When History Meets the Environment

Canada’s History Forum

Thursday, 20 March 2025 – 6-9pm EST

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)

Feature Image: Environment – A Matter of Culture: Creating the environment. 1990. Canada. Credit: Library and Archives Canada, Acc. No. 1994-434-38.