Robyn Bourgeois (centre), Brock University Vice Provost for Indigenous Engagement, speaks to several key figures about the importance of decolonization in front of the Indigenous Healing Garden during a UNESCO biosphere tour of campus.Brock University hosted a gathering to discuss the significance and preservation of the Niagara Escarpment on Thursday, May 9.
The meeting of Indigenous leaders and political representatives focused on maintaining the natural landmark’s United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Biosphere designation, a reflection of the area’s rich biodiversity and cultural heritage.
Along with formal discussions, attendees embarked on a tour of main campus to explore Brock’s deep-rooted connection to the escarpment.
“Brock’s core value of sustainability is reflected in the many education and research programs found in Faculties all across campus,” said Michelle McGinn, Acting Vice-President, Research. “We feel fortunate to be located in a UNESCO Biosphere. We’re only one of a few universities across Canada with that privilege.”
During the visit, Professor of Biology Liette Vasseur, who has held the UNESCO Chair on Community Sustainability: from Local to Global at Brock since 2014, along with Norm Ragetlie and Charlene Winger-Jones, co-chairs of the Niagara Escarpment Biosphere Network, highlighted collaborative local preservation efforts.
The presence of community stakeholders and Indigenous leaders underscored the importance of co-operation and inclusive governance in preserving Niagara’s natural heritage.
The group visited the Indigenous Healing Garden on the north side of Cairns Complex where Robyn Bourgeois, Vice-Provost, Indigenous Engagement, and Cindy Biancaniello, Director of the Hadiyaˀdagénhahs First Nations, Métis and Inuit Student Centre, discussed the importance of decolonization.
“It’s imperative we establish meaningful collaboration in preserving our natural heritage,” Bourgeois said.
