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CMN Featured Strategic Initiatives

The Mountain Legacy Project

The Mountain Legacy Project explores all that changes in Canada’s mountain landscapes. Working with the world’s largest collection of systematic historical mountain photographs, the Mountain Legacy Project follows the footsteps of intrepid surveyors to retake the original images. The project engages university researchers, managers, practitioners and keen mountain folk in understanding the how and why ecosystems, landscapes, human communities change over time. Based in the School of Environmental Studies at the University of Victoria since 1998, this project involves repeat photography, archival research, image interpretation and analysis, software development, and making these images widely available.
Historical image (left): A panorama of the Illecillewaet Glacier, Mt. Sir Donald, and other mountains in Rogers Pass as seen from the ridge on the way to Abbott Peak, Glacier National Park, British Columbia. Photographed by Arthur O. Wheeler, 1901. Modern image (right): A repeat of the images making up the 1901 A. O. Wheeler Illecillewaet Glacier, Mt. Sir Donald panorama. Photographed from the same location in 2011 by the Mountain Legacy Project. Photos courtesy of Library and Archives Canada and the Mountain Legacy Project
Explore here
Webinar

The Mountain Legacy Project launched a brand new Explorer tool

Expanding on their previous platform, view the world’s largest collection of mountain repeat photography. Learn more about these mountain ranges & view images from all our favorite mountain regions now, & in the past!
Here are a few of the powerful new features:
  • Comprehensive search functions
  • Wide availability of metadata and image versions
  • Multiple map backgrounds
  • Accounts (by request) that allow collaborators access to hi-res imagery
  • A list view for advanced users

See the report from the Mountain Legacy Summit

Canadian Mountain Assessment

Project Overview

The Canadian Mountain Assessment (CMA) provides a first-of-its-kind look at what we know, do not know, and need to know about mountain systems in Canada. The multi-chapter assessment report is based on insights from First Nations, Métis, and Inuit knowledges of mountains, as well as findings from an extensive assessment of pertinent academic literature. The CMA’s inclusive knowledge co-creation approach aims to bring these multiple forms of evidence together in ways that enhance our collective understanding of mountains in Canada, while also respecting and maintaining the integrity of different knowledge systems. This transdisciplinary initiative is catalyzing a community of practice related to mountains in Canada and is expected to set the mountain research agenda for Canada for the coming decade.

CMA Report Released!

The Canadian Mountain Assessment: Walking Together to Enhance Understanding of Mountains in Canada by Graham McDowell, Madison Stevens, Shawn Marshall, et al. November 2023.

The CMA report includes the following chapters:
  • Chapter 1: Introduction
  • Chapter 2: Mountain Environments
  • Chapter 3: Mountains as Homelands
  • Chapter 4: Gifts of the Mountains
  • Chapter 5: Mountains Under Pressure
  • Chapter 6: Desirable Mountain Futures
Conceptual and Ethical Foundations
The CMA’s conceptual foundations are informed by a multiple-evidence-based approach where Indigenous and Western academic knowledge systems are understood as generating different manifestations of valid knowledge. This approach highlights the integrity of knowledge systems on their own terms, while also bringing attention to the possibility of respectfully braiding multiple sources of evidence together to enrich understanding of a particular issue.
Figure 1: Simplified depiction of a multiple-evidence-based approach in the context of the CMA. Much like climbing to the summit of a mountain, respectfully braiding ways of knowing is an aspiration. Such an outcome is not guaranteed. Nevertheless, the process of working together with this aspiration in mind can lead to meaningful collaboration, trust building, and enhanced understanding of mountains in Canada.
The CMA’s involvement with Indigenous Peoples is guided by standards for ethical conduct described in the Tri-Council Policy Statement: Ethical Conduct for Research Involving Humans TCPS 2 (2018) , particularly those elaborated in Chapter 9 ‘Research Involving the First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples of Canada’. However, members of the CMA aspire to exceed this guidance, and are particularly inspired and motivated by the transformative vision articulated in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples , the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action , and OCAP Principles (Ownership, Control, Access and Possession). The CMA’s engagement with academic knowledge is guided by principles of scientific integrity––transparency, reproducibility, high quality, avoidance of conflict of interest, and adherence to research ethics––as elaborated in the Government of Canada’s Policy on Scientific Integrity.
Five guiding principles that summarise the spirit and intent of the CMA.
Figure 2: CMA Guiding Principles
The CMA is a 3.5 yearlong project that was initiated in May 2020 and will conclude in October 2023. The final CMA report will be released as part of the 2023 Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival.
Figure 2: CMA Timeline and Key Activities
The stewardship of the CMA is shared by a diverse team of Indigenous and non-Indigenous Elders/experts who work together to ensure the integrity, relevance, and impact of the project (Figure 3). Those sitting in the Stewardship Circle come from diverse professional, cultural, and geographical settings; many have significant experience directly related to mountains, while others have expertise in policy, praxis, and Indigenous protocols.
Figure 4: CMA Stewardship Circle

Project Leader

The Project Leader is responsibile for defining, coordinating, and delivering the CMA. He works with project Advisors to articulate the spirit and intent of the CMA, and with Authors and Project Assistants to operationalize the vision of the CMA. The Project Leader also leads foundational analyses/publications that underpin the CMA, and is involved in knowledge mobilization activities related to the assessment.
  • Dr. Graham McDowell

International Advisory Committee

The International Advisory Committee supports the CMA by providing germane insights from prior mountain-focused assessments and other relevant international initiatives. Its members provide perspective and suggestions during formal Advisory Committee meetings, as well as guidance to the Project Leader on practical, methodological, and strategic matters, as needed.
  • Prof. Martin F. Price
  • Dr. Carolina Adler
  • Dr. Philippus (Flip) Wester
  • Dr. Pasang Dolma Sherpa

Canadian Advisory Committee

The Canadian Advisory Committee is the primary entity involved in providing guidance to the Project Leader. Its members play a key role in defining the CMA’s conceptual and ethical foundations as well as the assessment structure and outline. 
  • Elder Mary Jane Johnson
  • Prof. Eric Higgs
  • Dr. Aerin Jacob
  • Prof. Shawn Marshall 
  • Linda Johnson

Assessment Authors

Assessment Authors work to identify and engage with relevant information and knowledges, to prepare assessment chapters, and to adequately revise chapter content following external review.
Leon Andrew, Caroline Aubry-Wake, David Borish, Stephen Chignell, Ashley-Anne Churchill, Dawn Saunders Dahl, Goota Desmarais, Megan Dicker, Karine Gagne, Erika Gavenus, Stephan Gruber, Jiaao Guo, Katherine Hanly, Nina Hewitt, Eric Higgs, Rod Hunter, Lawrence Ignace, Dani Inkpen, Aerin Jacob, Pnnal Bernard Jerome, Patricia Joe, Gùdia Mary Jane Johnson, Linda Johnson, Stephen Johnston, Knut Kitching, Douglas Kootenay, Michele Koppes, Daniel Kraus, Sydney Lancaster, Rosemary Langford, Keara Lightning, Lachlan MacKinnon, Christopher Marsh, Shawn Marshall, Brandy Mayes, Graham McDowell, Thomas McIlwraith, Hayden Melting Tallow, Charlotte Mitchell, Brenda Parlee, Wanda Pascal, Tim Patterson, Sophie Pheasant, Karen Pheasant, Melissa Quesnelle, PearlAnn Reichwein, Rachel Reimer, Lauren Rethoret, Gabriella Richardson, Brooklyn Rushton, María Elisa Sánchez, Richard Schuster, Joseph Shea, Daniel Sims, Niiyokamigaabaw Deondre Smiles, Tonya Smith, Lauren Somers, Chris Springer, Kyra St. Pierre, Madison Stevens, Karson Sudlow, Yan Tapp, julie Theriault, Andrew Trant, Steven M. Vamosi, Vincent Vionnet, John Waldron, Gabrielle Weasel Head, Sonia Wesche, Nicole J. Wilson, Matthew Wiseman, Kristine Wray

Assessment Assistants

Assessment Assistants perform various essential tasks including conducting analyses, providing logistical support, and facilitating report preparation activities.
  • Madison Stevens – Project Assistant
  • Kate Hanley – Research Assistant
  • Jiaao Guo – Research Assistant
  • Aditya Gandhi – Volunteer

Canadian Mountain Network Leadership

CMN Leadership helps to facilitate coherence between the CMA and the goals and research priorities of the CMN (see CMN Strategic Plan ).
  • Norma Kassi
  • Dr. Monique Dube
  • Dr. Murray Humphries
  • Matthew Berry
  • Nicole Olivier

Publications

McDowell, G. (In Press). The Canadian Mountain Assessment: Engaging with multiple ways of knowing to advance understanding of mountains in Canada. 2022 State of the Mountains Report. Alpine Club of Canada.
McDowell, G. & Hanly, K. (In Review). The state of mountain research in Canada. Journal of Mountain Science. 

McDowell, G. & Guo, J. (2021). A nationally coherent characterization and quantification of mountain systems in Canada . Mountain Research and Development. https://doi.org/10.1659/MRD-JOURNAL-D-20-00071.1

Kassi, N., Humphries, M., McDowell, G. (2020). The Canadian Mountain Network: Advancing innovative, solutions-based research to inform decision-making . Mountain Research and Development.

McDowell, G. (2020). Mountains matter: They sustain use, enrich our lives, and inspire us; why high places are so important in Canada . Canadian Geographic. November/December issue.

Presentations

McDowell, G., Adler, C., Wester, P., Palomo, I., Marshall, S. (September 13, 2022) Approaches to Synthesizing and Assessing Mountain Systems Knowledge . Plenary event, 2nd International Mountain Conference, Innsbruck, Austria. 
McDowell, G. & Marshall, S. (September 14, 2022) Recent Advancements in Canadian Mountain Research: Insights from Research Partnerships that Draw on Indigenous and Western Ways of Knowing. Plenary event, 2nd International Mountain Conference, Innsbruck, Austria.
Hanly, K., & McDowell, G. (September 12, 2022) The State of Mountain Research in Canada. 2nd International Mountain Conference, Innsbruck, Austria.

McDowell, G. (June 7, 2022) The Canadian Mountain Assessment: Engaging with multiple ways of knowing to advance understanding of mountains in Canada. Canadian Mountain Network Knowledge Sharing Summit. Banff, Canada.

Hanly, K., & McDowell, G. (June 7, 2022) What we know, don’t know, and need to know: A systematic review of mountain research in Canada. Canadian Mountain Network Knowledge Sharing Summit. Banff, Canada.
McDowell, G. (June 24, 2021) The Canadian Mountain Assessment: Braiding scientific and Indigenous knowledge to advance understanding of mountain systems in Canada. Centre for Hydrology/Coldwater Laboratory.

McDowell, G., et al. (December 11, 2020) Why Mountains Matter: Bringing Indigenous Knowledge and Science Together for International Mountain Day. Reconciling Ways of Knowing: Indigenous Knowledge and Science Forum.

Media coverage

McDowell, G., Adler, C., Wester, P. (May 2022 ). Canadian Mountain Network podcast.

Round table discussion with leaders of the Canadian Mountain Assessment, Hindu Kush Himalaya Assessment, and IPCC Mountains chapters

McDowell, G., Provost, I., & Marshall, S. interviewed for ‘UCalgary leads way in launch of Canadian Mountain Assessment: Project to provide a comprehensive view of Canada’s changing mountain systems based on Western scientific and Indigenous knowledge

Braiding United Nations Global Agendas

Supporting the Sustainable Development Goals and the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples through the Canadian Mountain Network

“Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” — Our Common Future: Report of the World Commission on Environment and Development (1987)

Advancing sustainability is the foundation for today’s leading framework for international cooperation – the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). While the SDGs provide a global framework for a more sustainable future, Canada cannot achieve holistic and inclusive sustainable development without centering on Indigenous leadership and working in collaboration with Indigenous peoples.

The UN SDGs do not address the connection of Indigenous knowledge and culture to sustainable development. The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) is the most comprehensive international instrument on the rights of Indigenous peoples, which Canada only recently adopted. Therefore, both UNDRIP and the SDGs are necessary frameworks for ensuring sustainable development.

Given the global significance of Canada’s iconic mountain regions and beyond, the Canadian Mountain Network (CMN) is committed to advancing the SDGs and UNDRIP through the braiding of Indigenous and Western knowledges.

To that end, CMN has released a series of landmark reports, prepared in collaboration with Vancouver Island University’s Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region Research Institute.

Read the press release

Read the new reports here:

Placemat summarizing the reports
There is also a companion Discussion Paper, which highlights CMNs support of government commitments to the SDGs, UNDRIP and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action.
A second report titled "Reconciliation Through Research: Braiding Indigenous and Western Knowledge Systems for the Wellbeing of Mountain People, Places, and Beyond" further demonstrates CMNs work towards the SGDs and UNDRIP
The first report titled "Advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals through the Canadian Mountain Network" demonstrates CMN’s collective impact on the UN SDGs.

Report highlights

These reports highlight and share CMN’s research approach, which consists of braiding Indigenous and Western knowledge systems in ways that align with the overarching spirit and intent of the SDGs and UNDRIP. Furthermore, these reports illustrate the impacts and potential of braiding Indigenous knowledge and Western science in Canadian mountain systems and beyond to accelerate Canada’s capacity to deliver on its international commitments.
CMN recognizes there is continuous work to be done to respectfully braid Indigenous and Western ways of knowing and doing in the advancement of sustainability and sustainable development. CMN is grateful to play a role enabling and uplifting Indigenous voices and knowledge to advance reconciliation through research in Canada.
“The process for SDGs going forward has got to have Indigenous Peoples sitting at the forefront of those tables, at every level, from the United Nations right to local communities.”
–Norma Kassi, Principal Investigator, CMN
Working towards UNDRIP and the SDGs in Canada concurrently creates more space for Indigenous Peoples to contribute through self-determination and free, prior, and informed consent, and for non-Indigenous Canadians to take steps towards reconciliation—both of which are inextricably linked to advancement of collective wellbeing and sustainable development. One of the Principles of Reconciliation put forward by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada requires that both Indigenous knowledge systems and the land be integrated into the reconciliation process.

“This is the first funding source that is so aware and sensitive about Indigenous rights and respect for participants. It’s empowering to attend meetings where this space is created, and hopefully this continues to be the way of the future. All of this aligns with UNDRIP.”

–Catherine Lambert, Knowledge Co-Leader, CMN
By supporting Indigenous-led conservation efforts, we can uphold our commitment to human rights and reconciliation while enhancing biodiversity outcomes.

“We depend on Indigenous Peoples’ knowledge of their land as they know what’s happening. We have hope that young people can find their way forwards and can continue being stewards of the land, water, and wildlife in their regions.”

– Leon Andrew, Principal Investigator, CMN

Project Overview

Throughout 2019 and 2020, Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region Research Institute (MABRRI) conducted a review of CMN’s alignment with the SDGs. Through interviews with Principal Investigators of the research initiatives funded at that time, MABRRI identified the preliminary ways in which CMN’s work aligns with the SDGs. Work undertaken in 2021 and 2022 expands on this by focusing on the interconnectedness of sustainable development frameworks such as the SDGs and Canada’s 2030 Agenda National Strategy, with human rights instruments such as UNDRIP and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action. As braiding Indigenous and Western knowledge systems is at the core of bringing these frameworks and instruments together, highlighting how various CMN research and knowledge mobilization initiatives approach braiding knowledge is a main focus.
The methodology for this project includes:
  • Review of literature, government policies and commitments, and CMN strategies
  • Interviews with network members of CMN’s funded initiatives
  • Data analysis and preparation of deliverables for public dissemination and to the Government of Canada
CMN 2022 Knowledge Sharing Summit Presentation

Project Team

Dr. Pam Shaw

Research Director, Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region Research Institute

Graham Sakaki

Regional Research Institute Manager, Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region Research Institute

Jenica Ng-Cornish

Project Coordinator, Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region Research Institute

Courtney Vaugeois

Project Coordinator, Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region Research Institute

Anna Lawrence

Senior Research Assistant, Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region Research Institute

Jocelyn Benji

Junior Research Assistant, Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region Research Institute

Courtenay Miller

Student Research Assistant, Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region Research Institute

Technical Advisory Committee

To maintain accountability in MABRRI’s work, this project is being guided by a Technical Advisory Committee, with experts in sustainable development, human rights of Indigenous Peoples, and governmental processes.

Patrick Brennan

Mr. Patrick Brennan possesses decades of leadership experience in diplomacy,

Lea Nicholas-MacKenzie

Lea Nicholas-MacKenzie is the founder of LNM Indigenous Consulting

Timothy Hodges

Timothy J. Hodges is Professor of Practice in Global Governance at McGill University’s Institute

Learn more and get involved through the links below:

Dr. Pam Shaw

Research Director
Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region Research Institute
Vancouver Island University
900 5th Street Nanaimo, BC V9R 5S5

Biography

Pamela Shaw PhD MCIP RPP FRCGS is a 2018 3M Teaching Fellow, Geography Professor, Director of the Master of Community Planning Program, Research Director of the UNESCO Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Research Institute (MABRRI), Senior Editor of the International Journal of UNESCO Biosphere Reserves, Senior Editor of VIU Press, and a Fellow with the Royal Canadian Geographical Society. She is also an elected member of the Board of Directors for the Canadian Institute of Planning and Vice President of the Canadian Biosphere Reserve Association. Pam has won multiple awards for teaching and is known for creatively engaging students in applied, community-based research. Many projects have developed in partnership with First Nations on Vancouver Island, with the research questions shaped by the Nation to address practical issues. Pam’s current research focuses on the human/nature relationship in biosphere regions, as these regions are intended to serve as model sites for how people can co-exist with nature.

Boards and Committees

Director of VIU’s Master of Community Planning Program
Research Director of the Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region Research Institute, which focuses on community-based, applied, practical projects that link students, faculty, and community groups/agencies.
Publisher and Senior Editor of the International Journal of UNESCO Biosphere Reserves
Publisher and Editor of VIU Press
Elected Board Member, Canadian Institute of Planners, representing BC and Yukon
Elected Vice President, Canadian Biosphere Reserves Association
Recipient of a 2018 3M National Teaching Fellowship Award

Selected Publications

Shaw, P. (2018) Plan Canada. Guest Editor of the Spring 2018 edition, vol. 58, no. 1. Editorial on Innovations in Planning.
Lobato-Calleros, O and P. Shaw. (2018) “Quality Assessment Methods for Index of Community Sustainability.” Submitted to Business Process Management Journal November 12, 2017 and accepted for publication February 28, 2018.
Ferreira, M.I.P., P. Shaw, G. Sakaki, T. Alexander. (2017) “Collaborative governance and watershed management in biosphere reserves in Brazil and Canada.” Submitted to Ambiente & Água Journal October 9, 2017.
Ferreira, M.I.P., P. Shaw, G. Sakaki, T. Alexander, L.F. Umbelino dos Santos. (2017) “Thrivability Appraisals.” The International Journal of Sustainability Policy and Practice, vol. 13, issue 3.
Shaw, P. et al. (2017) “The Establishment of a Database on Current Research in UNESCO Biosphere Reserves: Limitations and Opportunities.” International Journal of UNESCO Biosphere Reserves, vol. 1, no. 2.
Vaugeois, N., A. Williams, S. Karsten, P. Shaw. (2016) “Uncovering and Mapping Place Attachment in Small Cities.” Travel and Tourism Research Association 2016 Conference. Sept. 26, 2016. Refereed Academic Paper for Presentation.
Mitchell, A., Shaw P., and D. Miller. (2017) “A Roadmap to Independence: The K’omoks First Nation Proactive Approach to Sustainable Land Management.” Plan Canada, vol. 56, no. 4.

Graham Sakaki, MA

Research & Community Engagement Coordinator
Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region Research Institute
Building 305 Room 452 900 Fifth Street
Vacouver Island University
Nanaimo, BC V9R 5S5

Biography

Graham Sakaki is a recent graduate from the Master of Community Planning Program at Vancouver Island University. His undergraduate education includes a degree in Natural Resources Geography and diploma in Forest Resource Technology. He is a member of the Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region Roundtable, BC Lake Stewardship Society, BC Truck Loggers Association, Canadian Institute of Forestry, Planning Institute of BC, and Mid-Vancouver Island Habitat Enhancement Society. His current research focuses on watershed and resource management, First Nations community capacity building and preservation of traditional knowledge and language, and the UN sustainable development goals. Graham is the Research and Community Engagement Coordinator for Vancouver Island University’s Mount Arrowsmith Biosphere Region Research Institute. His work entails community relationship building, project management, staff coordination, grant communications and reporting, and dissemination of information.

Awards

  • 2013-2017 VIU Dean’s Honour List
  • 2013 Truck Loggers Association Award
  • 2012 Vancouver Island University Forest Biosolids Award

Selected Publications

Ferreira, M., Shaw, P., Sakaki, G., Alexander, T., Donnini, J., Rego, V (2018) Collaborative governance and watershed management in biosphere reserves in Brazil and Canada. Ambiente & Agua.
Ferreira, M., Shaw, P., Sakaki, G., Alexander, T., Umbelino, L (2017) Thrivability Appraisals: A Tool for Supporting Decision-making Processes in Integrated Environmental Management. The International Journal of Sustainability Policy and Practice.
Shaw, P., Price, M., Sakaki, G., Alexander, T., Shaw, L (2017) The Establishment of a Database on Current Research in UNESCO Biosphere Reserves: Limitations and Opportunities. International Journal of UNESCO Biosphere Reserves. V.1 No. 2.

Patrick Brennan

Experience in diplomacy

Biography

Mr. Patrick Brennan possesses decades of leadership experience in diplomacy, program and policy development, mentorship, and Indigenous Affairs. He is currently serving as a Special Advisor to the President of Vancouver Island University and is the Chief Executive Officer of Advanced Professional Training Centre. Mr. Brennan holds a Master of Arts in International Relations from the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs at Carleton University in Ottawa and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Concordia University in Montreal.
From 2014 to 2018, Mr. Brennan served as an Executive Director at McGill University’s Institute for the Study of International Development. Prior to McGill, he assisted with Canada’s endorsement of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) as the Manager of Multilateral Relations in the Department of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada. In this position, Mr. Brennan also supported Canada’s work in the Post 2015 United Nations Development. Former positions of Mr. Brennan include work with the Department of Canadian Heritage, the Department of Foreign Affairs, the United Nations World Food Programme, the Canadian International Development Agency, and he was posted with the United Nations in Haiti from 1997-1998.

Lea Nicholas-MacKenzie

Founder of LNM Indigenous Consulting

Biography

Lea Nicholas-MacKenzie is the founder of LNM Indigenous Consulting, working with Indigenous Peoples, governments, organizations and corporations to achieve transformative change, focusing on Indigenous engagement, inclusion, human rights and reconciliation. She is a member of the Wəlastəkwey (Maliseet) Nation at Negwotkok (Tobique), in New Brunswick. She holds a BA in French Language and Linguistics from the University of New Brunswick and an MA in Leadership and Training from Royal Roads University.
Lea has held a number of senior roles within Indigenous organizations as well as in the federal government, such as the Special Advisor for Indigenous Issues based at the Permanent Mission of Canada to the UN in New York, the Chief of Staff to the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, Director of Aboriginal Participation and Chief of Protocol for the Four Host First Nations, and Chief of Staff to the National Chief at the Assembly of First Nations (AFN). She also has extensive experience in international policy and relations, including a focus on Indigenous women, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and numerous national and international committee positions.
Lea is a founding member of the Honouring Nations Canada Circle of Advisors at Fulbright Canada. She is featured as one of 150 Indigenous women on the “Influential Indigenous Women Timeline” at the Canada School of Public Service, as was recently recognized with a 2021 Inclusion Vanguard Award as part of WXN Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100.

Timothy Hodges

Professor of Practice in Global Governance

Biography

Timothy J. Hodges is Professor of Practice in Global Governance at McGill University’s Institute for the Study of International Development (ISID) where his work focuses on environmental global governance, and the negotiation and implementation of international sustainable development treaties by Indigenous Peoples, governments, and stakeholders.
Concurrently, he is Principal at Timothy J Hodges & Associates — an international consultancy providing confidential strategic advisory services to governments, private non-profit organizations, industry, and Indigenous Peoples organizations. He also currently serves as Mentor for the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Africa, Caribbean, and the Pacific “Youth Empowerment and Training Initiative.”
Timothy is a former career Canadian diplomat, with 35 years of experience in environmental, economic, sustainable development and trade policy issues including, for example, in the UN General Assembly, UN Permanent Forum, G8, WTO, APEC, the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, UN Food and Agricultural Organization, UNESCO, OECD, Organization of American States, NAFTA, APEC and the Arctic Council. He also served as Co-Chair of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee for the United Nations treaty on Access and Benefit-sharing of Genetic Resources and Traditional Knowledge. Additionally, Timothy is past President of the Professional Association of Foreign Service Officers (PAFSO).
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