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Grieving the loss or change of a cherished natural space has not always been recognized as a true form of grieving. With wildfires and summers filled with smoke, devastating flooding, and subtle changes in the seasons, ecological grief is now starting to become recognized as a legitimate form of mourning and anxiety. But like all forms of grief, ecological grief is personal, unique, and doesn't often follow a logical pattern. Join us for a discussion around the ways we may grieve a landscape similarly (and differently) to other forms of loss.

This workshop, open to anyone who identifies as a woman, will begin with opening remarks from Shannon Phillips, Minister of Environment and Parks for the Province of Alberta. Minister Phillips will begin the conversation with reflections on ecological grief within the context of Alberta, addressing past, present and future work aimed at ensuring the health of our landscape for generations to come.

Following remarks from Minister Phillips, Co-founder of Refugia Retreats and Environmental Scientist Amy Spark will continue the conversation. Amy will lead the group in an exploration of the various facets of ecological grief. The session will include a “101” introduction to this topic, as well as a deeper discussion on the ways in which environmental and ecological grief can become messages of hope and experiences of empowerment.

This workshop is a part of the Women’s Centre’s Women and Environment series, held on the third Wednesday of most months. This is event is open to anyone who identifies as a woman. Tickets are free, but space is limited and participants are requested to RSVP ahead of time to secure space. On-site child-minding is available during this event, child-minding services are open to children 13 months to twelve years of age. To register children for child-minding, please email amanda@womenscentrecalgary.org or call 403-264-1155.