A Change of Course speakers panel explores 'How do we inhabit the Earth?'

Join us for an inspiring and empowering event Thursday, April 6, that seeks to understand the answer to this question. A Change Of Course will feature five local to global activists working to create change in their communities. Through a distinct set of workshops and a speaker panel, we invite you to ponder how we can use mindfulness as a tool for advocacy. 

The main event is from 6-8 p.m. in the Viking Union MPR. A locally-sourced, plant-based dinner will be served from 6-6:30 and the speakers will go on from 6:30-8 p.m..

The workshops that precede the panel are:

  • Eriel Deranger: "Power, privilege, and oppression: How to be an environmental justice advocate and ally" 1:00-4:00 p.m. in VU 462. Eriel Tchekwie Deranger is a Dene Indigenous activist and member of the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation (ACFN) of Northern Alberta, Canada. Eriel is currently employed as the Tar Sands Campaign and Communication Coordinator for ACFN. Her work focuses on creating greater awareness about the impacts of the Alberta Tar Sands and demanding that all levels of government and the private sector fully implement the unique Indigenous rights her people hold as described by Treaty 8, and the United Nation Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous peoples.
  • Gitz Crazyboy: "The Treaty Game: The complexity of colonization and survival during the treaty process" 2:30-5:00 p.m. in VU 464. Gitz Crazyboy was born in Calgary but raised in Fort McMurray, where he sporadically lived until the great fire of 2016 burned his home down. Since graduating he has spent his time working with youth around the globe from cities, reservations, and the remote rural areas in the wilderness. A lot of his time is spent working within education, decolonizing indigenous studies and helping to raise awareness about residential schools and the tragic history of Canada's resilient indigenous population.

The events are hosted by the AS Environmental and Sustainability Programs, the AS Social Issues Resource Center, and the Office of Sustainability.

For disAbility accommodations, please email as.disability@wwu.edu