[Uvic-sustainability] News and events for week of Aug 19th
- Details
- Published on Tuesday, 19 August 2014 10:00
- Written by editor
NEWS:
The aftermath of the Mount Polley tailings pond breach has spurred conversations around the causes and the consequences of the disaster. This has brought a number of key issues into focus, including the legitimacy of industry-managed environmental assessments and the right to land claims in the province.
Luckily, It seems that these dialogues have had some traction: yesterday morning, the Minister of Energy has committed to carry out two independent reviews in response to the disaster. The first focuses on the failure at Mount Polley mine, and the second calls for independent experts to review the facilities of all BC mines with tailings ponds.
UVic Environmental Studies Faculty member Brian Starzomski wrote a compelling piece for the Times Colonist last week highlighting the inadequacy of industry-managed environmental... assessment: “Government’s abdication of its stewardship responsibilities over the last 15 years leaves the industry to police itself- a position it is neither qualified nor motivated to assume”, he writes. The issue becomes further complicated as stories surface about the company behind the Mount Polley mine, Imperial Metals, making large financial contributions to the Liberal Party, and encouraging the government to relax approval processes for new mines.
Although the water testing reports from water bodies surrounding the Mount Polley spill have so far come back clean, First Nations groups including the Williams Lake Indian Band and the Soda Creek Indian Band are calling for independent testing on the affected fish themselves. In the meantime, they have put a halt to salmon fishing during the busiest time of the year.
The Mount Polley disaster has mobilized groups dealing with Imperial Metal’s operations in other areas as well. At the Ruddock Creek Mine the Neskonlith Indian Band has served Imperial Metals with an eviction notice, citing the Tsilhqot’in decision as a precedent in proving their right to establish title on a territorial basis. At the Red Chris mine South of Dease Lake, the Tahltan Nation are hosting a blockade on the main road, calling attention to the fact that the mines’ tailings pond is located in a fish-bearing lake at the Headwaters of the Stikin River.
In other news, UVic will be hosting a four-day Indigenous mapping workshop from Aug 25-28. The workshop will focus on the use of technological tools such as Google Earth to help collect and share cultural knowledge and on the legal implications of Indigenous mapping to aid in land title claims and treaty negotiations. UVic Anthropology instructor Brian Thom discussed the project last week in the Times Colonist.
For some solutions-oriented reading, check out Guy Dauncey’s newest installment in his four-part series on renewable energy in BC. This week he tackles the subject of large-scale transportation: freights, planes and trucks. Will greening their footprint require new technology, new perspectives, or both?
Finally, the Office of Campus Planning and Sustainability is still looking for Zero Waste volunteers. Let us know if you are interested in volunteering anytime on August 29, between 11:30 am and 2:00pm, and/or on September 2, between 12:00 pm and 3:00 pm. Please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.">This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for details.
EVENTS:
ISLAND VIEW EDIBLES (GUIDED WALK)
Aug 19th, 1:00 PM-2:30 PM
Learn about edible native plants during a guided walk through the trails of Island View Beach with First Nations guides and CRD Regional Parks' naturalists. More info on the website, or call 250-478-3344 to register.
SAANICH PENINSULA FLAVOUR TRAILS
Aug 22nd-24th, Various locations on the Saanich Peninsula.
Two-day event featuring 16 different venues showcasing the agricultural food movement on the Peninsula. Learn how to garden winter veggies, listen to readings and share locally sourced meals. Event begins with kickoff BBQ at Muse Winery Aug 22nd at 6:0 PM. Venue details and map on the website.
AQUAPONICS INTENSIVE
Aug 23rd, 1:00 PM-4:00 PM, Compost Education Centre, 1216 North Park St.
Intro to aquaponic growing techniques as a way to sustainably produce fish and hydroponic vegetables. Workshop will examine techniques, new innovations and how to source materials. Taught by Jesse Brown of Mason Street City Farm. For more info and to buy tickets, see the event listing.
BOUNTIFUL BERRIES GUIDED WALK
Aug 23rd, 1:00 PM-2:30 PM. Becher Bay Rd, East Sooke Regional Park
Guided walk by a CRD naturalist introduces the basics of foraging for blackberries, Oregon grape berries, salal berries and more. Meet at the kiosk in the Ayland Farm parking lot of Becher Bay Road. See the CRD website for more info, or call 250-478-3344.
CELEBRATION, SUPPER AND FUND RAISER FOR O.U.R ECOVILLAGE
Aug 24th, 2:00 PM-10:00 PM, O.U.R Ecovillage, 1565 Baldy Mountain Road, Shawnigan Lake.
The Inclusive Leadership Co-operative hosts a fundraiser to protect O.U.R. Ecovillage, featuring tours of the village, community co-created entertainment, and a locally sourced dinner. More info on the website.
TALES FROM AN AFGHAN VILLAGE: AN AFTERNOON IN A SUMMER GARDEN
Aug 24th, 2:00 PM-5:00 PM, Seasons Above the Bay Guest Sutes and B&B, 1818 Pritchard Road, Cowichan Bay
Victoria chapter of Canadian Women for Women of Afghanistan host a fundraiser featuring speakers on human rights in Afghanistan, with refreshments and an Afghan Market with jewelry and handcrafted items. Proceeds support CW4WA's programs. For more info see the event page.
YOUNG AGRARIANS FARMER MIXER AT WIND WHIPPED FARM
Aug 24th, 4:00 PM onwards, Wind Whipped Farm, 4645 William Head Rd, Metchosin.
Tour Wind Whopped Farm, a half-acre market garden and home of the Local Food Box CSA partnership, and share in a potluck dinner at Taylor Beach. Bring a dish to share, plates, and utensils. More info on the Facebook page.
COB BUILDING WORKSHOP
Aug 29th- 31st, O.U.R Ecovillage, 1565 Baldy Mountain Rd, Shawnigan Lake.
Learn cob building principles from master builder, Partick Hennebery of Cobworks. Workshop fee includes camping and meals. For more info and to register, see the website, or call 250-743-3067.
Zoë Yunker Sustainability Intern Office of Campus Planning and Sustainability University of Victoria E: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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