Learning from Eco-social Approaches to Public Health
Jonathan Doyon was born and raised on the unceded territory of the Lheidli T’enneh. During his final year of undergraduate studies in Health Sciences, Jonathan pursued an honours project under the supervision of Dr. Margot Parkes and Dr. Jessie King. In particular, his scoping review aimed to better understand the benefits and challenges of creating health and well-being indicators that are culturally appropriate and grounded in place and context. This experience has led him to pursue a master of Science (MSc) in Health Sciences at the University of Northern British Columbia. His current research foregrounds the importance of Indigenous-led youth engagements to promote individual, community, and broader ecosystemic flourishing in the Nechako Watershed. Jonathan has a profound admiration for Indigenous teachings and philosophies and is committed to supporting initiatives that promote sovereignty over their lands, cultures, and languages.
Jonathan’s work with the LEAPH Lab is concerned primarily with matters relating to the Nechako Watershed Portal and Koh-Learning team. Given the youth-focused lens of his work, he will be supporting and working towards pathways that bring together intergenerational voices to tackle the complexities of an ever-changing climate.
For reasons pertaining to both nature and nurture, I have a longing for solidarity among people and I dream about a world whereby the lands, waters and ecosystems are respected and taken care of to the best of our abilities. Thus, I would say that one of the most rewarding and inspiring’s parts of this work is to see a variety of different people unite and exchange knowledge in the ultimate pursuit of creating a better Earth.
Best piece of advice: The best piece of advice that I have ever received is… a difficult question to answer. I am surrounded by great minds who generously provide me with advice on a continual basis. Additionally, I have learned many things from the great authors of the past. I suppose I would have to say that some of the best advice that I have received is the following: do to others as you would have them do to you. I find that this ethos perfectly encapsulates the virtues of love, humility and forgiveness. It is profound beyond imagining yet simply stated.
Favourite pizza topping: I should mentioned at this point that my mother’s roots are found in Italy within the region of Calabria. Pizza toppings is a VERY serious deal to me. My favourite pizza is a Margherita and my favourite topping is mushrooms.
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.
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).
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 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.
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.
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.
