A Sustainable Tourism Future for the Saugeen Peninsula
May 3 – 5, 2024
Thank you for joining us for our 2024 Forum: A Sustainable Tourism Future for the Saugeen Peninsula. As per last year, the Parks Canada Visitor Center hosted the Friday evening social and Saturday/Sunday technical programs. The Banquet and guest speaker presentation was held at the Tobermory Community Center. The delicious dinner was prepared and served by Pharos Restaurant (The Princess Hotel).
The Forum subcommittee had been busy and received excellent support from a variety of agencies and individuals to participate. Sustainable Tourism is currently at the forefront of strategic planning and new initiatives on the Peninsula and beyond, thus there is much to learn and discuss. We hoped to provide a cross-section of local, regional and greater sustainable tourism plans and programs.
Highlights included a pre-Forum geological hike near Dyers Bay (“Geotourism Live!”) led by local geologist Daryl Cowell; a presentation on the North Bruce Sustainable Tourism Action Plan (STAP) and implementation Advisory Group (STAG) involving many local and regional agencies. Other presentations were shared by the SON Environment Office and by the Niagara Escarpment for Sustainable Tourism (NEST), as well as GreenStep Solutions who spoke to the development of links between tourism destinations and businesses.
Our guest speaker on Saturday Evening was Tony Pigott, Executive Director of “DEEPTIME: The Georgian Bay Aspiring Geopark”. Tony provided an in-depth description of recent proposals and activities to establish the entire Georgian Bay region, including the Saugeen Peninsula, as a new UNESCO Global Geopark. The inclusion of the geology of this region within the global geopark network is described as an essential building block in creating a sustainable future for Georgian Bay.
Sunday morning was again open to the community and started with new sustainable tourism initiatives by RT07. This was followed by a ‘roundtable’ discussion including tourism presentations by local actors involved in tourism and tourism planning (Escarpment Heights Motel, Summer House Park, The Bruce Peninsula Biosphere Association and the Municipality of North Bruce Peninsula).
The State of Biodiversity on the Saugeen Peninsula
and Beyond
PROCEEDINGS COMING SOON!
By all accounts, Canada played a leading role in forging the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, committing countries to protect 30 per cent of land and oceans by 2030. Why is this important? Biodiversity is the variety of all living things on this planet, from bats to cattails, bears to humans, caribou to orchids. There are millions of plant, animal, insect, bacteria and fungi species that make up life on Earth, and each one has a part to play in helping ecosystems thrive. But this precious biodiversity is under serious threat. Over the last half-century or so, the number of animals on Earth has dropped by half. Up to one million species are currently on the brink of extinction, some within decades or earlier. Scientists say we’re seeing the sixth mass extinction on our planet, the first to be caused entirely by one species – us.
The Forum Program is designed to meet several learning and action objectives:
- Learn about biodiversity and the importance of the United Nations COP15 agreement.
- Situate Indigenous conservation leadership as central; as Canada’s Environment and Climate Change Minister Steven Guilbeault says, “By coupling Indigenous and Western science, we can fight the twin crises of climate change and biodiversity loss, strengthen our relationships with Indigenous communities, and build a better future for everyone.”
- Examine how important the Saugeen Peninsula is to Great Lakes-wide biodiversity, hear about important efforts already underway by government and local groups, and learn how you can take action.
For more information about, or to view the trailer for Friday evening’s film: The Issue with Tissue, A Boreal Love Story by Director Michael Zelniker
Accounting for the Past, Envisioning the Future: A Seven Generations Based Framework for the Bruce Peninsula
Speakers
Dr. Deborah McGregor
James S. Quinn (Jim): is a professor of biology at McMaster University. He teaches conservation biology, molecular ecology, and behavioural ecology as well as a first year course called “Biodiversity, Evolution, and Humanity”.
Alan Corbiere
Alan Ojiig Corbiere, Bne doodemid (Ruffed Grouse clan): is an Anishinaabe from M’Chigeeng First Nation on Manitoulin Island. He was educated on the reserve and then attended the University of Toronto for a Bachelor of Science, he then entered York University and earned his Masters of Environmental Studies.
Dr. Deborah McGregor
Deborah McGregor: Associate Professor & Canada Research Chair in Indigenous Environmental Justice, York University, Osgoode Hall Law School and Faculty of Environmental Studies TOPIC: Traditional Ecological Knowledge and Environmental Futures
Dr. John Borrows
Dr. John Borrows: Canada Research Chair in Indigenous Law, University of Victoria and citizen of the Chippewas of the Nawash First Nation TOPIC: Learning From The Land: Understanding Anishinaabe Law on the Saugeen Peninsula
Dr. Dan Longboat
Dr. Dan Longboat: Director, Indigenous Studies and Science, Trent University Topic: Seven Generations Thinking: Understanding the Future By Remembering the Past
Nathan Tidridge
Nathan Tidridge: Teacher of History and Government, Waterdown High School Topic: The Queen as Treaty Partner The Crown’s Role in Reconciliation
Kit Worzel
Kit Worzel: is a dynamic young futurist with a focus on science and technology. His experience in the field, both at Roswell Park Cancer Institute and the University of Guelph have given him strong insight into trends in science, and being a favored guest on InnerSpace on the Space network keeps him sharp and on top of his game.
Peoples of The Great Arc: Two Ways of Knowing
A presentation and discussion of the implications of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada report for the residents of the Bruce Peninsula was the feature of the Sunday morning final session of the 2016 Sources of Knowledge Forum. Special Speaker: Chief Vernon Roote, Saugeen First Nation.
2024 Speakers
Daryl Cowell, B.A., M.Sc.,P.Geo.
Daryl was born in Hamilton, Ontario where he attended McMaster University, graduating in Earth Sciences. He graduated with undergraduate and M.Sc. degrees specializing in karst geomorphology - the study of the formation of caves and associated landforms. He began his work career with the Ministry of Natural Resources identifying and describing significant earth science features along the Niagara Escarpment (“ANSIs”). Daryl worked for Environment Canada between 1976 and 1989 on several national and international projects including the Acid Rain Program and the Great Lakes Program. In late 1989 he left the government to work in the private sector as a geological consultant specializing in environmental geology. He co-founded two environmental consulting firms then moved to Tobermory with his wife Judy in 2002 and has recently retired. Over the years he has worked for a wide range of clients including municipal, provincial and federal governments; private developers; major world bank institutions; and private commercial banks. In addition to his karst specialty, Daryl has also developed expertise in soils and land management working extensively in areas of forestry and forest plantation management. His work experience in Canada covers most of Ontario, northern and central Manitoba, northern Alberta, Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut. Internationally he has worked in Argentina, Brazil, Columbia, Ecuador, Peru, Uruguay, Romania, and Nigeria. He has given numerous guided walks, presentations, and courses within the local area and published a number of scientific papers. In 2004, he co-authored a book on the Geology and Landforms of Grey and Bruce Counties produced by the Owen Sound Field Naturalists which is currently being revised for the 2nd edition. He also recently provided a contribution on the Geomorphology of the Saugeen-Bruce Peninsula for a book on the Geomorphology of Eastern Canada. Daryl has been a member of the Board of Sources of Knowledge since 2015 and served as Chair between 2019 and 2022.
Simon Appolloni
Simon Appolloni is an Assistant Professor, Teaching Stream at the School of the Environment, University of Toronto. He has taught courses on sustainability and ethics at the University of Toronto, Humber College and at Brock University over the past 16 years, including sustainable tourism when at Brock. His current research interest lies in understanding and utilizing pedagogies of hope that build resilience within students as they navigate their own futures amidst more severe, frequent, and prolonged weather events due to climate change. Simon loves hiking, especially along the Bruce Peninsula with its breath-taking beauty!
Michael P Hallé
Chairman & CEO 10GATES Matrix Inc., © The GPS for the Soul of Sustainable Travel. CEO NEST: Niagara Escarpment for Sustainable Travel. An NGO exclusively in the UNESCO NIAGARA BIOSPHERE RESERVE. Head of Operations and Destination Strategist with Transformational Travel Council. | Project Manager Transcend’24 | cocreator of the Transcend 2050 Initiative “From Carbon Footprints to Global Footsteps” Crafting a Legacy of Environmental Stewardship and Community Empowerment. With practical experience in working with marginalized communities, I advocate for celebrating regional cultural diversity and biodiversity as global differentiators and cultural unifiers for sustainable travel and tourism. My focus lies in research, strategy and branding regional destinations as a synthesis of cultural and ecological experiences, vital in both urban and rural settings. I am committed to projects that resonate with my ethos of social, cultural, and environmental responsibility.”
Caley Doran
Caley Doran's sound and perspective comes from Saukiing Anishinaabekiing territory, and he lives at Sauble Beach. He is an Anishinaabe Interpretive Guide with the Cape Croker Park Anishinaabe Cultural Experiences program at Neyaashiinigmiing, Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation. Caley has immense passion for Nimaamaa-Aki(Mother Earth) and after a 20+ year career managing large teams in the hospitality and tourism industry Caley chose a new path connected to his passion for nature and he now follows in the footsteps of his ancestors. Caley is on the board of directors of the Niagara Escarpment Biosphere Network, Peninsula Bruce Trail Club and Bagida-waad Alliance where he is a voice for those who can’t speak, the water, plants, the four-legged, trees, stone, creepy crawlers, the stone and the wind. You can find Caley guiding hikes and land-based learning across the vast Saugeen Ojibway Nation traditional territory.”
Ethan Meleg
Ethan Meleg grew up near Point Pelee National Park, which turned him into a bird nerd at a young age and inspired his passion for nature and parks. His Parks Canada career started in 1999 as a naturalist at Bruce Peninsula National Park and Fathom Five National Marine Park. He has grown into many different roles and spent a few years at Georgian Bay Islands National Park, before coming back to the Saugeen (Bruce) Peninsula a few years ago – this time with a family in tow. Ethan is a member of the park management team and is currently the acting Park Superintendent. Outside of his work with Parks Canada, Ethan is an accomplished nature photographer. His greatest passion is exploring parks and wild areas with his camera, whether on exciting trips or close to home.
William Hogg
As Business Development Executive with GreenStep Solutions, I will first and foremost be promoting a company offering services that are central to driving sustainable change in tourism. As the national leader in sustainable tourism programs, and the only Canadian-owned company offering sustainable tourism certification criteria recognized by the GSTC, I look forward contributing to GreenStep's growth across the country in its quest to change (and maybe help save) the world. Formerly Account Manager - Tour & Travel, International & Emerging Markets with Destination Sherbrooke for seven + years, I developed and deepened key relationships with tourism partners and travel buyers from the region, across Canada and around the world. The instigator of the Sherbrooke - Heart of the Townships brand, I strategically developed product and positioned the city, partners and the region in Canadian, American and international (Asian and European) leisure and tour & travel markets. Certified Sustainable Tourism Professional by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, and having been certified by Canada’s 2SLGBTQI+ Chamber of Commerce, I also headed the Emerging Markets (Sustainable Tourism) portfolio with Destination Sherbrooke. Under my leadership, Sherbrooke became the first destination in Quebec to be GreenStep certified, based on GSTC recognized criteria. I also co-led the regional sustainable tourism GreenStep cohort with the SADC + CAE de l'Estrie and Tourisme Cantons-de-l'Est, driving sustainable change in regional tourism models. Prior to that, I spent 3 years with the Canada Games - Sherbrooke 2013 as a senior-level manager in communications, marketing, and sport management, which required solid writing skills for marketing and communications tools, grant writing, public speaking, HR and public relations, and event planning.
Megan Myles
Megan grew up on the Saugeen Bruce Peninsula where her family has lived for over five generations. She has a Bachelor of Arts & Sciences from Quest University in Squamish, BC. In 2016, she opened The Fitz Hostel in Lion's Head, and as chair of the Bruce Peninsula Environment Group, she helped convene five levels of government on the NBP Sustainable Tourism Plan. In 2018, she was elected as councillor for the Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula. In this role, she served on the Waste Diversion Committee, Sustainable Tourism Advisory Group, and Climate Action Committee and helped create the municipality's first climate action plan. Now, she is Grey County's Climate Change Outreach and Engagement Coordinator. In her spare time, she is finishing up her MSc in Rural Planning and Development at the University of Guelph, where she's focused her research on municipal-Indigenous consultation in Saugeen Ojibway Nation territory. Megan also enjoys live music, growing and cooking food, hiking, biking, swimming, and sailing in Georgian Bay!
Noreen Steinacher
Noreen Steinacher is a community development worker and Board member for The Meeting Place Tobermory. She and her colleques are continually interested in implementing new organizational ideas, including developing a social enterprise - a revenue-generating business model whose objective is to have a social impact. Noreen lives full time in Tobermory with her husband Rod and they are involved in local environmental protection.
Erik Koning
Erik Koning is a computer engineering graduate, and an experienced entrepreneur leading as the President of Westlake Ebikes since 2020, a self-serve micro mobility system that can be deployed anywhere, and as the lead Technologist with Refdocs Inc, a web software for dental specialists. Erik began his entrepreneurial experience helping with Westlake's non-profit catamaran sailing school from 2009 - 2013, Erik has continually transitioned further into tech-enabled businesses since, focusing on efficiency and enhanced user experiences across each venture. His approach blends technical expertise with a commitment to innovation, and a northstar of perpetually improving the customer experience.
Tony Pigott
Tony has 35 years experience as a Marketing and Advertising professional including 14 years as CEO of J.Walter Thompson Canada. He also has extensive experience as an economic development specialist designing and implementing go to market programs with artisan communities in Haiti and Peru. Tony has worked closely with UNESCO Paris including initiating and leading a UNESCO, J. Walter Thompson, Government of Canada initiative that was launched at the Johannesburg World Summit on Sustainable Development. Tony is Chair of the Georgian Bay Geopark and Executive Director.
Kim Clarke
Manager, Stakeholder Relations, BruceGreySimcoe (RTO7). Kim has been with BruceGreySimcoe (RTO7) since April of 2015 and previously headed up the Tourism division at the County of Bruce. Throughout the span of her career, she has been leading, coaching and elbows deep in product and experience development. Seeing the big picture, collaborating with others and telling your story are a few of Kim’s main philosophies when it comes to experience development. She has worked on large award-nominated products like the Golf in Ontario that spans across most of the province and has helped small businesses develop their own experiences that will help add to their bottom line. Her role as the Manager, Stakeholder Relations has her working with other regional tourism organizations, municipalities, destination marketing organizations, and individual businesses to create amazing things for people to do when they travel. She is a big advocate for data driven decisions. Currently, one of her main projects is helping guide RTO7 along their Sustainable Tourism journey. Kim brings a background in business administration and a flair for creative marketing. She is passionate about creating amazing things to do in BruceGreySimcoe.
Adam Robins
Adam Robins is the owner of the Escarpment Heights Motel and Cottages in Tobermory. In addition to operating the Accommodation business with his wife Megan he develops properties for long term rental in Tobermory and the surrounding area. Adam was born and raised in Tobermory, and has been immersed in the tourism industry his entire life. He is a Civil Engineering Technician with over 15 years of residential and commercial construction experience. As a local business owner and real estate developer he is committed to providing quality short term accommodation and long-term housing on the Northern Bruce Peninsula.
Darci Lombard
Darci is a third-generation owner and operator of Summer House Park, a camping and cottage resort in Miller Lake. She has a Bachelor's Degree in Marine Sciences from the University of Guelph, as well as a Bachelor of Education from Queen's University, and has had the privilege to travel the globe through her work as an oceanographer and public educator. When she returned home to operate her family business, Darci combined her love for nature and education to enhance Summer House Park's offerings. Over the years she has collaborated with local experts to introduce diverse experiential tourism programs, including birding, hiking, and geology packages, artistic and cultural workshops, and nature-based programs. Passionate about sustainability, Darci has implemented waste and energy reduction measures within their business, embraces renewable energy, converted lighting to be dark sky compliant, and is actively pursuing a Sustainable Tourism Certification. Over the years Darci has been very active within the community and the tourism industry and has volunteered with organizations such as the Ontario Private Campground Association, Sources of Knowledge, and the Peninsula Adventure Sports Association. Currently, she serves on the boards of the Tobermory and District Chamber of Commerce and the Peninsula Bruce Trail Club. Outside of her professional life, Darci enjoys travelling and exploring the outdoors through hiking, biking, and paddling!
Elizabeth Thorn
Elizabeth Thorn is Chair of the Bruce Peninsula Biosphere Association. During her 14-year term she has also served for 11 years as volunteer CEO/Executive Director. Concurrently, she served as a Director on the Board of the Bruce Peninsula Bird Observatory with several years as Vice-President. Elizabeth was the CEO for two national not-for-profits before retiring. As a volunteer, she has applied her extensive executive management experience to guide the Biosphere Association toward achieving its mission of building community commitment and capacity for conservation and sustainable economic development while achieving concrete goals. During her tenure as volunteer Chair, Elizabeth has initiated and managed projects ranging from research, monitoring, planning and evaluation to community engagement and on-the-ground restoration. Through successful grant writing she raised several million dollars for Biosphere programs. One of the programs Elizabeth initiated is EcoAdventures, a sustainable tourism initiative offering guided tours for a fee that inspire and equip people to enjoy outdoor experiences designed to increase participants’ wish to preserve nature. Bayside Astronomy, another program started by Elizabeth, features volunteer astronomers showcasing our star-studded sky to motivate its protection by using dark sky lighting. Over the last ten years, it has attracted 20,000 tourists and local residents during July and August.
2023 Speakers
MICHAEL ZELNIKER
Michael is a lifelong environmentalist with long time memberships with NRDC, the Audubon Society, the Sierra Club and Greenpeace. Born and raised in Montreal, Michael is also an award-winning actor and filmmaker, who after more than 30 years of working on film, television and theater stages all over the world and 14 years of teaching and training actors and filmmakers at the Los Angeles campuses of the New York Film Academy and AMDA College and Conservatory for the Performing Arts, left his job to work full time as a volunteer trying to help solve the climate and biodiversity crises. In 2018, after being trained by former Vice President Al Gore, Michael was elected Co-Chair of the Los Angeles Chapter of the Climate Reality Project, a position he held for 2.5 years. “The Issue with Tissue - a boreal love story” about the boreal forest and the Indigenous Peoples who call it home, marks Zelniker’s first foray into documentary filmmaking. Michael’s credo can be summarized by the ancient proverb: “We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.”
MIPTOON
Miptoon is an Elder from Neyaashiiningmiing and a band councillor for the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation. He has a Master's of Theology degree. Since 2007, he has been the Project Manager for the Nawash Species at Risk Inventory and Capacity-building Project, which works to inventory, monitor, conserve, and raise awareness about the remarkable diversity of Species at Risk and their habitats at Cape Croker, the Saugeen Bruce Peninsula, and the traditional territories of the Saugeen Ojibway Nation. He is an organizer of the Cape Croker Christmas Bird Count. Miptoon has a deep relationship and vast knowledge of the natural history of Cape Croker and spends as much time as he can enjoying it.”
MARILYN CAPREOL
Elder Marilyn is Anishinaabe from Shawanaga First Nation in Ontario. She born and raised on the islands and waters of Georgian Bay in the late ‘40s’. At that time, no one had hydro, telephone, tv, speed boats, dishwashers and such. People’s travel was totally by water and train. Only a few had cars to travel the beginnings of the highway systems after 1932. Throughout her life she has been an active volunteer: for many years she was the President of the Circle of Directors for Na Me Res, a shelter for Indigenous men in Toronto. She is also involved with the Georgian Bay Biosphere Reserve.
STEVE HOUNSELL
Steve Hounsell is the Past Chair of the Ontario Biodiversity Council. Steve is a retired biologist (University of Guelph) who spent his career with Ontario Power Generation (OPG) and the former Ontario Hydro, where he managed their biodiversity programs. He was responsible for the development and implementation of a biodiversity policy, the first of its kind in the electricity industry. He also developed and managed an award-winning program linking climate change mitigation and adaptation with biodiversity conservation. Steve, an ardent supporter of sustainability and the conservation of biodiversity, is an Advisor to Canada’s Forests Trust, a Past President of Forests Ontario, a Past President of Ontario Nature, a past director of the Algonquin to Adirondacks Collaborative and a founding director of the Natural Step Canada and the Canadian Business and Biodiversity Council.
ESME BATTEN
Esme has always been fascinated by the natural world and entered the world of ecology through a love of birds during her environmental science degree. Eight years ago she moved to the Saugeen Peninsula to work as a biologist for the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nations Species at Risk Program and fell in love with the landscapes, species, and people of the Peninsula. Since then, she has dedicated her personal and professional life to protecting this landscape and the species that call it home. Currently, Esme works as Program Director of Midwestern Ontario for the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) based out of Dyers Bay and leads NCC’s conservation work on the Saugeen Peninsula and other landscapes across Midwestern Ontario. A few years ago, Esme developed a passion for astrophotography and landscape photography and loves to share the beauty of the natural world through her images and hopes to inspire others to protect our natural spaces while we can.
DR. ROBIN ROTH
Dr. Roth is a conservation social scientist whose focus has been on interrogating the social and ecological outcomes of state-led conservation practice while advancing Indigenous-led conservation. She is co-lead on the Conservation through Reconciliation Partnership and Coordinate the Master of Conservation Leadership program at the University of Guelph. Robin has a deep interest in developing decolonial models of conservation partnerships as a way forward towards a conservation practice that results in the twin goals of ecological justice and social justice. The educational programming she supports is meant to build competencies in the conservation sector to tackle the challenging and complex problems posed by biodiversity loss.
DR. PRAVEEN K. SAXENA (University of Guelph)
Dr. Saxena is Professor & Director, Gosling Research Institute for Plant Preservation (GRIPP), Department of Plant Agriculture, at the University of Guelph. His lab is dedicated to advancing the knowledge and application of in vitro technologies for the conservation, sustainable use, and restoration of plant biodiversity. Currently, Dr Saxena’s research programs are focused on unraveling the role of the indoleamine neurotransmitters, which play a crucial role in enhancing plant’s resilience to survive in changing climates. The plants of interest include the species that are rare, endangered, traditionally used in medicinal, spiritual, and cultural practices, or are critical to food security. The long-term conservation of plant biodiversity is accomplished through an integrated conservation approach referred to as the CPR (Conservation, Propagation and Restoration). The CPR relies on cryo-banking, multiplication, and repopulation of plants in their natural environments for rapid species recovery. Additional projects in Dr Saxena’s lab include the development of innovative technologies for commercial production of value-added plants and products for the horticultural industries to improve the security and supply chain resilience. Dr. Saxena’s programs have contributed over 200 papers in leading refereed journals as well as several reviews, book chapters, and edited special volumes of journals and books. He also publishes an online magazine “Spiritualbotany” (www.spiritualbotany.com) to promote awareness of plant-human relationships, natural health remedies, biodiversity conservation and environmental consciousness.
JOHN ROGERS (Bruce Peninsula Biosphere Association)
A lifetime resident of the Saugeen Bruce Peninsula, I am a retired high school science teacher, an active farmer and the Vice Chair of the Bruce Peninsula Biosphere Association (BPBA). The BPBA has taken on a diverse range of environmental projects on the Saugeen Bruce Peninsula since its inception in 2002. Our goal is to build community commitment and capacity in conservation and sustainable development while achieving concrete environmental goals. In the achievement of our goals, we strive to establish trust with landscape-level actors and stakeholders. As a volunteer, I have participated in a number of environmental projects that exist at the interface of agriculture, the environment, science and the community.
BRIAN POPELIER (Bruce Trail Conservancy)
Brian works with the Bruce Trail Conservancy as a senior ecologist and the Land Stewardship Coordinator where he utilizes and builds on his years of experience to perform ecological inventories including breeding bird surveys, frog call surveys and Species at Risk surveys on over 14 000 acres of BTC managed land. His experience encompasses authoring and leading property management plans, ecological restoration plans and invasive species management for BTC properties as well as support BTC clubs in stewardship, encroachment and ecological issues. He holds a B.Sc. in Environmental Science and Biology from Trent University as well as certificates in Ecological Land Classification, bird and plant identification, Butternut Health Assessment, Ontario Pesticide Forestry License and Ontario Wetland Evaluation. He can often be found in the forests and watersheds of Ontario hiking, fishing, photographing everything, botanizing or simply enjoying natures beauty.
STÉPHANE MENU (Bruce Peninsula Bird Observatory)
Stéphane holds a PhD in Biology from Université Laval in Québec City, studying the population dynamics of the Greater Snow Goose. He first arrived on the Bruce Peninsula on the spring of 2003 to start working at Cabot Head for the Bruce Peninsula Bird Observatory. Except for a foolish break of a few years (his words), he has been with BPBO ever since. Spring 2024 marks his 18th year at Cabot Head. In between seasons of bird migration, Stéphane likes to travel with a compass pointing mostly North: several seasons in the arctic as a field assistant in research camps; canoe trips in northern Ontario or Saskatchewan for their respective breeding bird atlases; a season of summer banding in Alaska; etc. When not banding birds, Stéphane loves reading history books, doing yoga, or go camping and backpacking.
NATASHA AKIWENZIE (Bagida'waad Alliance)
Natasha is from Lac Seul First Nation and lives at Neyaashiinigmiing, Ontario, with her husband and three sons. Natasha worked with Chippewas of Nawash fishing families to found an environmental not-for-profit, Bagida-waad Alliance (“they set a net”) to do research on the waters of Lake Huron and Georgian Bay, to encourage youth to hesr the stories of the Elders about the fish, and do more active stewardship of the lands and waters.
JANET SUMNER
Janet has been the Executive Director Wildlands League since 2003, one of Canada’s pre-eminent conservation organizations giving voice to Canada’s nature to make sure at least half of the country is protected forever for all our kids, for climate and for the planet. In 2017, Janet was appointed co-chair of the National Advisory Panel (NAP) with a mandate to provide recommendations on how to protect 17% of Canada’s terrestrial lands and inland waters by 2020; and, in 2019 Janet was appointed the Special Representative on Nature for Canada. Janet is an expert negotiator, strategist and communicator with considerable policy reform experience. She also has a long history working with industries, including ISO 14001 standards, oil & gas engagement, mining companies and forestry giants. Janet creates a clear path to solutions through some of the most intractable environmental dilemmas today. Can we save the old growth, can we bring species back, how does it all fit with climate change? Janet brings to life the environmental challenges facing our planet with examples and experiences from her travels across Canada.
JARMO JALAVA
Jarmo’s life’s work has been to promote healthy ecosystems and reverence for the natural world with science and creativity. An ecologist for 33+ years, he has researched and authored countless reports and articles, including landmark baseline ecological studies of two UNESCO World Biosphere Reserves (Niagara Escarpment and Georgian Bay), a major study of the alvars of the Saugeen (Bruce) Peninsula, as well as federal and provincial species at risk recovery strategies and status reports, and many landscape-scale conservation plans. Since 2007, Jarmo has worked closely with the Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation’s species at risk program, and is greatly honoured to also be the terrestrial ecology advisor to the Saugeen Ojibway Nation (SON) Environment Office. In the latter role he supports SON’s consultation processes to ensure that the lands, waters, wildlife and Aboriginal and Treaty rights are protected for future generations across SON’s two million acre Traditional Territory, Saukiing Anishnaabekiing. Jarmo is a keen naturalist, lifelong birder, and a big supporter of volunteer community science.
SHAWN CORBIERE
Shawn is a community member of M’Chigeeng First Nation and is located on the largest fresh water Island in the world called Manitoulin Island. My area of study was First Nation Lands Management and I now reside (where the water meets the rock) the beautiful shore town of Waubaushene Ontario. I have been working for Parks Canada for roughly 17 years in Indigenous Interpretation, Outreach and public safety here at Georgian Bay Islands. Some extracurricular activities I do in my spare time is song writing. I was nominated for a Juno Award in 1998 in the category (Best Aboriginal Recording Canada) and got to travel across Canada performing music. I am also a traditional knowledge keeper in the ancient art of Flint Knapping, not quite a master Jedi yet, but slowly getting there. I was also the Atlatl consultant for the movie (The Silencing) filmed just before covid and debut this spring. In my new role as Indigenous Liaison Officer, I look forward in collaborative meaningful Indigenous engagement with our First Nation Communities and organizations. As First Nations peoples, in a sense we are the first scientists to the land. With First Nation oral traditional knowledge as our guide, every plant and animal has a spirit and is connected to each other. Each has a purpose and a duty to the circle of life.
2022 Speakers
STEPHEN SCHARPER
Dr. Stephen Bede Scharper is a U of T professor, author, editor, columnist, and public scholar with a special focus on social justice, sustainability, and the environment. Dr. Scharper’s research and teaching are in the areas of environmental ethics, worldviews and ecology, religion and ecology, liberation theology, sustainability ethics, as well as nature and the city. Dr. Scharper is hosting the ever-popular curated movie night, a regular favourite at Sources of Knowledge.
JOHN TERPSTRA
John Terpstra is a poet, author and cabinetmaker whose work often focuses on the built and natural geography of the not-quite-post-industrial city of Hamilton. His most recent non-fiction work, Daylighting Chedoke, concerns a buried creek in the city. One of his poems, Giants, is mounted on a plaque on the edge of the Niagara Escarpment overlooking downtown Hamilton.
BILL CAULFEILD-BROWNE
Bill is a former business executive and corporate director. He is a passionate conservationist and nature photographer and has published several books of his work. He is a former Chair of the Nature Conservancy of Canada and of the Sources of Knowledge Forum. He currently serves as a director of Canada’s History Society. A citizen-scientist in the field of climate studies for over 40 years, he has documented climate change on the Saugeen-Bruce Peninsula by comparing records from his weather station in Tobermory with those of the 20th century.
ERIC MILLER
Eric Miller is Director of the York University Ecological Footprint Initiative, while he also teaches courses in ecological economics and sustainability informatics. Eric is also a David Suzuki Fellow with a focus on enhancing ecological-economic literacy in Canada. His prior work as a consulting economist informed governments, industry, think-tanks, and NGOs. His earlier work in public service had him leading the team of economists in the Ministry of Natural Resources, after he had worked for the Ministry of Environment and for Environment Canada.
ETHAN MELEG
Ethan Meleg grew up near Point Pelee National Park, which turned him into a ‘bird nerd’ at a young age and inspired his passion for nature and parks. His Parks Canada career started in 1999 as a naturalist at Bruce Peninsula National Park and Fathom Five National Marine Park. He has grown into many different roles, and spent a few years at Georgian Bay Islands National Park, before coming back to the Saugeen (Bruce) Peninsula a few years ago – this time with a family in tow. Ethan is a member of the park management team and is currently the acting Park Superintendent. Outside of his work with Parks Canada, Ethan is an accomplished nature photographer. His greatest passion is exploring parks and wild areas with his camera, whether on exciting trips or close to home.
REID GOMME
Reid is a lawyer for Ecojustice’s Ottawa office, returning to the team after working at the Ottawa office as a 2021-22 articling student, a 2020 summer student, and having participated in the uOttawa Ecojustice clinic course in the fall of 2019. Reid is thrilled to contribute to Ecojustice’s work in fighting for a livable and equitable future for humans and all living creatures. Reid was actively involved in the youth climate case. When Reid is not researching or taking a Zoom call, you can find him exploring trails and waterways in and around Ottawa, or out on the Salish Sea in a canoe with his Grandpa when he has a chance to visit family back in BC.
EMILY MARTIN
Emily Martin is a resident of the Northern Saugeen Peninsula and the Manager of Resources and Infrastructure for the Environment Office of the Saugeen Ojibway Nation (SON). In her role she manages the duty to consult and accommodate SON for all proposed development in SON Territory (other than energy projects) and the relationship with Parks Canada for SON. Emily is passionate about public education in SON Territory and is looking forward to connecting with the SOK community.
DAIMEN HARDIE
Daimen is the co-founder and Executive Director of Community Forests International, a charitable organization with a mission to protect and restore the climate by enabling communities and forests to thrive together. Community Forests created one of the first forest carbon storage projects in Canada in 2012, to preserve the endangered Wabanaki forest of the Maritimes, and leads community-based climate resilience projects internationally in vulnerable regions including Zanzibar and Mozambique. Daimen has witnessed firsthand how people can become a restorative force for forests and the climate. He will share the latest learnings from Community Forests’ work on improving carbon storage and biodiversity of forests with highlights including the most climate-adapted trees, successful strategies for mobilizing communities and funding local forest protection, and inspiring findings on the link between the global climate stability and local disaster risk reduction provided by community forests.
RALPH MARTIN
Ralph C. Martin grew up on his family farm in Wallenstein, ON. After 4-H, his formal education includes, a B.A. and an M.Sc. in Biology from Carleton University and a Ph.D. in Plant Science from McGill University. His research and teaching began at the Nova Scotia Agricultural College, in 1990, and he realized students teach him too. In 2001, he founded the Organic Agriculture Centre of Canada www.dal.ca/faculty/agriculture/oacc/en-home.html to coordinate university research and education pertaining to organic systems, across Canada . In 2011, he was appointed as Professor and the Loblaw Chair in Sustainable Food Production at the Ontario Agricultural College, University of Guelph. In 2019, he retired and published his book, Food Security.
STEVE LEE
Between 2017-2019, Steve listened to the voices of over 100,000 young Canadians in person. He helped students undertake more than a hundred local sustainability projects. He drove 160,000 km to over 500 schools in more than 400 towns, focusing on rural and remote communities that didn’t want to talk about climate change. Enough students were talking about it at dinner tables that Alberta’s energy ‘war room’ opened with an attack on Steve, which led to a barrage of death threats by parents requiring RCMP protection in some schools. What is climate denial really about? Why is it so emotionally charged? How do we bridge the divides? The answer: listening in love.
DIANNE SAXE
Dianne Saxe, Ph.D. in Law, is one of Canada’s most respected environmental lawyers. She ran an environmental law boutique for 25 years, and was the Environmental Commissioner of Ontario 2015 – 2019, reporting to the Legislature on environment, energy and climate. Now heads SaxeFacts, focussing on the climate crisis. Substantial board and media experience. Hosts Green Economy Heroes podcast. Senior Fellow, Massey College. Law Society Medal 2020 for exemplary leadership in environmental law. Clean50 honouree. Deputy leader of the Ontario Green Party and Green Party candidate in University-Rosedale. Global Competent Board Designation.
2017 Photos
2016 Photos
2015 Forum Speakers
Kristin Buckley, Matthew Buckley & Morag Kloeze
Stephen Scharper
Daryl Cowell
Elizabeth Thorn
Derek Ford
Hazel Lyder
Paul Regnier
Rod Steinacher
Patrick Donnelly
Kim Clarke
Frank Brunton
Dr. Roger Kuhns
Eric Fowle
Dr. Don Mikulic
Dr. Joanne Kluessendorf
Bob Bultman
Steve DeBaker
2015 Forum Proceedings
The 2015 Sources of Knowledge Forum titled “The Great Arc: Life on the (L)Edge” took place in Tobermory on May 8-10, with the goal of building bridges to other communities which, like the Bruce, lie on the rim of the Michigan Basin.
This geological structure, often referred to as the “Great Arc”, extends from the Niagara Peninsula northward through the Bruce, across Manitoulin Island and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, and then southward through the Door Peninsula of Wisconsin to Green Bay and beyond.
Communities situated on this Arc, while different in many ways, have in common an escarpment, sometimes submerged or buried, but very evident in areas such as the Bruce and Door peninsulas.
They share a dolostone bedrock chemistry. Where the rim is exposed, their soils are thin and rocky. Thanks to their common bedrock source, the soils support a similar biodiversity.
Learning about these communities is interesting in itself, but it is our common issues and the ways they have been addressed that form the core of this Forum. This year we focussed on that area of Wisconsin encompassing Green Bay and the Door Peninsula to the north. The Door and Bruce peninsulas in particular have geographical and geological similarities. The Door escarpment faces west and is referred to as the “Ledge”. The film shown to our National Park Visitors, featuring our escarpment, is called “Life on the Edge”, hence the Forum title.
Both economies depend on tourism, have offshore islands and tour boat operations, are home to retirees and artists, and depend on urban centres at their base (Green Bay and Owen Sound) for major supplies. Both have rich archeological and cultural histories, have First Nation communities, struggle with wind turbine issues, and have hiking trails and parks. John Muir, famous as the founder of the Sierra club, lived for a time at the base of both peninsulas!
There are also major differences. Green Bay is a much larger centre than Owen Sound. The Door is more heavily populated and economically more developed than the Bruce. In a sense, the Door represents one version of a future for the Bruce as we seek to develop economically; not necessarily the future we might choose, but worthy of study. Conversely, residents of the Door might envy the state of preservation of this area, and seek to learn from it.
The 2015 Forum provided opportunities to look at these possibilities. We worked with Eric Fowle of the East Wisconsin Planning Commission in preparation for this event, and attracted other officials and Wisconsin residents to the Forum. They even shared their local wines and cheeses with us!
As usual, the Forum included a Friday afternoon field trip, the Friday evening Film Festival with Dr. Stephen Scharper, and the Saturday evening social and dinner with keynote speaker.
Beneath the Waves: Underwater Discovery in Fathom Five National Marine Park
This year’s Forum celebrated the long history, and bright future, for underwater exploration in the Tobermory area.
There are lots of rich and interwoven stories here. These include the early surveys by British and American navies, the rich history of diving in the area, the role of that dive community in the establishment of Fathom Five and the technologies such as Sublimnos that have been pioneered. This background is timely as we embark upon exciting new projects to better map our wrecks and monitor subsurface conditions. For example, laser imaging and advanced filming techniques are now being employed to produce 3-D and interactive models of the wrecks.
The field trip on Friday afternoon, May 2, featured demonstrations of subsurface mapping and diving techniques. Members of the Canadian Navy’s Experimental Diving and Undersea Group participated. Friday evening, Stephen Scharper from the University of Toronto hosted the annual film festival on this year’s theme.
Saturday Speakers
- Stuart Seldon on the early years of discovery around Fathom Five;
- Dr. George Harpur: a pioneer in medical diving and hyperbaric medicine;
- Andrew Leyzack: an expert on high resolution hydrography with the Canadian Hydrographic Service
- Flora Davidson: of the Parks Canada Marine Archaeology Unit on modern methods of surveying shipwrecks;
- Doug Elsey: pioneering diver and engineer on the 1969-71 Sublimnos habitat project with Dr. Joe MacInnis, who will provide a video-taped introduction;
- Dr. Jim Rusak of the Ontario Ministry of the Environment on the Global Lake Experimental Observatory Network (GLEON);
Event Details
The dinner on Saturday was catered by The Grandview, Tobermory and featured keynote speaker, Marc-André Bernier of the Parks Canada Underwater Archaeology Section. He gave a presentation on 50 years of Marine Archaeology carried out by Parks Canada personnel, including the location of HMS Investigator and the recent search for Franklin.
The first session on Sunday morning featured Lt. Troy Beechinor of the Canadian Navy’s Experimental Diving Group who described new techniques for deep diving. If you have ever wondered what those mysterious black-suited divers in black Zodiacs are up to, this was your chance to find out.
For the remainder of the morning, Dr. Gordon Nelson moderated a panel – Daryl Cowell, Scarlett Janusas, Eric Fowle, Jim Uhrinak – previewing the 2015 Forum on The Great Arc – a look at the social and scientific issues common to communities, like Tobermory, living around the rim of the Michigan Basin.
Changing Lakes
As Lake Huron-Georgian Bay continues to experience profound and novel change (e.g., driven by invasive species, lake levels, development, water quality, etc.), the context for coastal and offshore conservation becomes increasingly complex and uncertain. Although protected areas such as Fathom Five National Marine Park and Bruce Peninsula National Park are recognized for the central role they play in protecting natural and cultural values, their effectiveness to do so is being challenged and requires a rethinking of our stewardship efforts. The 2013 Sources of Knowledge Forum provided a platform for scientists, students, decision-makers, and the public to understand the changing nature of Lake Huron and discuss the means to better protect it.
Through presentations and workshops, topics covered at the Forum included:
- Describe the changing and novel ecosystems of Lake Huron.
- Review the status, benefits, and efficacy of aquatic protected areas.
- Explore opportunities for place-based conservation.
- Discuss the possibility of an international peace park or other network initiative.
- Present contemporary offshore and coastal mapping and assessment techniques.
2013 Forum Speakers
Jeff Gray
Aranus Liskauskas
Geoff Peach
Dr. Scott Parker
Daryl Cowell
Mike Shantz
David Bywater
Dr. Patrick Lawrence
Greg Mayne
Dan Krauss
Dr. Stephen Riley
Dr. Stephen Scharper
Climate Change
By all accounts this sold-out Forum was a great success – world class speakers, community voices, generous sponsors, and attentive participants. The Climate Change Forum Proceedings are available below.
CLIMATE CHANGE; WHAT MIGHT IT MEAN FOR THE BRUCE? was the focus of the 4th Sources of Knowledge Forum April 28-29, 2012 at the Parks Visitor Centre, Tobermory. Informative and thought-provoking presentations helped to improve our understanding of how our weather and climate are changing and the impact on health, safety, economy and the environment. Everyone in attendance had an opportunity to learn more about the effect of climate change on lake levels, tourism, recreation, agriculture and biodiversity as well as what it takes to adapt to changing needs and circumstances.
The Forum brought together an eclectic panel of speakers sharing their knowledge on various aspects of one of today’s most challenging subjects – CLIMATE CHANGE.
In addition to the plenary sessions during the day on Saturday, April 28th, there was a dinner, catered by The Green Door Cafe with guest speaker, internationally renowned Dr. Stephen Woodley.
On Sunday morning, April 29th at the Visitor Centre, Tobermory, the Peninsula Transition Group hosted a workshop with interactive and collaborative activities, and presentations on local projects and initiatives that align with Transition values.
In the afternoon there was a mini Climate Change Film Festival, hosted by Dr. Stephen Scharper at the Parks Canada Visitor Centre, Tobermory.
There was also exhibitor displays and an art show Changing Weather featuring Bruce Peninsula artists.
2012 Forum Speakers
Dr. Stephen Woodley – Keynote Speaker
Dr. Stephen Murphy
Dr. Patrick Doran
Dr. David Pearson
Dr. Barry Smit
Bill Caulfeild-Browne
Dr. Christopher Lemieux
Gary Neilsen
Dark Skies, Bright Minds
The third Sources of Knowledge Forum: Dark Skies, Bright Minds, was held in Tobermory, Ontario on April 29-30, 2011. Once again, the Forum celebrated the natural and cultural heritage of Bruce Peninsula National Park, Fathom Five National Marine Park and the surrounding communities by exploring the value and importance of our dark skies.
The event brought together local, national and international speakers on dark sky conservation, astronomy and ecology of the night. Artists, scientists and practitioners alike all shared their perspectives and reinforced the on-going efforts to recognize and protect the region’s dark skies.
The venue was filled to capacity and attracted 107 students, local residents, and others with an interest in this important and inspired theme.
The theme for the 2011 Sources of Knowledge Forum was Dark Skies, Bright Minds. The Table of Contents are listed here and a link to the entire PDF is provided below.
2010 Proceedings
The second Sources of Knowledge forum was held May 14th and 15th, 2010 – again hosted by the Parks Advisory Committee in partnership with Parks Canada, Friends of Bruce District Parks, Bruce Peninsula District School and St. Edmunds Public School.
The theme for the 2010 Sources of Knowledge Forum was Wildlife, Research, Management, Conservation and Planning. A link to the entire PDF is provided.
2009 Proceedings
This event attracted 117 participants. The theme for the 2009 Forum was ‘Coastal Heritage’ and included presentations, workshops and field trips by universities, government organizations, conservation groups, First Nations, schools and citizens and covered such topics as wildlife conservation as well as other issues affecting these and other Ontario national parks.
The 2009 Conference Proceedings have been compiled to make this knowledge available to anyone interested in learning about the natural and cultural heritage of the Bruce Peninsula and furthermore, to inspire action.