We are thankful to be welcome on these lands in friendship. The lands we are situated on are covered by the Williams Treaties and are the traditional territory of the Mississaugas, a branch of the greater Anishinaabeg Nation, including Algonquin, Ojibway, Odawa and Pottawatomi. These lands remain home to many Indigenous nations and peoples.

We acknowledge this land out of respect for the Indigenous nations who have cared for Turtle Island, also called North America, from before the arrival of settler peoples until this day. Most importantly, we acknowledge that the history of these lands has been tainted by poor treatment and a lack of friendship with the First Nations who call them home.

This history is something we are all affected by because we are all treaty people in Canada. We all have a shared history to reflect on, and each of us is affected by this history in different ways. Our past defines our present, but if we move forward as friends and allies, then it does not have to define our future.

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Faces of sustainability: Rachelle Crawford

Posted by Guest Author on June 28, 2016

Who are you and what do you do on campus?

My name is Rachelle Crawford and I am a graduate of the Community Development and Policy Studies program. I worked for the Office of Campus Infrastructure and Sustainability (OCIS) in the summer of 2016.

How did you get started in environmental work, and how long have you been interested in it?

My interest in environmental work began when I learned about the environmental crisis in my second year. It fascinated me how we as a society have become geared towards a capitalist market that has no regard for environmental protection.

What does sustainability mean to you?

Sustainability means the prolonging of viable resources for future generations. This means using products that have a minute ecological footprint.

When did you first become interested in sustainability?

I first became interested in sustainability in my second year. The class was called Building Sustainable Communities and the professor was Scott Aquanno. In his teachings he allowed us to understand that sustainability might not be a viable option in our economic climate.

What’s your favourite environmental hobby or activity away from work?

I like walking along the beach front.

Who are your eco-heroes?

Rachel Carson. She developed a book about how pesticides have a devasting effect on animals.

What would you recommend to someone on campus who is interested in sustainability?

Email sustainability@uoit.ca if you have any questions about campus events, sustainability information or just want to get involved.

Filed under: Faces of sustainability