Canada
The Watershed Planning and Advisory Councils (WPACs) of Alberta work towards the protection of water resources in our province. Collaboratively we are presenting this online World Water Day event. The theme for the UN World Water Day 2022 is "Groundwater : Making the Invisible, Visible". Groundwater is often a forgotten source of water. Our three speakers will highlight the value of groundwater and water resources.
Our speaker panel includes:
Dr. Brian Smerdon is a Research Associate and Instructor in the Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences at the University of Alberta. He works to discover and share the story of groundwater: where it originated, how long its journey has been, and its experience along the flow path. Brian is also president of the Canadian chapter of the International Association of Hydrogeologists.
Dustin Twinn is a council member for the Swan River First Nation. He dedicates the majority of his time at the nation working on the restoration of their traditional territory.
Dr. Rita Wong is an Associate Professor in Critical and Cultural Studies at Emily Carr University. Rita investigates the relationships between contemporary poetics, water justice, and ecology. She has published many books and co-edited an anthology with Dorothy Christian entitled Downstream: Reimagining Water. She understands that when waterways are healthy, life (including people) will be healthy too, and that we cannot afford to endanger and pollute the waters that sustain our lives.
Each speaker brings a unique perspective and will share their knowledge and experiences with us.