Join us for a conversation with Elder Albert Marshall, the renowned Mi’kmaw Elder who introduced the concept of Etuaptmumk, or Two-Eyed Seeing. This approach blends the strengths of Indigenous knowledge systems and Western science to create holistic and sustainable solutions.
In this session, Dr. Marshall will share his experience from working with communities (including Antigonish Nova Scotia where he and partners have initiated a local project focused on Etuaptmumk) to weave Indigenous principles like Netukulimk – Mi’kmaw sustainability laws – into climate action. Through stories and lessons learned, participants will explore how braiding knowledges can foster collaboration, inter-generational learning, and new perspectives in addressing the climate crisis.
Whether you’re a municipal climate officer, grassroots organizer, educator, or curious learner, this webinar will offer valuable insights on co-creating a future rooted in mutual respect and understanding. Don’t miss the opportunity to learn from a leading voice in Indigenous knowledge and climate resilience.
Speakers
Elder Albert Marshall, Moose Clan of the Mi'kmaw Nation
Mi’kmaw Elder Dr. Albert Marshall is from the Moose Clan of the Mi'kmaw Nation; he lives in the community of Eskasoni in Unama’ki – Cape Breton, Nova Scotia.
Albert is a fluent speaker of the Mi'kmaw language, a passionate advocate of cross-cultural understandings and healing and of our human responsibilities to care for all creatures and our Earth Mother. Albert is the “designated voice” for Mi’kmaw Elders of Unama’ki, and promotes living as if all species matter, including those of future generations.
Albert was an inmate at the Shubenacadie Residential School. This profoundly affected Albert, and it led him on a lifelong quest to understand the culture he was removed from, and the culture he was forced into. Looking for ways to live in mutual respect of each other's strengths was a contributing factor to the work that he did with his late wife, Murdena, in framing Etuaptmumk/Two-Eyed Seeing. This guiding principle weaves together traditional Indigenous ways of knowing with other systems of thought, for the benefit of all.
Laura Schnurr, Director, Community Climate Transitions, Tamarack Institute
Laura leads Tamarack's Community Climate Transitions network. She is passionate about supporting cities and communities in their journeys towards ensuring a just, equitable and sustainable future for the next 7 generations and beyond. Through events, publications, communities of practice and other learning opportunities, Laura is helping advance the Sustainable Development Goals in Canada with a specific focus on the goals related to equity and climate change.
Prior to joining the Tamarack team, Laura was Advisor to the President & CEO at the McConnell Foundation where she contributed to building the fields of social innovation and social finance in Canada. She was previously with several federal government departments, including Employment and Social Development Canada's Social Innovation Division where she supported reconciliation efforts.
Laura completed a Bachelor of Commerce at Concordia University and a Master's in Global Studies through the University of Freiburg in Germany, which led her to study in Buenos Aires, Bangkok and Bologna as well. She has worked at the United Nations and co-authored a book on UN reform published in 2018, entitled A United Nations Renaissance: What the UN Is, and What It Could Be. Laura runs a social enterprise promoting women's economic empowerment in Uganda, which she co-founded in 2010. She and her partner and daughter currently split the year between Oxford, UK, and Montreal/Chelsea, QC.