Learning from Eco-social Approaches to Public Health
Born in Aoteaora/New Zealand, I have been fortunate to live, learn, live and work across Oceania, Europe and the Americas. In 2009, I came to UNBC as Canada Research Chair in Health, Ecosystems and Society and since then, I have mostly lived on unceded Lheidli T’enneh territory, in northern BC. I serve as professor in the UNBC School of Health Sciences, cross-appointed in the Northern Medical Program, alongside ongoing journeys as a daughter, sister, partner, friend, and relation. I prioritise working and learning with others – across regions, cultural contexts, disciplines and sectors – to foster better understanding of land, water and living systems (ecosystems) as foundational for health, equity and well-being; and to strengthen collaborations that reflect these connections.
My research focuses on integrative, partnered and Indigenous-informed approaches, especially those that connect social and ecological influences on health within watersheds, and in rural, remote and Indigenous communities. My work draws on my background in clinical medicine, public health, human ecology, ecohealth, and life-experience: seeking to understand and challenge the harmful, colonizing, degenerative, and unjust patterns of cumulative impacts on environments, communities and health, while also prioritizing actions and approaches that amplify co-benefits for people, place, and planet.
In an effort to encourage reciprocity and collaboration within the Nechako Watershed, the Koh-Learning Program has underscored the importance of sharing back lessons and insights with communities we’ve worked with.
On May 5th, 2024, a sunny day in Vanderhoof, SD91 teachers along with Barry Booth and Parisa from Koh-Learning gathered to experience birding and learn about its educational benefits.
Throughout the Pre-Solstice ECHO Pulse event, ECHO trainees and early career colleagues were invited to share reflection about how ECHO has influenced their ongoing work.
The fourth story of the Pre-solstice ECHO Pulse event centered around taking notice of 'integratve assessment tools to inform action on climate change'.
The third story of the Pre-solstice ECHO Pulse event centered around taking notice of 'healing indicators work to inform action on Indigenous co-designed events'.
The second story of the Pre-solstice ECHO Pulse event centered around taking notice of 'geo-spatial tools to inform action on health in watersheds'.
On November 30-December 1, 2023, a group of Early Career Representatives from Ecohealth International hosted the 2nd Annual Ecohealth Global Summit (aka Earth Hug).
The first story of the Pre-solstice ECHO Pulse event centered around taking notice of 'Arts-based lessons to inform action on youth and intergenerational initiatives'.
This graphic brochure, visually communicates Ella Parker's research findings.
Students' ideas for the 2024 Koh-Learning summer event
Sharing the utility of the project and submissions to share meeting packages with data, figures, and presentations.
On August 29th, teachers and UNBC members gathered at William Konkin Elementary in Burns Lake. They participated in science and arts activities to prepare for the upcoming school year and explored Rod Reid Wetland to boost their ability to engage students in outdoor activities.
An evaluative overview of ECHO was prepared in late 2021 to share outcomes and learning from ECHO, guide ECHO’s final phase of work in 2022, and inform others seeking to work in more integrative ways.
On October 12, 2022, the ECHO Network and Cowichan Tribes co-hosted a gathering on 'coming together as a whole" to address climate, land, water, community, and health concerns on unceded Quw'utsun territory.
On November 13-14, 2022 members of Ecohealth International hosted a 24-hour series of connected conversations around the globe about working together for a healthy, just, and sustainable planet.
On May 31st, 2023, over 90 people gathered at the Stellat'en First Nation Community Hall to listen and learn about connections between land, waters, climate, and health.
On October 4th, 2024, we celebrated the achievements of the Koh-Learning in our Watersheds program with members, founders, participants and champions as they look forward to the Koh 2.0 future.
The Resting Pulse event, took place on Monday, July 29th, from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM.
The Koh-Learning Retreat took place on August 26th at Willow Roots Guest Ranch.
The Pulse focused on the training and capacity strengthening aspects of ECHO, with an emphasis on profiling the work of past and present ECHO trainees and connecting past and emerging themes.
On June 5th and 6th, the Koh-Learning in Our Watersheds program, in collaboration with SD91 and UNBC graduate students participating in the CoPEH Canada course, hosted the Koh-Learning Spring Event.
On April 18th, several LEAPH Lab Members presented at the Planetary Health Alliance Meeting (PHAM) 2024 Conference.
Several LEAPH members hosted a workshop at the Public Health 2024 conference in Halifax April 23, 2024.
This event was an opportunity for Northern Health staff and UNBC to come together to: learn about existing work, tap into northern BC expertise, leverage resources and identify synergies.
The 2nd Annual Ecohealth Global Summit 2023 (aka 'Earth Hug') under the theme “Working together for a healthy, just, and sustainable future took place on November 30th.
All Student Voice members and students from each SD91 high school joined us on a UNBC Site visit.
On May 31st, 2023, the Stellat'en First Nation and the Koh-Learning in our Watersheds program co-hosted a significant event on Stellat'en territory.
This webinar profiled panelist experiences across a range of integrative projects, learning about barriers and enablers found along the way, as well as the benefits and challenges of this work
On November 13-14, 2022, members of Ecohealth International hosted a 24-hour series of conversations about working together for a healthy, just and sustainable planet.
On October 12, 2022, the ECHO Network co-leaded a community gathering with Cowichan Tribes on Coming Together as a Whole for climate, land, water, community and health.
The ECHO Network's seminar from November 19-26, 2021, focused on "Honouring complexity: Making space to address cumulative impacts, climate change, and co-benefits".
On Oct 4, 2022 the Land, Health & Healing Team joined forces with the Lheidli T'enneh Health Center to organize a trip to Chuntoh Whudujut / The Ancient Forest for a day focused on healing
Portal Workshop for Nechako Watershed Roundtable took place on May 24, 2023.
