Panel Discussion on “The Great Lakes: The First Nations, Métis Nation and Tribal Perspective”

Date

Join the International Joint Commission’s Great Lakes Water Quality Board and Local Experts for a panel discussion on The Great Lakes: The First Nations, Métis Nation and Tribal Perspective.

On Wednesday, November 9, the IJC’s Great Lakes Water Quality Board will host a panel discussion with local and regional experts to discuss their unique perspectives of Lake Superior and the Great Lakes, long-term challenges facing the lakes and their impacts on indigenous people. The public is invited to attend free of charge and participate in the conversation, which will be held from 7 – 9 p.m. at Fort William Historical Park in Thunder Bay, Ontario.

Panelists include:

  • Michon Harold, Commercial Fisherman, Rocky Bay First Nation
  • Dean Jacob, Consultation Manager, Walpole Island First Nations
  • Dr. Robert Stewart, Associate Professor and Chair, Department of Geography and the Environment, Lakehead University
  • James Wagar, Manager of Natural Resources and Consultation, Métis Nation of Ontario

The session will be moderated by Water Quality Board member Mark Mattson, President of Lake Ontario Waterkeeper.

"We’re excited to come to Thunder Bay and focus our meeting and evening event on Lake Superior and to talk with First Nations, Métis Nation and tribal communities about protecting the Great Lakes ecosystem," said Board US co-chair Dave Ullrich.

"This meeting comes at a perfect time for the Board and the Commission," said Board Canadian co-chair Rob deLoe. "We are eager to enhance our connections with these communities, and to hear what they consider to be the key challenges or threats to the Great Lakes ecosystem."

The Water Quality Board’s meeting, also open to the public, will be held the afternoon of November 9 and the morning of November10 at the same location. Infosuperior will live stream the audio for both meetings at WQB Thunder Bay.

Contact:

Raj Bejankiwar, bejankiwarr@windsor.ijc.org  519-257-6711

Sally Cole-Misch, colemischs@windsor.ijc.org 519-257-6733