News
New Board Welcomed at SEN AGM
The Saskatchewan Eco-network held its Annual General Meeting last Sunday at the Craik Sustainable Living Project's Eco-Centre, filling the room with representatives from fifteen member groups.
Guest Speaker Lynn Oliphant gave an inspiring talk entitled “Pessimism of the Intellect – Optimism of the Will – How to be an Environmentalist in the 21st Century," discussing the pitfalls and hurdles which can inhibit activism and how to to conquer them.
Glenn Hymers, who retired from the SEN Board, was recognized for his contributions. Two new Board members were welcomed: Kelly Reinhardt (from http://boilingfrog.ca) and Meredith James (from Green Legal http://www.greenlegal.ca). Michael Finley, Randy Fleming, Paul Trottier, Sharon Cameron, Isabel Muzichuk, Larry Hawrysh and Stefania Fortugno will continue to serve on the SEN Board of Directors.
New Members at SEN
The Saskatchewan Eco-network welcomes two new member groups to our organization:
The South Saskatchewan River Watershed Stewards' mission is to inspire and empower individuals, groups, communities and industry within the South Saskatchewan River Watershed to participate in stewardship initiatives and activities that will protect the beauty, diversity and integrity of the watershed, while encouraging environmentally sustainable economic and cultural activities. http://www.southsaskriverstewards.ca/index.html
The Saskatoon Farmers' Market Cooperative Ltd. is a member-owned non-profit cooperative providing Saskatoon residents and visitors the best in local agricultural products, baking, prepared foods and crafts. In 2007, the cooperative moved to its year-round location at River Landing development. More at http://www.saskatoonfarmersmarket.com/.
For a full list of SEN member groups, go to http://www.econet.sk.ca/about/membergroups.html.
A Pint-sized Prairie Predator
Now that the nice weather is here to stay, endangered Burrowing Owls are settling into the challenging task of raising a family in southern Saskatchewan. Burrowing Owls have to overcome several obstacles to raise a successful brood, including evading predators like coyotes or red-tailed hawks and gathering enough food to feed all those hungry little beaks.
“A family of Burrowing Owls sure can eat -- they can consume 1,800 rodents and 7,000 grasshoppers in a single summer,” says Carolyn Gaudet, Nature Saskatchewan’s Operation Burrowing Owl Coordinator. “Burrowing Owls are a great form of natural pest control so producers can really benefit from having them around. It’s great that these owls can provide a benefit to producers, because landowners play such an important role in the survival of this pint-sized prairie predator.” Gaudet also says that landowners can really help this species by reporting sightings and voluntarily conserving habitat is always encouraged. Every nest site is important to the recovery of the population.
For the full article, go to the Nature Saskatchewan website at http://www.naturesask.ca/?s=news&p=news&id=397.
Action Alerts
Future of Uranium in Saskatchewan Public Consultation
The consultation process on the report of the Uranium Development Partnership is well underway; for details see the Partnership’s website at http://www.saskuranium.ca.. For information on this subject visit http://www.environmentalsociety.ca/issues/energy/index.html or http://www.cleangreensask.ca.
Your participation in this event is very important. Please attend your local meeting.
- June 10 - Lloydminster, Lakeland College
- June 11 - North Battleford, Don Ross Centre
- June 15 - Saskatoon, Travelodge Hotel
- June 16 - La Ronge, La Ronge Hotel
The consultation website contains the full UDP report, presentation materials, online input opportunities, and ultimately, the results of the public input; Individuals and stakeholders who want to provide input but don't want to attend a meeting or don't have Internet access can send written submissions through regular mail to: "The Future of Uranium in Saskatchewan" P.O. Box 7, Regina, SK, S4P 2Z5. Individuals and stakeholders can call toll-free (1-877-791-4667) to request a copy of the Uranium Development Partnership Report or Executive Summary. Stakeholders can call the same toll-free number to register for a one-on-one presentation to the Consultation Chair at one of the stakeholder meetings. Individuals and stakeholders can send written submissions either on-line, by email or by regular mail until July 31st, 2009.
Asbestos: Dramatic Documentary Tonight on CBC's The National
Over 60% of the workplace deaths every year in Canada are the result of exposure to asbestos. In BC 300 workers will die every year for the next 5 years from asbestos-caused illnesses.
The CBC is airing what promises to be a dramatic and compelling documentary tonight on The National. Please watch it if you can. The doc presents another opportunity to take action on this critical issue which we are actually winning.
Please write a short email to both Stephen Harper and Michael Ignatieff urging them to ban the export and production of this lethal substance. Stephen Harper: pm@pm.gc.ca Michael Ignatieff: ignatieff.m@parl.gc.ca
It wouldn’t hurt to congratulate The National, if you have the time: national@cbc.ca
Resources
Hint of Green: Use Alternatives to Driving
We don't mean every car trip - just begin by swapping one or two short car trips a month with either train, tram, bus, walking or cycling.
If you mostly walk or cycle instead of drive you can save more than $400 each year on public transport tickets and/or gas. It's the short distances that use the most energy and most people use their cars for short distances.
This and many more tips are at: http://www.squidoo.com/33ways.
Coming Events
Regina
Book Launch: the Black Book of Canadian Foreign Policy
June 10th, 7 pm, Theatre 119, RIC Building (New Lab Building) U. of R.The author/activist Yves Engler will speaking about his new book "The Black Book of Canadian Foreign Policy." Free admission - wheelchair accessible. Donations Welcome. Sponsored by the Canadian Council for Policy Alternatives.
The Otesha Project: Potluck and Theatre Presentation
June 22nd, 5:30 - 8:30 pm, Cathedral Neighbourhood CentreJoin The Otesha Project as they complete their Prairie Sky tour in Regina. The intrepid Prairie Sky play team is a group of ten youth volunteers (aged 18-30) from all across Canada. They have taken on the challenge to live in a mobile sustainable community, cycling over 1900km from Calgary up to Edmonton, over to Saskatoon and down to Regina, stopping in as many towns as possible along the way. They are engaged, energized and empowered to be the change they want to see in the world.
Admission to the potluck is free but donations will be gratefully accepted. Bring one dish to share and your own place setting (plate, cup, cutlery, napkins). The more the merrier! Bring your friends! This is a family-friendly event and slanted more towards a vegetarian meal.
Check out the Facebook event from the Stop Climate Chaos group titled: Otesha Project Potluck and Theatre.
5th Annual EcoFair
June 27th, 10 am - 3 pm, Cathedral Area, ReginaThe EcoFair is an annual outdoor event with music, ways to get involved, thoughtful information and activities for the whole family. They are looking for organizations and local businesses who are interested in participating in the event by displaying information or selling products. For more information, please contact Regina EcoLiving Inc. at reginaecoliving@gmail.com.
Saskatoon
Richard Florizone: Developing a Provincial Nuclear Strategy
June 10th, 5 - 6:30 pm, MacPherson, Leslie & Tyerman Room (Rm. 150, Law Bldg), U. of S.Richard Florizone was the chairman of the Uranium Development Partnership. In this seminar, Dr. Florizone will review the findings of the UDP with respect to the role that Saskatchewan will play across the uranium value chain. More importantly, he will review the analysis that has produced key lessons for policy makers.
You are encouraged to register to attend this free event. To register online, please visit http://www.schoolofpublicpolicy.sk.ca and click on Outreach & Training. For more information, contact us at 306.585.5869 or js_outreach@uregina.ca. There is no cost to attend this event.
All students, faculty, staff, and members of the public are invited to attend. Please note change of venue listing above. This lecture is presented by Johnson-Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy.
Pesticides and Cancer
June 10th, 7 pm, J.S. Wood LibraryDonna Ziegler from the Canadian Cancer Society will talk about this connection between pesticides and cancer. Exposure to pesticides may increase your risk of developing cancer. Most of the research has focused on occupational, or workplace, exposure, linking it to non-Hodgkin lymphoma, leukemia, prostate cancer, kidney cancer, brain cancer and lung cancer. There is also evidence that children may be especially vulnerable to the harmful effects of these chemicals. These chemicals can be used for a variety of reasons in many settings, from controlling pests that impact our health, safety or food supply to improving the appearance of a lawn or garden (ornamental use). Co-sponsored by the Saskatchewan Environmental Society and J. S. Wood Library. For more information call (306) 665-1915.
Tanzanian Katesh Benefit Concert & Used Book Sale
June 12th, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 1215 McKercher DriveUsed Book Sale 1 - 7 pm.
Concert with the Gala Trio 7 - 9 pm. Reception to follow. The dynamic Gala Trio have generously donated their time and talent for the evening concert. Consisting of Audrey Bayduze, piano, Gaye-Lynn Kern, soprano, and Arlene Shiplett, French horn, their repertoire ranges from classical to contemporary. Tickets (including the reception) are only $10.
Our goal is to raise several thousand dollars for the girls hostel in Katesh. This building will eventually be home to 48 girls who have won CHES scholarships for secondary school but live in remote rural areas and have no place to live in the town in which their school is located. The projected cost of the completed complex (which will house 48 girls) is about $54,000. $28,000 has been raised to date! http://www.canadianharambee.ca
To volunteer or purchase concert tickets: please call Elaine Carter (955-1905)or Sara Williams (373-6345).
Green Drinks
June 12th, 5:30 pm, Hose and HydrantThe next Green Drinks will be Friday the 12th and back at the Hose and Hydrant starting at around 5:30pm. It's located on 11th Street East just off Broadway. This time we will likely be on the up the stairs and to the left on the middle floor.
SCIC “Big Ideas” Member Consultation
June 12th, 6 - 10 pm, Hilton Garden Inn (Commonwealth Ballroom)SCIC invites its Members and Associate Members to attend this wonderful networking opportunity. We need your input! We are currently planning our activities for 2009-10 and want to know how we can support our members in their work, as well as brainstorm ideas about engaging the public in international development and global issues. For more information or to register call SCIC at 757-4669.
Otesha Prairie Sky Team
June 14th - 17thThe Otesha Project's education programs and bicycle tours use theatre, multi-media, and storytelling to engage a wide range of audiences, and have reached more than 85,000 people to date.
The Otesha Prairie Sky team is coming through Saskatchewan, and they will be in Saskatoon between June 14th and 17th. The Otesha team is looking for some contacts and things to do while in Saskatoon, and need to connect to some individuals or organizations that might be interested in having them stop by to do some workshops or performances or help host them. Please e-mail Maggie McBride at mmcbride@ualberta.ca if you are able to help. If you have never heard of Otesha you should check it out; the video is of the team that would be stopping by in Saskatoon: http://www.otesha.ca/the+project/index.en.html.
Public Consultation on Nuclear Energy in Saskatoon
June 15th, 7pm - 10 pm, Travelodge Hotel, 106 Circle Drive WestLet your voice be heard at the Uranium Development Partnership's public meeting.
For more information email: cleangreensask@yahoo.ca.
Book Launch: Black Book of Canadian Foreign Policy
June 16th, 7 pm, Frances Morrison Library TheatreJoin us for a presentation and discussion of this groundbreaking book with author Yves Engler. Free Admission - Wheelchair Accessible. Copies of the book are available now at Turning the Tide Bookstore http://www.turning.ca/. For more information contact 955-3070 or inquiry@turning.ca.
LEED Canada for Homes: Program Review Workshop
June 25th, 8 am - 4:30 pm, Willows Golf and Country ClubLEED® Canada for Homes is a comprehensive, voluntary, market-driven green building rating system for residential construction. It is based on the USGBC’s LEED® for Homes rating system and it evaluates performance on a range of ecological and human health issues from a whole home perspective, providing a definitive benchmark for what constitutes ‘a green home.’ For more information please visit http://www.cagbc.org or email workshops@cagbc.org.
Other
Dr. Dale Dewar: How does Radioactivity Affect You?
June 11th, 7:30 pm, John Cuelenaere Library, Prince AlbertDr. Dale Dewar of Physicians for Global Survival will present Radiation: How does Radioactivity Affect You? The purpose is educational, presenting material and allowing people to come to their own conclusions. Among other topics she will touch on medical isotopes which is a current concern.
More info on Dr. Dale Dewar at: SCIC Global Citizens Award: http://pgs.ca/?page_id=691. This event is sponsored by Renewable Power-the Intelligent Choice (RPIC): http://www.rpic.ca/index.html, a Prince Albert environmental group formed to fight nuclear power expansion.
Prairie Wilderness First Aid Course
June 12 - 14, Val Marie, SKThe Prairie Learning Centre is offering a Prairie Wilderness First Aid course in Grasslands National Park. Participants will receive a Red Cross Advanced Wilderness First Aid Certificate, a wilderness first aid manual, a prairie-focussed first aid manual, a wilderness first aid kit and a "how to poop on the prairie kit".
Cost of the course is $275. Prerequisites include: Standard First Aid, CPR and AED. Come out to learn First Aid and to enjoy the many native flowers in Grasslands National Park. For more information contact the Prairie Learning Centre at: prairie@chinooksd.ca or 306-298-4495.
In Search of the Ram's Head: Nature Day Tour
June 13th, Maurice Street Wildlife Sanctuary (near Nipawin)Native Plant Society of Saskatchewan board member John Hauer will be leading a day tour through the Maurice Street Wildlife Sanctuary. The tour is tentatively scheduled to start at 10 a.m. from the Kentucky Fried Chicken at 121 Nipawin Road East in Nipawin. The Maurice Street Wildlife Sanctuary is approximately 17 km northwest of Nipawin, SK and is home to a diverse array of plants and animals, including the provincially-rare ram's head lady's slipper (Cypripedium arietinum), which we hope to see blooming, as well as the large yellow lady's slipper (Cypripedium parviflorum var. pubescens), which we may also spot in bloom.
There is no cost to attend this tour, but everyone must register so that we can plan accordingly. To register or for more information, please contact John Hauer at (306) 878-8812.
Going to Grasslands
June 20th, Grasslands Park, Val MarieThe Native Plant Society of Saskatchewan will be hosting its annual summer field tour in Grasslands National Park on June 20th. Grasslands National Park represents one of the largest intact parcels of native prairie in Canada and is a biodiversity treasure trove, hosting hundreds of plant and animal species – including some of the rarest species in Canada. Complete details at http://www.npss.sk.ca/events.php.
3rd Annual Solar Fair: Seminars, Workshops & Trade Show
June 20th & 21nd, Craik Eco-Centre, Craik, SKJoin engineers, teachers, scientists, home builders, environmentalists and citizens from across the province in a two day Solar Fair. Hosted by the Craik Sustainable Living Project (CSLP) and taking place within the CSLP’S Eco-Centre, renowned for its green design. Early registration is recommended as space is limited. $150 per person (2 days), $75 per person (1 day),or $15 per seminar.
Apply now for a booth at the Trade Show. Email: eade@sasktel.net Registration forms available at: http://www.craikecovillage.ca.
Discovering the Missouri Coteau
June 23rd - 25th, Moose Jaw, SKWorkshop/tour based out of Moose Jaw in celebration of Native Prairie Appreciation Week. Details at: http://www.pcap-sk.org/pdfs/npawbrochure2009.pdf. For more information, please contact: Daryl Nazar at 306 569-0424 or Trevor Lennox at 306 778-8294.
2009 Ness Creek Music Festival - Call for Eco-Village Participants
July 16th - 19th, near Big RiverThe Ness Creek Music Festival is celebrating its 19th year. It has grown into a major Canadian Festival drawing about 3,000 people per day, over four days. The Festival site is nestled in the boreal forest a few miles from Big River, Saskatchewan and adjacent to the Prince Albert National Park. Ecological awareness and promotion of alternative ideas and services has always been an important part of the Ness Creek Festival. The Eco-Village provides opportunities for individuals and groups to display, promote, workshop, discuss and sell their ideas and services with Festival goers. If you're interested in applying to be an Eco-Village participant, please contact Brenda Goldsworthy at 652-2485 bgoldsworthy@sasktel.net or Gary Smith at 664-2330 smithgroenen@sasktel.net.
The Ness Creek Cultural & Recreational Society is a not-for-profit organization that exists primarily to create an annual Festival to celebrate Music, Arts, Community and Ecology in the boreal forest.
SOEEA’s Boreal Forest Ecotour
July 31st - August 2nd, Ness Creek siteCome along with us as we explore and experience this unique and beautiful ecosystem. We are working with the Boreal Forest Learning Centre to offer an exciting program including local culture, music, storytelling, history, wildlife viewing and ecology.
We will be camping at picturesque Ness Creek - tenting at the Ness Creek site and the use of a communal kitchen is included in your registration. (you may upgrade to cabin accommodations at your own expense). All ages welcome. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to experience a Northern Saskatchewan adventure! Early Bird Prices until June 1st are $50 members ($75 non-members). Note: the non-member price includes a one year membership; family and student rates are also available. For a registration form, please email: soeea.sk@gmail.com.
For more information, please visit our website at: http://www.soeea.sk.ca.
Keepers of the Water IV Conference
August 20th - 24th, Hatchett Lake, SKFor more information, contact Brandy Smart at 306-981-4661 http://www.keepersofthewater.ca.
Out of Province
RCEN AGA 2009: Cities and Biodiversity
June 12th - 14th, Edmonton, ABUnder the theme of Cities and Biodiversity, speakers at the 2009 RCEN Annual General Assembly (AGA) will explore the relationship between urban areas and biodiversity: from the impact of their demand for resources, to the possibilities of growing more food locally and the benefits of natural areas within cities. Visit the RCEN's AGA 2009 webpage at http://www.rcen.ca/AGA/2009/index.html.
ICLEI Local Governments for Sustainability World Congress
June 14th - 18th, Edmonton, ABThe ICLEI World Congress 2009 will showcase ICLEI members’ vast work on advancing sustainability, for and about local governments. The five-day event will be an opportunity to learn about the achievements of the most advanced cities and towns in the world, and to build upon past successes to advance local action for sustainability. Join mayors, local governments, and colleagues, as more than 800 delegates worldwide come together in Edmonton. The program will be enriched by global strategists sharing their vision on the opportunities and challenges for local governments in the coming decade. Visit http://www.iclei.org/worldcongress2009 for registration details.
Ignite Change Now! Global Youth Assembly 2009
July 30th - August 2nd, 2009, Edmonton, ABThe John Humphrey Centre is excited to let you know that the second Ignite Change Now! Global Youth Assembly is set. Sol Guy along with other partners such as Rights and Democracy will be joining us once again in Edmonton to keep it real and inspiring.
Delegate registration for the Assembly is available on their website at http://www.youthassembly.ca. Space is limited so be sure to register early!
Opportunities/Calls for Delegates/Proposals
Requests for Proposals: Nurture Nature Awards
To encourage Canadians to help protect the natural habitat of an endangered or threatened species in their community, Canon Canada launched the Nurture Nature Awards.
Individuals can submit a proposal consisting of a short video and a brief written plan on how they intend to positively impact a threatened habitat in their area. Proposals can be uploaded until 5 pm EDT on September 1, 2009.Three winners from across Canada will be announced on September 14, 2009. Each winner will receive a cash award of $20,000 to fund their project. Winners will also receive a Canon digital SLR camera and a Canon video camera so they can document their progress and the final results of their project. Details at http://www.canon.ca
Opportunity: Visit or Live and Work in an Off-grid Home in Craik
We are accepting letters of interest (or phone calls) from a few good people who would like the opportunity to visit or live and work in an off-grid home. Our place, in Craik, SK is straw bale wrapped, equipped with solar electricity, low tech solar hot water, wood stove for when it gets chilly (hopefully we’re done with that til fall), has nice soil and an organic garden. Details at http://boilingfrog.ca/?p=127
Youth for International Do-It-Yourself Media Training
July 21 - 25, Calling Lakes Centre, Fort Qu’AppelleFor young people 12 - 18, this Saskatchewan Council for International Cooperation program involves 4 days of training for youth on issues and activism. The training builds the skills of participating youth to produce their own creative media on global issues. After the training youth are encouraged to continue their work and will be provided with ongoing opportunities.
Registration forms can be found online at http://www.youthbeat.org. You can also receive registration forms and more information by contacting scicyouth@earthbeat.sk.ca or (306)757-4669.
Volunteer Opportunities
Saskatchewan Environmental Society’s Pesticide Reduction Group
Interested in helping people to reduce the cosmetic use of pesticides around their homes? Join our Pesticide Reduction Group! For more details contact Susan at pesticidefree@environmentalsociety.ca, phone 665-1915, or visit http://www.environmentalsociety.ca/issues/pesticides/index.html.