Event 3

Watershed Re-Orientation

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Beth loves maps and in her own journey of decolonization she has explored how mapping, as a largely colonial exercise, has shaped our relationship with place and with the waters that sustain our lives. The political jurisdictions of Canada outlined in geography textbook maps, bear little resemblance to the outlines of watersheds.  What impact has this orientation had on our relationship with water?  What impact has this had on settler and Indigenous relationships?

Through an exploration of maps, place names, and colonial policies, this workshop will provide an opportunity to unlearn how many of us have been taught to identify and orient ourselves to place. Beth will provide examples of decolonial maps and practices that we can each engage in on our personal journeys towards right relations with Indigenous peoples, and with the lands and waters.

About the Speaker

Beth Lorimer

Beth Lorimer lives in the Kichi Zibi (Great River or Ottawa River) watershed on unceded and unsurrendered Algonquin Anishinaabe territory in the settler colonial capital of Ottawa.  Beth is the Ecological Justice Program Coordinator at KAIROS Canada, an ecumenical organization that brings together people all over the world for ecological justice, human rights, and reconciliation. Beth coordinated KAIROS’ national Reconciliation in the Watershed program. She has a Master of Environmental Studies from York University and background in sustainable development, freshwater governance, and climate change research and advocacy. She is also a member of Decolonizing Efforts for Water (DEW).

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