Western Oregon Journal

Issue date: 10/26/07 Section: Headlines

Dr. Jiskoot has been studying glaciers for many years. [Click to enlarge]

In order to promote the relationship between our two nations and to educate Americans about Canada, the Canadian government is sponsoring several different events over the next two weeks that will attempt to accomplish this. The United States and Canada have had good relations since the creation of both countries, and this is what Canada Weeks hopes to communicate.

Canada Weeks start at Western on Oct. 29, with talks by Glaciologist Dr. Hester Jiskoot who will talk about the effects of climate change on the world's glaciers and how this affects the world. Dr. Jiskoot is a professor at the University of Lethbridge Alberta and is an award-winning glaciologist. Her first presentation, entitled "Environmental Issues Affecting Alberta, Canada, and the World," will emphasize water issues and the effects of climate change on glaciers. It will also touch upon a wide range of environmental issues, including pollution, land disturbance and at-risk species.

Her second presentation is titled "Slip-sliding away: the Effects of Climate Change on Glaciers." This presentation will be about how the understanding of glaciers can benefit the world. According to Dr. Robin Smith, professor of Anthropology and an organizer of Canada Weeks said, "Students of a diverse audience will be able to understand Dr. Jiskoot's presentations."

Following these presentations by Dr. Jiskoot there will be a Canadian film series that lasts the duration of the two weeks. The films that will be shown will be a mix of recent documentary and feature films.

Canada Weeks will end on Nov. 9, with a visit from Consul Kim Blanchette, who will be visiting from the Canadian Consulate in Seattle. While she is here she will speak in different classrooms and will host a luncheon geared toward faculty. The luncheon will be for faculty interested in international studies who would like to add Canadian content to their curriculums. In the near future the Canadian government will be sponsoring a series of grants that will allow faculty members to travel to Canada for research and course development.

Western also has a scholarship program available for students to study in Canada through the National Student Exchange.

For more information on this opportunity contact Dr. Robin Smith. •

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