Brock University hosted a gathering to discuss the significance and preservation of the Niagara Escarpment on Thursday, May 9.<\/p>\n
The meeting of Indigenous leaders and political representatives focused on maintaining the natural landmark\u2019s United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Biosphere designation, a reflection of the area\u2019s rich biodiversity and cultural heritage.<\/p>\n
Along with formal discussions, attendees embarked on a tour of main campus to explore Brock\u2019s deep-rooted connection to the escarpment.<\/p>\n
\u201cBrock\u2019s core value of sustainability is reflected in the many education and research programs found in Faculties all across campus,\u201d said Michelle McGinn, Acting Vice-President, Research. \u201cWe feel fortunate to be located in a UNESCO Biosphere. We\u2019re only one of a few universities across Canada with that privilege.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The presence of community stakeholders and Indigenous leaders underscored the importance of co-operation and inclusive governance in preserving Niagara\u2019s natural heritage.<\/p>\n
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 Hadiya\u02c0dag\u00e9nhahs First Nations, M\u00e9tis and Inuit Student Centre, discussed the importance of decolonization.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s imperative we establish meaningful collaboration in preserving our natural heritage,\u201d Bourgeois said.<\/p>\n\n\t