Currents: regional perspectives on water, a public symposium

UPEI’s Environmental Studies program is hosting an evening symposium entitled "Currents: Regional Perspectives on Water." The symposium will be held Thursday, January 14, 2016, 6:30–8:30 pm in McMillan Hall, W.A. Murphy Centre on the UPEI campus. 

“As Prince Edward Island is developing a Water Act, three informative speakers will explore different aspects of protection of our water.” said Dr. Carolyn Peach Brown, director of UPEI’s Environmental Studies program.

Eliza Star Child Knockwood, Mawita’jik (“Gathering Together”) Activities Coordinator with the Prince Edward Island Aboriginal Women’s Association, will speak about Aboriginal women’s responsibility for protecting water. 

Dr. Mike van den Heuvel, Director of the Canadian Rivers Institute and former Canada Research Chair in Watershed Ecological Integrity at UPEI, will speak about some of the current issues related to PEI water.

Jocelyne Rankin, Freshwater Coordinator of the Ecology Action Centre, will speak about her involvement with the development of a water policy in Nova Scotia, and lessons that might be applicable to Prince Edward Island. 

Each speaker will present for 15—20 minutes. After a short break for refreshments, the speakers will reassemble for a panel discussion related to water issues on Prince Edward Island as it develops a Water Act. Questions will be taken from the audience.

Donations will be taken for WaterAid Canada, a non-governmental organization which works with communities in the developing world to provide clean water and improved sanitation.

A basket of local products is available as a door prize.

The symposium is supported by the Rotary Club of Charlottetown Royalty and the University of Prince Edward Island.