Join educator and environmentalist Doug Blakey on Tuesday, November 17th at 7:30pm for a thought-provoking presentation at the Canadian Canoe Museum entitled “The Canoe Connection: Nature Deficit and Young People.” 

On a planet that is increasingly wired, paved, connected and electronic, many people find themselves further and further removed from the natural world. But the natural world needs our help and involvement, as environmental degradation and climate change are among the most serious issues facing us today. For young people in particular, a connection to the world outside can be increasingly difficult to establish and maintain. In the midst of these challenges, though, we know that nature not only stimulates and inspires us but can have profound restorative powers as well.  Perhaps the best way to access these natural benefits, especially in Canada, is through canoeing and canoe tripping. Mr. Blakey’s presentation will explore the positive role that canoeing, and the Canadian Canoe Museum, can play in addressing nature deficit.

Mr. Blakey’s presentation is the 2009 Wipper Lecture, established in honour of Canoe Museum founder Kirk Wipper, who inspired thousands of people to become more involved with canoeing and the natural world through Camp Kandalore and his teaching and canoeing activities. Mr. Blakey has also been awarded the 2009 Matthews fellowship, a partnership between the Canadian Canoe Museum, Trent University and Lakefield College School which commemorates the contribution Matthews made to all three institutions.

Doug Blakey was born and raised in Toronto.  Even with an urban upbringing, he has had a strong interest in the natural world all his life.  He started his teaching career in 1972 at East Northumberland S.S. in Brighton Ontario.  In 1975 he joined the faculty at Upper Canada College (UCC) to teach Biology and Environmental Science.   He was appointed Principal at UCC in 1990, a role he held until he retired in 2004. Doug has served on the Board of numerous national and international educational organizations. He currently is on the board of Lester B. Pearson United World College of the Pacific, is a Trustee of Lakefield College School and a Director for the Lake Simcoe Conservation Foundation. Since his retirement from UCC, Doug has been an environmental consultant with Nature Conservancy Canada, a number of schools in Canada and the USA and a sustainable community project in Alberta.

Date November 17th, 2009

Time: 7:30pm

Location: The Canadian Canoe Museum

Cost: This presentation is included with the price of regular admission