Monday, March 23, 2026
from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Rankin Family Pavilion Atrium, Brock University
1812 Sir Isaac Brock Way
Open to the public.
The Environmental Sustainability Research Centre is thrilled to extend an invitation to you for our upcoming World Water Day Celebration, where we aim to raise awareness about water-focused research, learning opportunities and community action.
Opening program starts at 11 a.m.
Thanksgiving address (Cayuga and English)
Fran and Jacob Davis
Heyo:te’dok – Fran, and Haya’no:we’ – Jacob Davis are from Six Nations of the Grand River territory, Cayuga nation and Wolf clan.
This mother and son team has had the pleasure of sharing the foundational Haudenosaunee practice, Ganǫʼhǫhk – The Thanksgiving Address with diverse audiences for over 25 years. Their work has reached institutions and gatherings the University of Waterloo, Guelph University, Kitchener-Waterloo 1st Indigenous Healing Conference alongside Murray Sinclair, the Toronto Raptors and many more.
Jacob began his public speaking journey at just nine years old at the Niagara Regional Native Center during its inaugural Youth and Elders
Conference 2002 and returned in 2024, presenting once again alongside Uncle Tom Porter, the esteemed keynote speaker.
Fran is a Haudenosaunee researcher, scholar, and educator who honours the legacy of her ancestors by sharing knowledge that has endured despite the impacts of genocide. She brings a grounded understanding of peace, empowerment, and strength to every space she is invited into.
Land Acknowledgement and Welcome | Dr. Julia Baird on behalf of the Environmental Sustainability Research Centre
World Water Day Opening Remarks | Mary Quintana, AVP, Facilities Management
Water Drumming and Singing
Elder Oakie
Elder Okie is a First Nations 2-spirit Choctaw, and a member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. A pillar of our community, Elder Okie shares love through drumming, song, and conversation.
Remarks on Water and Gender (2026 World Water Day Theme) | Dr. Lina Taing
Research and Art Showcase
11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Interactive Stations and Community Organization Booths
11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Event highlights
Our exhibition aims to showcase learning and research on water at Brock, featuring engaging displays, interactive demonstrations, and thought-provoking art.
Research Showcase
Gain insights from experts in the field as they share their knowledge and experiences related to water.
Educational Exhibits
Explore informative displays that showcase the significance of water.
Artistic Displays
Immerse yourself in the power of art with installations and exhibits that creatively communicate the importance of water.
Interactive Stations
Participate in hands-on workshops designed to empower you with practical tips on water conservation and sustainable practices.
Community Organization Booths
Learn about the work community organizations are undertaking to protect and conserve water resources in Niagara and beyond.
We believe that by coming together as a community, we can make a meaningful impact on the future of our planet’s water resources. Your presence at our World Water Day Celebration will help foster a shared commitment to a sustainable and water-secure world.
We look forward to celebrating World Water Day with you on March 23!
Community Partners and Exhibitors
The Environmental Sustainability Research Centre would like to extend a big thanks to all our exhibitors and community partners!
More information
We are looking for submissions from faculty, staff and students in the Brock community to showcase the following:
- Community Organization Highlights: Tables/stations designed to showcase the work community organizations are undertaking to protect and conserve water in Niagara and beyond.
- Research Highlights: Experts in the field sharing their knowledge and experiences related to water (i.e., research posters).
- Educational Exhibits: Informative displays that showcase the significance of water.
- Course Highlights: Small posters to showcase courses that focus on water at Brock.
- Artistic Displays: Installations and exhibits that creatively communicate the importance of water at Brock and in our elementary and high schools.
- Interactive Stations: Tables/stations designed to engage attendees with water research, technology, practical tips on water conservation, etc.
We believe that by coming together as a community, we can inspire positive change and contribute to safeguarding our precious water resources.
Let’s create ripples of change together!
Interested in showcasing your research and/or art at our World Water Day event?
Applications can be made by emailing Julia Baird at [email protected] on or before Wednesday, March 11. We look forward to your participation in this celebration of World Water Day.
We have a small fund to cover the costs of printing posters for student work (2’x3′ in size).
If you are interested in participating, please reach out to Julia Baird at [email protected] on or before Wednesday, March 11.
Questions?
Please connect with the organizers in the Environmental Sustainability Research Centre: [email protected]