aerial view of Western's campus at night, with golden lights surrounded by dark trees

WWU student organizes 'Generations of Feminist Ecologies in Land Stewardship and Restoration' event on March 6

Panel discussions to amplify intergenerational Indigenous voices on land stewardship issues

Save the date on March 6 for an evening of conversation focused on amplifying Indigenous voices and bridging generational knowledge about caring for the land. "Generations of Feminist Ecologies in Land Stewardship and Restoration" is a Women's History Month event featuring Indigenous voices from around the Salish Sea.

"I'm excited for this event that will connect students, faculty, and community members who have shared interests in sustainability and social justice," said Caleb Barville, a third-year environmental science major, co-director of the WWU Ecological Restoration Club, and the organizer of the event. "The discussion promises to offer new ideas and ways of looking at land stewardship that I hope will inspire and empower people towards action."

Historian Alexandra Peck will moderate two panels of tribal leaders from the Salish Sea bioregion. Panels will bridge generational gaps and explore the traditional roles of Indigenous women in land stewardship. Our speakers will also reflect on historical challenges, triumphs, and knowledge systems while fostering dialogue about current and future environmental and Indigenous initiatives.

The first panel of elders will discuss the history of land stewardship that has been deeply woven with feminism since time immemorial. Coast Salish women played pivotal roles both on the water and ashore-engaging in trade with tribal allies, tending camas prairies, harvesting medicinal plants, and weaving intricate basketry.

In the second panel, young tribal leaders will discuss a resurgence and revival of cultural practices. Through these discussions, the longstanding significance of women in land stewardship will be explored. These young women, including an activist, a scientist, and an author/storyteller, will each share their unique perspectives on the present and future of Indigenous women in stewardship and restoration.

The image featured in the event promotion is a detail of a weaving titled "Third Eye Listening" by Susan sa'hLa mitSa Pavel.

"The story of the weaving is for humans to dismantle our known ways of seeing, hearing, speaking, smelling, and feeling," said Pavel. "The title attempts to point to that by listening through our sight. Makes one pause to understand the title and hopefully leads to a deeper questioning."

Join us Thursday, March 6, from 4-7 p.m. in the Viking Union Multi-Purpose Room or via Zoom. Find out more about the panelists and secure your free ticket to this event at Generations of Feminist Ecologies in Land Stewardship and Restoration | The Foundation for WWU & Alumni | Western Washington University. This event is open to the public.  For questions or disability accommodations, contact WWUEcologicalRestoration@wwu.eduhttp://mailto:WWUEcologicalRestoration@wwu.edu. Dinner will be provided for in-person attendees!

This event is organized and presented by the WWU Ecological Restoration Club and sponsored by the WWU Ecological Restoration Club; WWU College of the Environment; Salish Sea Institute; WWU Department of Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies; WWU Community Service Center; Sustainability Engagement Institute; Fairhaven College; WWU Honors College; Children of the Setting Sun Productions; WECU; and The Foundation for WWU & Alumni.