Learning from Eco-social Approaches to Public Health
Currently based in Prince George, Melissa is working towards an interdisciplinary master's in Natural Resources and Environmental Studies at the University of Northern British Columbia. Her undergraduate degree was focused in the social sciences with a Bachelor of Arts double majors in psychology and anthropology from the University of British Columbia. This has led her to be focused on the connections between of community well-being, mental health and the environment in her current work. Passionate about strengthening Indigenous protected areas, cultural revitalization efforts and land-based healing projects she has a focus on fully understanding the impacts of ecosystem loss on social systems. Finding the strength in interdisciplinary approaches and a broad research background, Melissa is able to bring multiple perspectives to any challenge.
I’m most associated with the Land, Health & Healing Team, but I’ve been fortunate enough to work with many of the other branches of the LEAPH-Lab including Koh-Learning and the Take-Notice Team. I supported a lot of the website development and have really enjoyed the interdisciplinary space that the LEAPH-Lab has fostered.
My belief is firmly rooted in the knowledge that decolonization and reconciliation are absolutely centered on the land and who has ultimate control and access to it. As a descendant of mixed European immigrants my presence on these lands is made possible only through a dark history of colonization and genocide, and through my work I attempt to dismantle these institutions by engaging in asset- and strengths-based research that seeks to amplify Indigenous-led people and projects.
I love foraging and learning about medicinal and edible plants – particularly fungi. It’s a long journey but I love understanding the world around us a bit better.
Without a doubt, peaches
On a radiant June day, the sun casting golden hues over the landscape, Lheidli T’enneh Naje Baiyoh (Health Center) welcomed Nazko First Nation for a journey into the heart of Chuntoh Whudujut / the Ancient Forest.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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
