60,000 years ago to 2060 in the Oldman: Maps & Videos at SACPA's Public Library Event

November 23, 2016 :: Shannon Frank and Anna Garleff
Moderated by Knud Petersen
Admission is free.

7-9 pm at the Lethbridge Public Library Main Branch Theatre Gallery

How did we get to where we are today? What does it mean that: "We Are All Downstream"? How far back can we trace human activity in the watershed? Can we see into the future? How far? What will happen? What about our water quality and supply? OWC will present its latest research and historical project, showing maps and videos and behind-the-scenes work going into our #oldmangoestohollywood Film Project.

We are posting updates DAILY on the OWC's Facebook >SACPA Nov 23< EVENT PAGE.
You will find photos and stories there that you won't have seen before.

What have we got for you?
A sneak peek (we won't be giving ALL our secrets away!):
- Blackfoot land use sites from so long ago we can't even picture it
- an archaeological viewpoint of what the artifacts tell us
- GIS-based historical land use heat maps   
- an historical timeline of the watershed
- lots of photos from back in the day
- videos about particular foci of interest in our watershed today

So - in a nutshell: how did we get to where we are today? Where are we today?!

Many thanks to Knud Petersen and SACPA for their interest in this project and for the write-up below - and also many thanks to Lethbridge Public Library for hosting!

Here's the SACPA write-up. You can find more at: www.sacpa.ca

The Oldman Watershed Council is producing a film that will become a signature communication piece for southwest Alberta. The core message is "We are all downstream." It will not be a typical educational film. Rather, it will create a space for people to have an experience and draw their own conclusions through presentation of the story. The goal of the film is to communicate clearly where water comes from, where it goes and ultimately what happens in between. This is important in a watershed with great stakeholder diversity.

About 10-15 minutes in length, the film, when ready, will be shown to audiences throughout the watershed - and beyond - with the intent to educate, inspire and contribute to a stronger sense of community. It will portray southern Alberta's diversity and entrepreneurship via watershed use. Following the growth of the region from the mid-1700s through to 2060, it will use historical photos, interactive maps, and spectacular footage of the people, places and landscapes. Short video presentations related to the Oldman Watershed will be interactively discussed between speakers and the audience throughout this presentation. 

Over the years, the OWC has had incredible support from its many volunteers and donors. The OWC mandate has much in common with the environmental stewardship goals of other groups and organizations that are working hard to promote progressive water management practices with the inherent awareness that: "Water is vital to life, the environment and the social and economic well-being of communities". The speakers will argue that a common understanding of the issues are essential and believe the film project will increase that common understanding exponentially.

Speakers: Shannon Frank and Anna Garleff

Prior to becoming the Executive Director of the Oldman Watershed Council, Shannon Frank completed her Environmental Science degree at University of Lethbridge. She previously worked for MULTISAR (Multiple Species at Risk) as the Extension Coordinator where she learned a great deal, especially from ranchers who are often the true stewards of the land and water. 

Anna Garleff is an OWC Senior Communications Specialist with Ph.D. in proficio, and over twenty years of international experience in the design and implementation of corporate organizational psychology. Many years ago, she worked as editor of a local newspaper and years later, she was researching, writing and delivering curriculum for universities and organizations across Europe.

Moderator: Knud Petersen

Date: Wednesday, November 23, 2016
Time: 7:00 – 9:00 pm
Venue: Lethbridge Public Library Theatre Gallery, Main Branch, 810 – 5th Ave. South
Free admission, everyone welcome
Many thanks to Lethbridge Public Library, the Oldman Watershed Council and U of L for support.