Climate Change Adaptation, Climate Change Impacts...
Sherilee Harper
National Science Assessment: Health of ...
National Science Assessment: Health of Canadians in a Changing Climate 2021

Updates and News

Students attend the Guelph Biomathematics and Biostatistics Symposium

Reflections from Carlee Wright

(summer student and incoming MSc student)

IMG_0769The biostatistics symposium presented a diverse range of topics on food safety and modeling of foodborne illness. I found it interesting to learn about the close relationship that exists between the sciences and math, and how important it is for both to collaborate in order find effective solutions to food safety issues. I enjoyed the presentation by Aamir Fazil on using statistics to determine the best point of intervention during chicken processing, in order to reduce contamination and/or human infections. It was effective in conveying how complex food production systems are, and how difficult it can be to make successful changes to improve human health.

I was also particularly interested in a talk by Kate Thomas on estimating the number of cases of foodborne illness in Canada. It was shocking to learn that millions of Canadians are affected each year, yet very few of them are actually diagnosed and reported. This makes it extremely difficult to accurately estimate incidence of illnesses and the burden on the health system. This is where mathematical and statistical models become key, and the lecture made it clear that even with these tools there are still many uncertainties.

Overall, the symposium was valuable in reinforcing the idea that disciplines need to be combined in order for researchers and professionals to be most successful in their work. This concept applies not just to the food safety industry, but across all academic fields, and it is important to recognize this connection.

 

Reflections from Jenifer Truong

(summer student and incoming fourth years honours thesis student)

After being made aware that in most if not all aspects of research requires knowledge of statistics, I was very intrigued and excited to learn more about how researchers were incorporating statistics and mathematical models into their projects. At first, I was afraid that it would be difficult to follow along with the topics presented, however, upon attending the symposium, I feel more adept and able to take on various challenges with statistics in research.

It was refreshing to see the collaborations between mathematicians, statiscians and bioscience researchers. As the IHACC project will involve a lot of analysis of how climate change impacts food safety and security, it was interesting to learn about how to estimate the number of cases of FBI in Canada and what needs to be accounted for in collecting the data.

One presentation that stood out in particular was epidemiologist Kate Thomas’ topic on ‘Estimating the Number of Cases of Foodborne Illness in Canada.’ From her presentation, I learned that we had to take into account the amount of people that underreport foodborne illnesses, as well as the potential for the doctor to request a fecal sample, and the accuracy of the fecal sample testing itself when calculating the number of FBI per year. I also found the presentation by Amy Greer, CRC Chair of Population Disease Modelling, on ‘A primer for thinking about the introduction and spread of infectious diseases along the farm-to-fork continuum’ to be very intriguing. I find that I am able to critically think and become more aware of how infectious diseases are spread and the location/steps in which this can happen.

Overall, I found the theme of Foodborne Illness was very practical because there are over 75 million cases of FBI per year in the UC and over 4 million reported cases/year in Canada. The connection between research and statistics was also very well established and evidently presented at the symposium as well. What I learned was the importance of the fields of mathematics and statistics in the regulation of food safety. Whether it is risk assessments, the estimation of the burden of FBI and or the surveillance for outbreaks of food poisoning, statistics plays an essential role in this. I’m excited to begin the IHACC project and put the skills and knowledge that I’ve gained at this symposium to use!

IK-ADAPT Meeting in Montreal

On May 1-2, 2014 the IK-ADAPT team met for workshop hosted at McGill on community based adaptation research in the Arctic. The workshop theme was “Beyond best practices: Challenges for community adaptation research”. Ellen MacDonald wrote a reflection on her experience at the meeting, and here is a word cloud summarizing some of the key things that she learned, found interesting, and/or surprised her:

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Ellen McDonald's Poster at GDS 2014

The burden of Acute Gastrointestinal Illness (AGI) for Inuit in Iqaluit, Nunavut, Canada Background: Acute gastrointestinal illness (AGI) is an important global public health issue. The prevalence and risk factors related to AGI are unknown among Canadian Inuit and it is possible given their unique social, economic, and cultural conditions, these may differ compared with other Canadians. Objectives: This study (1) estimated the prevalence of AGI, and (2) identified risk factors for AGI for Inuit in Iqaluit, Nunavut, Canada. Methods: International burden of illness study methods were modified to reflect the Indigenous culture and Northern context of this study. Specifically, an EcoHealth framework was used to guide the research, which included principles of capacity development, transdisciplinarity, social equity, sustainability, and community participation. Two retrospective, cross-sectional surveys were conducted in Iqaluit in 2012 and 2013. Of the 1,055 individuals that participated in the survey, 694 self-identified as Aboriginal, which formed the basis of analysis. The prevalence of self-reported AGI was estimated using a case definition of diarrhea and/or vomiting in the past 14-days not due to pregnancy, drug or alcohol use, or diagnosed chronic conditions. Multivariable exact logistic regression was used to identify risk factors associated with AGI cases. Results: The 14-day prevalence of AGI for Inuit in Iqaluit was 12.8% in 2012 and 11.6% in 2013. Several, demographic, environmental and socio-economic factors were significantly associated with increased odds of AGI. Conclusions: Estimating the prevalence of AGI and identifying Inuit-specific risk factors for AGI, with continued Northern stakeholders' collaboration was intended inform and strengthen evidence-based policy to reduce the impact of AGI in Inuit populations. These results will be used to co-develop and co-implement a knowledge translation project with Northern project stakeholders and community members toward enhancing AGI-related public health decision-making processes in Nunavut, Canada.

Click here to see Ellen's poster

Round Table on Aboriginal Health

Community-led Research as an Environmental Health Strategy in Indigenous Communities: Experiences and stories from Northern Canada I'm very excited to highlight a special session that I co-organized with Ashlee Cunsolo Willox.

Session Panel:

  • Sherilee Harper, Assistant Professor, University of Guelph
  • Ashlee Cunsolo Willox, CRC, Assistant Professor, Cape Breton University
  • Charlotte Wolfrey, AngajukKâk (Mayor), Rigolet Inuit Community Government
  • Inez Shiwak, My Word Storytelling and Digital Media Lab, Rigolet Inuit Community Government
  • Margot Parkes, CRC, Associate Professor, University of Northern British Columbia

Session Abstract:

Global environmental and climatic change can have adverse impacts on health and wellbeing, especially for Indigenous populations who often rely on local ecosystems for livelihoods, culture, and partial subsistence.  As such, research on how to adapt to the impacts of environmental and climatic change on Indigenous health has been increasing in the past decade.  Many adaptation plans include principles of capacity development, community participation, sustainability, and systems thinking, with a focus on developing tangible program  outcomes.  From experiences designing and delivering health-related community-based and community-led research initiatives across the North, we argue that research, and engaging in and leading research processes, can also be a potential adaptation strategy and may increase adaptive capacities.

In order to explore the potential for health research to become an adaptation strategy in and of itself, this session will 1) provide an overview of environmental change and health adaptation across the North, and the importance of moving from community participation to community leadership in research; 2) share research design and delivery insights from community-led research initiatives conducted across the Canadian North physical and mental health to inform health adaptation; and 3) discuss how innovative digital data collection methodologies can foster, support, and mobilize community-led climate change and health adaptation research in Indigenous communities across the North.

These presentations will illustrate how Inuit and Northern First Nations communities are taking control of their own research agenda, and actively undertake projects which meet the needs and priorities of the community in meaningful and locally-appropriate manners—research that moves from a community-based to a community-led framework, allowing communities to increase their overall research capacity, respond rapidly to research questions and needs that emerge, and actively create evidence-based health adaptation strategies in the communities to respond to the challenges of a rapidly changing environment.

GDS Presentation Highlights!

There were so many great presentations at the conference this year - but I wanted to highlight great presentations by some of my colleagues, collaborators, and students.  I have cut and paste these abstracts from the conference program.

Climate Change and Mental Health in Northern Canada: A Nunatsiavut Regional Perspective 

Ashlee Cunsolo Willox, Cape Breton University; Marilyn Baikie, Memorial University; Juliana Flowers, Cape Breton University; Myrtle Groves, Cape Breton University; Rigolet Inuit Community Government; Greg Jacque, JC Erhardt Memorial; Noah Nochasak, Thompson Rivers University; Inez Shiwak, Rigolet Inuit Community Government; Michele Wood, Nunatsiavut Government

Anthropogenic climate change has been an increasing concern for Inuit across Canada, and the rapid changes to ice thickness and extent, precipitation levels, weather patterns, and wildlife and vegetation dispersion are disrupting livelihoods, lifestyles, and health and well-being for many. Emerging evidence also indicates that climate change and associated environmental degradation may potentially impact mental health and wellness globally. These climate-sensitive mental health impacts are expected to be widespread, cumulative, and unequally distributed around the globe, impacting most severely those living in rural or remote regions and those directly reliant on the natural environment for sustenance and livelihoods, such as Inuit in Canada's North. Recognizing this, the five Inuit Community Governments of Nunatsiavut, Labrador, Canada conducted a regional study on the impacts of climate change on mental health. This research followed a community-based and community-led participatory framework. Data were gathered through 120 in-depth interviews, 18 digital stories, and 25 video interviews for a documentary film. Participants reported: intense emotional reactions associated with loss of activities, identity, and sense of place (grief, anxiety, stress, distress); real and potential increases in consumption of drugs and alcohol; potential increases in suicide ideation; and potential aggravation of acute anxiety disorders and major depression. Climate change was also reported to act as a magnifier for other forms of stress and distress and to highlight socio-economic inequalities, leading to further negative ramifications for mental health and well-being. These findings contribute to the emerging research on climate change and mental health, and provide a baseline of potential pathways through which climate change may continue to impact on mental health.

 

Evaluating emerging tools to address uncertainties and complexities of engineering design in northern communities  Allan Gordon, University of Guelph; Rigolet Inuit Community Government; Victoria Edge, University of Guelph; Khosrow Farahbakhsh, University of Guelph; Nunatsiavut Government, Environment Division; Sherilee Harper, University of Guelph; Rachael Marshall, University of Guelph

Background: It is becoming increasingly evident that water and wastewater infrastructure in many northern communities is not appropriately designed to suit the local climatic, environmental, financial, or cultural context. Conventional engineering methodologies and tools do not to adequately capture the unique local context and complex nature of remote northern communities. Goal: This project explores methodologies and tools for community-based infrastructure planning by better capturing the broader community context. Specifically, these tools were piloted to assess water treatment infrastructure in Rigolet, Nunatsiavut. Methods: The steps included: (1) establishing a system boundary; (2) identifying stocks and flows of material, information, and financial and human resources; and (3) collecting qualitative and quantitative data to characterize flows and stocks by reviewing technical drawings, reports and other literature, and by conducting semi-structured interviews with stakeholders, focus groups with community members, and a community-wide questionnaire. Results: The approach verified the need for inclusion of extended peer communities to enrich the scientific research and incorporate multiple viewpoints and diverse perspectives. The baseline assessment identified the strengths of the current system to be low maintenance requirements and sufficient water supply quantity. System uncertainties identified include uncertain financial capital, impacts of climatic change, trained operator availability, significant dependence on fossil fuels, discharge of untreated sewage, and low public trust in the drinking water infrastructure. Conclusion: This work provides the foundation for identifying potential future states of the drinking water and wastewater system and will assist in the development of appropriate scenarios and narratives to inform future planning processes.

 

The burden of Acute Gastrointestinal Illness (AGI) for Inuit in Iqaluit, Nunavut, Canada  Margaret Ellen McDonald, University of Guelph; Victoria Edge, Public Health Agency of Canada; James Ford, McGill University; Sherilee Harper, University of Guelph; Indigenous Health Adaptation to Climate Change Research Team, University of Guelph; Andrew Papadopoulos, University of Guelph; M. Kate Thomas, Public Health Agency of Canada

Background: Acute gastrointestinal illness (AGI) is an important global public health issue. The prevalence and risk factors related to AGI are unknown among Canadian Inuit and it is possible given their unique social, economic, and cultural conditions, these may differ compared with other Canadians. Objectives: This study (1) estimated the prevalence of AGI, and (2) identified risk factors for AGI for Inuit in Iqaluit, Nunavut, Canada. Methods: International burden of illness study methods were modified to reflect the Indigenous culture and Northern context of this study. Specifically, an EcoHealth framework was used to guide the research, which included principles of capacity development, transdisciplinarity, social equity, sustainability, and community participation. Two retrospective, cross-sectional surveys were conducted in Iqaluit in 2012 and 2013. Of the 1,055 individuals that participated in the survey, 694 self-identified as Aboriginal, which formed the basis of analysis. The prevalence of self-reported AGI was estimated using a case definition of diarrhea and/or vomiting in the past 14-days not due to pregnancy, drug or alcohol use, or diagnosed chronic conditions. Multivariable exact logistic regression was used to identify risk factors associated with AGI cases. Results: The 14-day prevalence of AGI for Inuit in Iqaluit was 12.8% in 2012 and 11.6% in 2013. Several, demographic, environmental and socio-economic factors were significantly associated with increased odds of AGI. Conclusions: Estimating the prevalence of AGI and identifying Inuit-specific risk factors for AGI, with continued Northern stakeholders' collaboration was intended inform and strengthen evidence-based policy to reduce the impact of AGI in Inuit populations. These results will be used to co-develop and co-implement a knowledge translation project with Northern project stakeholders and community members toward enhancing AGI-related public health decision-making processes in Nunavut, Canada.

 

Health and Vulnerability to Climate Change: A Case Study of the Bakiga of Southwestern Uganda  Jolène Labbé, University of Guelph, McGill University; Lea Berrang Ford, McGill University; Blanaid Donnelly, McGill University; James Ford, McGill University Shuaib Lwasa, Makerere University; Scott McEwen, University of Guelph; Didacus Namanya, Ugandan Ministry of Health; IHACC Research Group; Sabastian Twesigomwe, Batwa Development Program

Climate change is one of the most significant threats to human health in many regions of sub-Saharan Africa; the pathways by which health will be affected being varied and complex. Within sub-Saharan Africa, Uganda has been identified as a country of particularly high vulnerability. Populations who practice agriculture and livestock based livelihoods in rural communities are thought to be at increased risk as their capacity to adapt to climate change if often constrained by human and physical capital, poverty, poor infrastructure, low ability to store food, and a dependence on natural resources. There is presently little knowledge about the vulnerability or resilience to the effects of climate change among many of Uganda's rural populations. This paper addresses this gap by using a vulnerability approach to characterize the health of vulnerability to climate change in two Bakiga communities in rural southwestern Uganda. Field data were gathered from June - August 2013 using a variety of Rapid Rural Appraisal methods and PhotoVoice. The findings were qualitatively analyzed to identify climate-sensitive, community-identified health outcomes, to describe and characterize determinants of sensitivity at individual, community and regional levels, and assess the adaptive capacity of Bakiga health systems. Results will be profiled in conference presentation.

 

Including the Intangible: Photo-Cards as a Method for Analyzing the Social and Cultural Importance of Food in Rigolet, Nunatsiavut  Kaitlyn Finner, McGill University; Charlie Flowers, Rigolet Inuit Community Government; James Ford, McGill University; Chris Furgal, Trent University; (RICG) Rigolet Inuit Community Government; Inez Shiwak, Rigolet Inuit Community Government

Definitions of food security increasingly emphasize the social and cultural importance of food. As a result there has been a shift in food security research to go beyond measuring and documenting the quantities and types of foods that are available and consumed to also include questions concerning how appropriate the available and consumed foods are based on the preferences and culture of the individuals, groups and communities. This expanded understanding of food security is especially relevant within the context of Northern Canada as food has historically been and continues to be an integral part of Inuit identity and culture. Many Inuit communities are experiencing increasing challenges to accessing their traditional foods from the land due to climate change as well as complex social and economic changes that culminate in food insecurity. In order to address these complex changes and to ensure food secure communities, interventions and policies must take into account the social and cultural importance of food. Focusing on a community based participatory research project with the community of Rigolet, Nunatsiavut, Labrador, this presentation will discuss the value of photo-cards as a tool and method for food security research. Drawing from and adapting data collection methods such as card sorts and conversational interviews, photo-cards have been used in Rigolet's food security research as a means of eliciting community members' preferences and cultural experiences with the foods that have been historically, and are currently, available within the community. The presentation demonstrates how photo-cards allowed participants to express their emotions, preferences and cultural experiences and affinity to certain foods in a way that was not available with the research methods traditionally used in food security research.

 

Using heat stress mapping to predict emergency room visits in rural Southern Ontario (2010-2012)  Kate Bishop-Williams, University of Guelph; Olaf Berke, University of Guelph; David Kelton, University of Guelph; David Pearl, University of Guelph

In Southern Ontario, climate change gave rise to an increasing occurrence of heat waves, causing heat stress to the general public, with potentially fatal consequences. Heat waves are defined as three consecutive days with temperatures of 32°C and above. Heat stress is the level of discomfort. Heat stress indices measure heat stress, e.g. the heat stress index (HSI) is based on temperature and humidity, indicating serious health impacts above a level of 70 units. Maps visualizing the distribution of heat stress can provide information about related health risks and insight for control strategies. Information to inform heat wave preparedness models in Ontario was previously only available for major metropolitan areas. Hospitals in communities of fewer than 100,000 individuals were recruited for a pilot study by telephone. The number of people visiting the emergency room or 24-hour urgent care service was collected for 27 days, including three heat waves and six 3 day control periods from 2010-2012. The heat stress index was estimated using data from 37 weather stations, and subsequently interpolated across Southern Ontario by geostatistical kriging. Ordinary logistic regression modeling was applied to determine the odds of increased emergency room visits in a rural hospital with respect to the HSI. When the HSI exceeded a threshold value of 70 units, the odds of emergency room visits doubled (OR = 2.08, CI95%= (1.03-4.20), p = 0.04). This finding will aid hospitals and rural local public health units in preparing for emergencies during heat waves. Future research is needed to assess the relation between heat stress and individual characteristics and demographics of rural communities in Ontario.

Zooprophylaxis: a realist review  Blanaid Donnelly, McGill University; Lea Berrang Ford, McGill University; Pascal Michel, Public Health Agency of Canada; Nancy Ross, McGill University

Malaria is a preventable, treatable disease that it is responsible for 500 million clinical cases resulting in 800,000 mortalities per year, 90% of which occur in Sub-Saharan Africa. The World Health Organization recommended zooprophylaxis, or the use of animals to divert mosquitoes from humans to reduce malaria risk, as a component of malaria control programs in 1982. However the evidence to support this strategy is conflicting. Some research shows that the presence of livestock and other animals may attract mosquitoes into close proximity with humans, thereby increasing human malaria risk. A realist review of the English language, peer-reviewed literature on zooprophylaxis was conducted to understand why this lack of consensus exists within the literature and under what circumstances animals increase or decrease human risk of malaria. Three electronic databases were searched, and forward and backward citation tracking used to identify articles relating to zooprophylaxis. Sixty-nine documents were identified based on a keyword search. Seventeen empirical studies were included and analyzed. The weight of evidence suggests that zooprophylaxis could be an effective strategy to reduce malaria transmission in specific contexts. First, zooprophylaxis is only effective when the mosquito species present do not have a strong preference for humans. Second, in order to take advantage of mosquito preference for animals, animals must be kept out of human sleeping quarters at night. Third, where bed nets are used, mosquitoes are more likely to feed on animal hosts as alternative. Further study is needed to understand the role of socioeconomic status as well as that of distance between animals and human sleeping quarters on zooprophylactic success and how these factors vary by region, animal species and number.

What is EcoHealth?  EcoHealth Club, EcoHealth Club at Univeristy of Guelph; Katherine Bishop-Williams, EcoHealth Club at Univeristy of Guelph; Alexandra Swirski, EcoHealth Club at Univeristy of Guelph

EcoHealth is an inter- and transdisciplinary field that seeks to understand the relationships between human, animal, and environmental health and the interactions between them. It focuses on breaking down sectoral and disciplinary barriers to communicate about these important issues in order to enhance research and policy. The EcoHealth Club at the University of Guelph is made up of students and faculty interested in sharing their ideas, learning about and promoting EcoHealth concepts and ideas on campus and in the wider community. Current members include students from many different departments, including Population Medicine and Geography.We believe that humans, animal and environmental health will all benefit from increased interest and engagement.

Perceptions of Learning Success among younger generation Inuit in Ulukhaktok, NWT, Canada  Genevieve Lalonde, University of Guelph; Tristan Pearce, University of the Sunshine Coast/ University of Guelph

This poster describes research that will examine perceptions of learning success among younger generation Inuit in a case study of Ulukhaktok, Northwest Territories, Canada. The research responds to a knowledge gap on the relevance and effectiveness of a western-based education system in the Arctic. Many agree that the formalization of education has displaced Inuit cultural identity and has contributed to the breakdown of traditional modes of learning, observation and apprenticeship. Meanwhile subsistence hunting and fishing remain a valued part of Inuit culture, but there is concern that some younger generation Inuit may not be as well equipped to participate in subsistence, particularly under changing conditions with negative implications for food security, health and well-being, and economy. If education in the Arctic is to serve the interests of students and contribute to the development of healthy communities it must embody Inuit perceptions of learning success and values.

Vulnerability of an Inuit Food System to Climate and Socio-Economic Changes Colleen Parker, University of Guelph; Tristan Pearce, University of Guelph

The aim of this research is to determine the role food sharing plays in food security in an Inuit community. The objectives of this research are: 1) document and describe the dimensions of food security in an Inuit community; 2) identify and describe food sharing networks in an Inuit community; and 3) identify factors which aid or constrain food sharing. Data will be collected using ethnographic research techniques including, free-listing, semi-structured and structured interviews, and participant observation. The research will be undertaken in collaboration with community partners and follow established protocols and guidelines for research in the community and region. Similar studies are being conducted or have been completed across the Arctic and this research will contribute to the growing body of knowledge examining food sharing and food securing in light of climate change.

Inuit Traditional Knowledge and Adaptation to the Health Effects of Climate Change Linnaea Jasiuk, University of Guelph; Tristan Pearce, University of Guelph

Climate change is occurring and the effects are impacting human health directly and indirectly. Inuit communities are experiencing dramatic impacts of climate change resulting in the emergence or exacerbation of health concerns (Ford 2012; Furgal and Seguin 2006). There is an expressed urgency for efforts to identify specific vulnerabilities and adaptive capacities to develop effective health interventions (Ford 2012; Lesnikowski et al. 2011). The vulnerability approach is considered effective for evaluating community specific economic, political, social, technological and cultural factors influencing their exposure, sensitivity and adaptive capacity (Ford and Smit 2004; Pearce et al. 2010). Given the plethora of socio-economic and cultural factors influencing how climate change impacts Inuit health, the vulnerability approach is ideal for research on the vulnerability and adaptive capacity of Inuit. Traditional knowledge is a key determinant of a community's adaptive capacity (Pearce et al. 2010). Incorporation of Inuit traditional knowledge in vulnerability assessments is promoted to help capture intricate, culturally specific interactions between social, biophysical and biomedical vulnerability determinants; in particular Inuit conceptualizations on and approaches to, health are important to articulate, for identification of relevant health risks, prioritization of adaptations and design of effective, culturally responsive interventions (Ford 2012; Furgal and Seguin 2006). In this regard there is a scarcity of knowledge and opportunity for research. This work examines Inuit conceptualizations of and approaches to health and the development of culturally responsive and effective adaptation strategies for climate related health-stresses, in a case study of Ulukhaktok, NT.

Global Development Symposium: Critical Links between Human and Animal Health (May 4th-7th, 2014)

By Jenifer Truong (Summer Student) IMG_0764

The Global Development Symposium (GDS) was a three-day long conference that covered the themes around: Global Public Health, Community Empowerment, and Food and Water Security. The keynote speakers and presentations explored various interdisciplinary approaches to improving these topics of discussion. It was a fantastic networking opportunity as it brought together social, environmental, medical and veterinary scientists with policy makers, students and community members who are interested in making a positive and meaningful global impact. I feel so privileged and thankful for the opportunity to attend the Global Development Symposium as I have never felt so inspired and empowered from the speakers and presentations! Some of the highlights of GDS were the keynote speeches from Dr James Orbinski, President Alastair Summerlee, the Aboriginal Health Round Table, Pitches for Progress and many of the oral presentations.

I had heard about EcoHealth but hadn’t gotten the chance to really gain a deeper understanding of it – and through participating in the GDS, I now have a better appreciation and awareness of these relationships. The presentations have demonstrated that it is vital to seek understanding and the interactions of the relationships between human, animal and environmental health in order to break down barriers in communication of important issues to enhance research and policy. The presentation called, “What does the goat say? Lessons learned from stakeholder consultation on microinsurance in Bangladesh” displayed the importance of not only taking the NGO/client’s views into perspective, but it is also necessary to ask ourselves how the animals will be impacted. The presenter was asked to research the viability of offering microinsurance to farmers in Bangladesh for their goats. After thorough interviews with farmers and their clients, it was seen that microinsurance was not a viable option, however, the NGO/clients still pushed for the initiative to continue. This proved to be widely unsuccessful as no farmers were insuring their goats. It wasn’t until the end of the study and months of research that they found that 90% of goat mortality rates was due to a virus in which the NGO had already vaccinated the goats for - prior to selling it to farmers. They also found out that the goats being sold to farmers had a staggering…3% mortality rate! I found that this really highlights the significance of incorporating the principles of EcoHealth into research. If the researchers had taken into account the impact on goats and how they fit into this client-farmer relationship, it would have saved them a lot of time and resources! Thus, perception is key! When going into a community, we can’t only think that we will “save the world,” but we have to think about what the community’s needs are.

What I have learned about OneHealth has allowed me to truly appreciate the intricacy and care that the IHACC team puts into doing research in places like Rigolet and Nain. The oral presentations from the IHACC team, and the Aboriginal Health Round Table were an extremely valuable learning experience! I was beautiful to hear Charlotte answer the question on “what does spirit mean to you” when she expressed her views on the importance of being one with the land and the memories from the trails that her grandparents had walked on. I was also fascinated when someone brought up the discussion that important concepts can be lost when going from one language to the other – which is a struggle I am sure that researchers on the IHACC team face when collecting data through interviews. Moreover, I also really enjoyed hearing about initiatives like the Cultural-Connect Program. I think the ability to connect youth to their culture to foster a sense of community amongst adults and youth is fantastic. I would love to learn more about how we can help make an impact by continuing this program!

I was pleasantly surprised with the presentations for the Pitches for Progress. For example, I learned about the myco-tyco program that Professor Tucker incorporated into a first year class at the University of Guelph. The students were given $1 to microfinance their business idea and the students that won the competition had made over $3000 for the laptop cases they sold! Furthermore, they raised $859 to donate to the WildHearts program – a company that helps microfinance women in developing countries. Professor Tucker said that the project only had one guideline, and that is, “All transactions need to be legal.” However, someone had brought up the point about why he was not encouraging that, “all transactions should be socially responsible.” I found the feedback and compelling discussions from the pitches for progress and all of the oral presentations to be extremely meaningful and thought-provoking.

One of the biggest things that I’ve taken away from the Symposium is the importance of not only taking note, but also the need to “take action.” I loved hearing Alastair’s talk on the “Critical Links in Global Development.” Campaigns such as Bracelet of Hope and Shine a Light had all started with a simple idea to assist in solving a problem. The individual just needed to have the confidence to pursue this idea and the passion to stick with it. This is why the concept of overcoming one’s fears and building confidence is something that I will take definitely take away from this conference. Through Dr Orbinski’s talk, I am now made aware that we need to figure out how humans respond to an emergency crisis and how Canadian adaptation must be applied. This concept of new thinking and approaches to ecosphere and how we’re all related is something that I’ve taken to heart his keynote speech. GDS 2014 has not only informed me of all the research going on in the various fields, but also the impact that one person can have on their community or even the world.

A Few Thoughts on the Global Development Symposium

By Carlee Wright (Summer Student and incoming MSc student) IMG_0768

The Global Development Symposium exposed me to a vast range of issues and research topics. Over the course of the three days I feel as though I have gained a great deal of valuable insight and knowledge about some of the major issues we face, and the ways in which people from around the world are tackling them. I enjoyed hearing from the various groups associated with the IHACC project, and learning about the different research that comprises it. People from many academic backgrounds and who have many different interests were all brought together through this venture and through the symposium itself. Having the opportunity to learn about the larger scale of the IHACC project was valuable as it has helped me to better understand my role in it and how that will ultimately contribute to the program’s goals.

The panel discussion from Veterinarians, Doctors, and Engineers Without Borders was also a highlight of the symposium. It was great learning about the work being done by these groups, and seeing that even though very different, engineers and health practitioners can have a common purpose and goal. Finally, I was happy to hear about some of the many initiatives that the University of Guelph is involved with throughout the world. Before the symposium I had not known about the “Shine a Light” campaign founded by Alastair Summerlee, which helps to support the education of women in refugee camps. I also learned more about the “Bracelet of Hope” campaign, which was something I had seen around campus but had never realized the effect it was having in Lesotho, Africa. I was surprised to learn just how quickly the fundraising goals of these projects were met through the support of the Guelph community.

I was also surprised by some of the more grim facts presented throughout the symposium. The reality that not enough is being done to oppose climate change is something that most people already know, but nonetheless it was sobering to hear and see some of the projections made about the future during keynote lectures and oral presentations. Despite this it was uplifting to see the positivity individuals still had when asking questions and discussing climate change issues.

This hope and optimism that speakers had even when talking about tough issues was inspiring and I believe it instilled the same feelings in the audience. The symposium was effective at addressing issues clearly, but in a way that did not overwhelm listeners. It was exciting to see the enthusiasm with which people gave their presentations, and it was clear that everyone was very dedicated to their work and contributing at larger scale. It was stressed throughout the symposium that everyone is capable of making change, and this was very motivating and encouraging for me as I begin my Masters and hope to make my own impact through my work.

Global Development Symposium at the University of Guelph

The Global Development Symposium was a great opportunity for students, academics, practitioners, and community members to unite and learn from each other.  This year's symposium had three cross-cutting themes: (1) Global Public Health, (2) Community Empowerment, and (3) Food and Water Security. Highlights on Indigenous health research using EcoHealth methods include (click the links below for more information):

1) Round Table Discussion on Aboriginal Health

2) Several great presentations

3) Student reflections on the conference (by Carlee Wright and Jenifer Truong)

4) A poster by Ellen McDonald

 

Incoming PhD Student Visits Nunatsiavut: Kate Bishop-Williams

IMG_1131Wow, what an incredible week this has been! This has been my first time to the North as I begin to scope out questions for my soon to begin PhD with the IHACC team.  As I reflect on the past week and begin to identify the highlights of my time in Nunatsiavut I am struck by the number of first time experiences. This week marks the first time I have been to the Canadian Atlantic Coast and also this far North. PlaneIt is the first time that I flew on a twin otter plane. What an experience that was! Moreover, we flew the “milk run” into Rigolet, meaning that we touched down in most of the Northern communities of Nunatsiavut. What a beautiful view! From there I got off the plane and onto a Skidoo for the first time. This week was also the first time I tried some exciting traditional Inuit foods! I tried char jerky and then I was lucky enough to try fish head stew and eat the eyes! They were both delicious. I was incredibly lucky to partake in my first boil-up, out on the land near Rigolet. The boil-up consisted of a campfire and snacks like hot dogs and marshmallows, and a wonderful afternoon of storytelling in good tradition.

Beyond all of those first time experiences though, what really shaped my time here in Nunatisavut was the people that I met for the first time and that I have begun to build long-term relationships with already. This trip was a perfect chance for me to meet the amazing people of Rigolet because the existing research team had organized an open house for results sharing, a community soup supper and activities in the school. The community is full of welcoming and friendly people who I already look forward to visiting with again soon!