An inspiring speaker series focused on positivity and HOPE. Our guests share the work they're doing in Medicine Hat region and what they think is the most promising climate solution in southern Alberta. Speakers include:
Brent Smith (he/him) – Medicine Hat College
Brent completed a BSc in Biology from the University of Regina in 1998. As a field technician, he monitored the health of lakes in southern Saskatchewan, and helped with some projects looking at climate change and drought in the prairies. He then changed interests from fish to plants. Brent worked as an ecological restoration technician for a couple years with the Canadian Wildlife Service, restoring native grasslands in Saskatchewan. In 2001, he was hired by the Department of Defence as a range biologist at CFB Suffield, where he worked for almost 15 years. While working at the base, Brent completed a Master's in Geography using GIS and remote sensing to study fire ecology. During this time, he learned about systems theory and his whole world changed. He quit his job and started a permaculture business, designing sustainable food production systems. He also started teaching at Medicine Hat College, where he is now. Brent will officially start teaching the college's new Agroecology program in September.
Genevieve Mathieu (she/her) - Resilient.SEA
Genevieve is the facilitator of Climate Conversations Medicine Hat, one of the founders of Resilient.SEA (South Eastern Alberta) and an active member of the Master Gardeners Association of Alberta. She believes in the power of gardening to bring us back to nature, that the climate crisis is a social justice issue and that it is time to connect with others to define and pursue a world in which we can all flourish.
Milena McWatt (she/her) - Land Stewardship Centre
Milena grew up in rural northern Alberta and has a Master’s in Resource and Environmental Management from Dalhousie University and a degree in Biology from the University of Alberta. With a professional background in stewardship outreach, environmental education, and project management, Milena is thrilled to be working at Land Stewardship Centre on updating the Green Communities Guide with a fresh focus on nature-based solutions.
Rob Gardner (he/him), Transition Medicine Hat/Drawdown Alberta
Rob has promoted nature appreciation and sustainable living for many years. He worked for park agencies in Banff, southern Ontario and the tropical island of Mauritius. (Look it up!) He moved to Medicine Hat to start the interpretive program in Police Point Park. Since then, he has worked for Scouts Canada, the Trans Canada Trail and the Nature Conservancy of Canada.
He has been active in numerous clubs. Most recently, he has started Transition Medicine Hat, a group that supports more sustainable living in south-eastern Alberta. He is also active in Drawdown Alberta, which guides community groups in implementing proven technologies to reduce greenhouse gases.
John Whidden (he/him), CPAWS Environmental Educator
John fills his tank with fresh air whenever he gets a chance, but prefers high octane free mountain air. He wants to ensure it will be available for generations to come and figures the best way to achieve that is to help people fall in love with wild places. Having spent 30 years in public education, he has witnessed the power and inspiration that can come from gatherings like this.
