Elders Speak on ‘Thorny Issues’
Our popular Saturday Speaker Series returns to the Nanoose Place Community Centre over the next three months with sessions addressing challenging social issues. Mid Island Elder College is proud to host these presentations as part of our ongoing commitment to lifelong learning in our community.
The opening session, on Saturday, February 15 at 10:00 AM, is entitled Walking Together: Land-Based Wisdom for Urgent Change, and will explore the theme of reconciling with the land. The presenters are Joan Brown, a proud member and current Chief Administrative Officer of the Snuneymuxw First Nation (SFN), and Scott Saywell, a consultant for SFN and recently retired Superintendent of Nanaimo-Ladysmith Public Schools.
Brown’s leadership has been instrumental in advancing economic development opportunities that empower Snuneymuxw members and generate sustainable revenue, while also prioritizing the revitalization of Snuneymuxw culture, language, and heritage. Saywell’s extensive experience in education and community leadership complements this work. Together, they will discuss how to address key priorities such as land and water management through meaningful relationships, collaboration with diverse groups, and engagement with community members, elders, and leaders. Their insights will highlight strategies to strengthen cultural identity while fostering sustainable growth.
Many residents of Vancouver Island’s mid-Island region may not be aware that we live within one of Canada’s 19 UNESCO-designated biosphere regions (www.mabr.ca). Stretching from Mount Arrowsmith to the ocean, this region’s designation reflects its rich natural environment, where mountain snowmelt nourishes rivers, waterfalls, and estuaries that support lush forests and coastal ecosystems. As stewards of this land, it is our responsibility to be informed custodians, and this session offers an excellent opportunity to engage in that important conversation.
Join us!
Date: Saturday, February 15
Time: 10:00 AM to Noon
Location: Nanoose Place Community Centre, 2925 Northwest Bay Road, Nanoose Bay
Ticket Cost: $10 per presentation
Registration: Online at www.eldercollege.org OR Cash purchase at the door
The Saturday Speaker Series provides opportunities for deeper exploration of complex topics while fostering community connection and shared wisdom. We also invite you to attend the second and third sessions in the spring series, which will address other pressing issues:
March 15: There’s Something About Addiction with Elliott Marchant
May 3: A Way Forward on Homelessness with Dave Witty
Stay tuned for more details: we look forward to welcoming you to these thought-provoking sessions.