- This event has passed.
World Water Day 2024 evening event
March 21 @ 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
A World Water Day 2024 event
Celebrating the Seal River Watershed – Manitoba’s newest Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area
In partnership with:
The Manitoba Museum, and Science First, are celebrating World Water Day 2024 by shining the spotlight on Manitoba’s NEWEST Indigenous Protected and Conserved Area – the Seal River Watershed!
This year, we are thrilled to host the CEO of the Seal River Watershed Alliance, Stephanie Thorassie, and Eli Enns, an internationally recognized expert on Indigenous-led conservation. Together, they’ll headline a dynamic and interactive chat on their work, followed by a Q&A.
Eli Enns will explore the relationship between Indigenous culture and water stewardship. Celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Tla-o-qui-aht Nation’s Tribal Park Declaration in April 1984, Eli will share about how the stewardship of water can foster reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Peoples. Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs) are creating new pathways for the collaborative and inclusive management of our shared waters.
Stephanie will discuss how IPCAs are being mobilized, and talk about her role in the formation of, and the importance of, the recently declared Seal River IPCA in northern Manitoba.
Exchanging ideas and collaborative action gives local stewardship efforts a global impact. Eli will talk about the social innovation exchange between Canada and Costa Rica: bringing the Ecosystem Service Framework (ESF) from Costa Rica to Canada and Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs) from Canada to Central America.
All participants will also be entered into a free draw for a commissioned piece of water-themed artwork by local Indigneous artist, Ruby Bruce!
6:30 pm – Doors open to the Auditorium
7:00 to 8:00 pm –Interactive presentation with Eli Enns and Stephanie Thorassie, including Q&A in Auditorium.
Complimentary admission; first-come, first-served.
This event is in partnership with Science First.
Featuring:
Eli Enns
IISAAK OLAM Foundation Co-founder, Director and CEO
Eli Enns is an internationally recognized expert in Indigenous-led conservation. From Tla-o-qui-aht Nation on his father’s side, and of Dutch Mennonite heritage on his mother’s side, Eli promotes holistic solutions for community and ecosystem health and well-being. With a background in political science, Eli is a ‘Nation-builder’ with values and approaches rooted in Indigenous economic theory and practice.
In 2017, a decade after co-founding the Ha-uukmin Tribal Park in his own territory, Eli co-chaired the Indigenous Circle of Experts (ICE) for the Pathway to Canada Target 1, which culminated with the groundbreaking 2018 report, We Rise Together: Achieving Pathway to Canada Target 1 through the creation of Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs) in the spirit and practice of reconciliation. IPCAs are now a central component of Canada’s conservation efforts. Eli supports Indigenous Nations across Canada to advance their conservation efforts via his roles with the IISAAK OLAM Foundation and the Conservation through Reconciliation Partnership.
What are Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas?
An Interview with Eli Enns, co-founder of the IISAAK OLAM Foundation
Stephanie Thorassie
Executive Director – Seal River Watershed Alliance
Stephanie is a member of the Sayisi Dene First Nation from Tadoule Lake, Manitoba, and is honoured to work on behalf of her community. Before becoming executive director of the Seal River Watershed Alliance, Stephanie served as the Director of Operations.
The Government of Canada’s relocation of the Sayisi Dene in the 1950s revealed the trauma that occurs when Dene people can’t practice their laws and be authentically themselves. A strong relationship with the land helps people heal and thrive, and Stephanie is humbled to be a part of sustaining connections to the land, culture, and caribou. She is committed to showcasing Indigenous knowledge and leadership on the land and creating opportunities for Indigenous youth to succeed in their communities.
Stephanie has a degree from the University of Manitoba, as well as a legal assistant diploma from Red River College. She is a student of her Dene language, hide tanner, jewelry maker, and caribou eater. She is also an avid gardener, growing bountiful harvests she shares with friends and family. Stephanie lives in Winnipeg with her partner and daughter and lives part time in her community of Tadoule Lake.
More info:
