Discussion of Indigenous Relationship with the Land, Understanding the Treaties and the Intent of a Proper Land Acknowledgement
Speaker: Jessica Vandenberghe
Tuesday, January 19, 2021 12:00pm - 1:00pm (MST)
Register at: CSPG GeoWomen Page
This is a FREE event - All genders welcome - No membership required.
Abstract
The journey of Indigenous People on Turtle Island (North America) is one of great importance. We have been here thousands of years and many generations and have a culture of respect and stewardship for not only each other but also the land. Efforts are being made by many as we continue working towards Truth and Reconciliation and one effort has been the introduction of land acknowledgements. For this to be a meaningful gesture, the understanding of the Indigenous relationship with land is needed, along with an understanding behind the treaties and agreement on what is the intent of a proper land acknowledgement. Join me for a discussion on this very topic.
Biography:
Jessica Vandenberghe, P.Eng., M.Sc. has worked in the oilsands, mining, regulatory, infrastructure, and consulting industries. She holds a B.Sc. in Chemical Engineering Computer Process Control Co-op and a M.Sc. in Chemical and Mining Engineering, both from the University of Alberta.
Her career has taken her to communities large and small around the nation and she has sat on many Boards and Councils with stakeholders such as federal, provincial and municipal governments, with First Nations, Metis Settlements and Metis Nations, as well as academic institutions and private industry. As a mother of two and an Indigenous female engineer, she is passionate about diversity, equity and inclusion along with Truth and Reconciliation.
She currently is the Assistant Dean (Outreach) and Industrial Professor – Indigenous Engineering for the University of Alberta, Faculty of Engineering, where she oversees a wide portfolio that contributes to the development of well rounded and ethically minded engineering students who will ultimately help to build strong and vibrant communities within Canada.