For the third year, Western’s campus community is invited to connect with the Deshkan Ziibi (Thames River) by joining a series of Western Riverfest events taking place throughout September.
The month-long event celebrates the importance of the river that flows through campus and its connection to the broader London community and the First Nations who have traditional territory overlapping with the Thames River watershed.
“The river connects us all on campus and in the region,” said Jessica Cordes, Western Sustainability engagement coordinator. “Because it is so visible on campus, it can ground us in action for the environment and helps build a strong connection with the place that we’re in.”
Co-organized by the Indigenous Students’ Association, Indigenous Student Centre (ISC) and Western Sustainability, the annual Riverfest celebration provides opportunities for students, staff, faculty and community members to learn, enjoy and honour the river.
Ashley Kewayosh Samuel, student opportunities coordinator with the ISC, has supported the planning of Riverfest since its inception.
“In honouring the river, we create a sense of belonging and connection to this special place on Turtle Island,” she said. “I feel a huge sense of pride to be able to help plan this month-long series of activities. The messages that we are sharing about water justice and sustainability will have ripple effects into the future and in the lives of our students and broader community.”
