Description

Planet earth is facing the effects of climate change due to our actions as a population, yet as individuals we often feel powerless to stop the change. One way to take back that power is exercising our rights and by engaging with decision makers in government.

Join us for this National Dialogue on “Engaging With the Government: Making Your Voice Heard”  on Wednesday February 2, 1:00-2:00PT/ 3:00-4:00ET. We will be hearing from three youth with experience engaging with the government to be our speakers.

Speaker Bio

Christina Roussakis

Christina is a 2021-2022 Ocean Wise Ambassador. She first fell in love with water as a young girl on adventures in Tobermory with her dad and sisters. For her action project, Christina has been working with Saugeen Ojibway Nation to address a water conservation issue on the Saugeen Peninsula. Christina completed a Bachelors of Science in Human Kinetics and Masters in Global Health before stumbling into law. She is currently working as a lawyer, working in many different practice areas including health law and Indigenous law. Christina remains passionate about human health and is curious about how systems shape our world and our day to day lives. She continues to fill her life with adventures, especially those that bring her closer to nature, and loves acting.

Madison Dyck (2019 alumni)

Madison was a member of the 2019-2020 ocean wise Cohort- where she was able to share the magic of Lake Superior with her peers. Having grown up in Thunder Bay, she has a deep love for the freshwater lakes, and the Boreal forest. Currently a forestry student, she is striving to know the land as intimately as possible. Madison lives off grid, and is forever giving thanks to the spring she collects her water from, and the birch trees for keeping her warm. When not in the forest, Madison is likely on a sailboat, where she is her most joyful! It is painfully apparent the effects of a warming climate, noted in the warmer waters of Lake Superior, the lack of blueberries in the summer, and the changes in the fish spawning in the rivers- speaking on behalf of all who call this land home, is but a small act of reciprocity.

Shelby Gagnon

Shelby Gagnon is an Anishinaabe/Cree artist from Aroland First Nation but has lived in Thunder Bay for most of her life. She is an advocate for the health of the lands, waters, and other Indigenous peoples. Shelby is a graduate of Lakehead University in the Fine Arts program where she explored the reclamation of identity and traditions of being an Indigenous person on Turtle Island. Through involvement with community-engaged organizations and projects, she uses multi-disciplinary mediums to express and share her holistic feelings

Learning Outcomes

• Learn about how law can protect the environment/the ocean
• Understand that by engaging with your government you are also serving your community
• Learn about some of the different ways to engage with your government

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