Why do some have so much while others have nothing? I have a friend who taught me a wonderful lesson - We should not "give" to others who have nothing - we should share. It is more respectful. With this in mind, I am using my gift - painting."

From Dale Cook: "In December 2009, I hosted an exhibit/sale of paintings based on photos that friends had taken over the years during their trips to Ethiopia, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Bangladesh and more (The Art of sharing). A percentage of any sales were to be donated to PWRDF - The Anglican Primates World Relief and Development Fund."

In all its forms, art can remind us of the beauty in the world. Recognizing that the climate crisis has an impact on food security, two of the most significant crises of our time, art can inspire us to reconsider our relationship with creation and each other point the way to a different, more sustainable world.  

March 25 First Nations Relations (Albert Marshall)

Albert is a leading environmental voice in Unama’ki Cape Breton. He is advisor to and is a highly regarded spokesperson for Mi’kmaq natural resources and environmental issues.

Albert advises and lectures internationally on a wide range of topics:

• the environment

• tribal consciousness collaboration with non-Aboriginal society

• traditional healing, traditional teachings

• Mi’kmaq orthography and language

• First Nations’ vision of science

He is the creator of the “Two Eyed Seeing” concept–Balancing Traditional Aboriginal Knowledge and Contemporary Science.

Albert works to further positive work within Mi’kmaw communities, to seek preservation and understanding of cultural beliefs and practices among all communities and to effect a strong vision for his people and the future. 

https://www.uinr.ca/people/albert-marshall/

Holy Week

Easter 1 New beginnings

April 8 Gardening - Planting the seeds of change (Gerald Giles) 

It is time for the preparation for new life in the garden. Fr. Gerald's talk will deal with preparing for spring planting; starting of seed, soil preparation, best practice and sharing his life journey with gardening. There will be time for sharing each other’s stories.

April 15 Exploring the link between ocean protection and the climate and biodiversity crises (Jordy Thomson, EAC)

Jordy holds a PhD in biology from Simon Fraser University and has spent the better part of 15 years studying the movements and feeding patterns of large marine animals around the world. As a post doc in Australia, his research investigated the impacts of climate change on seagrass meadows and the animal populations they support. In 2018, Jordy moved to Nova Scotia and joined the Ecology Action Centre, where his work now focuses on establishing and improving the quality of marine protected areas to help safeguard Atlantic Canada’s unique marine biodiversity. In his presentation, Jordy will dig into the relationship between marine protected areas and the biodiversity and climate crises, with a particular focus on the need to conserve coastal ‘blue carbon’ habitats that capture and store large amounts of CO2. He will talk about the progress that Canada has made on marine protection over the past five years, what work still needs to be done, and how coastal communities can play a critical role in the preservation of Nova Scotia’s valuable, but often unheralded, eelgrass meadows. 

Earth Day

April 22 Blue whale poo and the challenges of climate change (David Ireland)

Dave Ireland has studied and worked in the environmental sector for the last 25 years – he was a young ecologist in Algonquin Park, a curator of conservation at the Toronto Zoo, a director of biodiversity at the Royal Ontario Museum, and now a project manager with Parks Canada at Kejimkujik. Dave believes good storytelling is critical to protecting nature and has spent his career helping scientists tell their stories. Join Dave for an exciting virtual talk about 4, loosely connected, stories: 1) leeches love frog eggs, 2) roadlessness, 3) whale poo and our carbon budget, and 4) alien invaders of Kespu'kwitk.  

Rogation Tide Planting the seeds of change

April 29 Stations of Creation (Donna Giles & The Rev Marian Lucas-Jefferies)