When History Meets the Environment

The 17th Canada’s History Forum
Hosted by Canada’s History Society Posted February 13, 2025

Register today!

Online via Zoom
March 20, 2025
6pm – 9pm Eastern 
Free to attend, but pre-registration is required.
View the programme

The natural environment has always been central to the history of what is now known as Canada, shaping the lives, cultures, and economies of its peoples. From the animals that sustained Indigenous communities to the rivers and lakes that served as transportation routes, and from historical and modern land struggles to today’s climate crisis, our environment continues to define our collective story.

This year’s Canada’s History Forum explores how history and education can help us understand and address environmental challenges. Through thought-provoking presentations and discussions, we’ll examine:

  • how past interactions with the environment inform current issues
  • strategies for learning from land, water, plants, animals, and their surroundings
  • the role of history education in equipping students — and ourselves — to confront climate change
  • what insights Indigenous knowledge systems and sustainable practices offer for a better future

Join us for this free online event to explore how learning from our environmental past can inspire action toward a sustainable future. This event will interest educators, heritage professionals, students, and anyone who is passionate about history and the environment.

Presenters:

  • Tanya McCallum (land-based educator, Cadotte Lake Learning Centre)
  • Heather E. McGregor (Social Studies & History Education in the Anthropocene Network)
  • Pierre Lahoud (historian and aerial photographer)
  • Glen Thielmann (teacher and PhD candidate, University of Northern British Columbia)

Watch the recording

This event was recorded on March 20, 2025. Please note that this is the unedited recording and that the presentations are offered in their original language.
Know a teacher who made a difference?

Nominate them today for the Governor General's History Award for Excellence in Teaching!

 

But please note: the nomination is just a first step; once nominated, nominees usually finish the application themselves and require a reasonable amount of time to respond to questions and collect supporting documents.

 

The deadline for this year’s award is April 22.

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