Theme: Building Bridges

In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized (subject to certain rules and regulations).

University of Saskatchewan
107 Wiggins Rd
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, S7N 5E5
Canada

Alison Norlen

Alison Norlen received a BFA (Honours) degree from the University of Manitoba in 1987 and MFA from Yale University in 1989. Her work has been shown across Canada and the U.S., as well as internationally in Seoul, Brazil and Europe. Her work can be found in private collections throughout the United States and Canada, as well as in public collections including the National Gallery of Canada, Mackenzie Art Gallery, Confederation Centre for the Arts, Rooms Gallery of Newfoundland and Labrador, Winnipeg Art Gallery, Mendel Art Gallery, Manitoba Arts Council, Canada Council Art Bank, and the Saskatchewan Arts Board. Alison has received grants from the Canada Council for the Arts, the Manitoba Arts Council, and the Saskatchewan Arts Board. She has been the recipient of an International Artist Residency in Trinidad by the Canada Council for the Arts and the International Artist Residency in Paris from the Canada Council.

Angela Bedard-Haughn

Angela Bedard-Haughn grew up in rural Saskatchewan. She completed a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Geography and a Master’s degree in Soil Science at the University of Saskatchewan before moving to the University of California at Davis for her doctoral studies. In 2006, she returned to the U of S to join the Soil Science Department as a faculty member. Her research focuses on applied pedology: examining how soil properties affect – and are affected by – land use and climate change, with an emphasis on wetland soils, digital soil mapping, and soil information management.

Anne-Marie Rollo

With a background in both physiology and education, Anne-Marie Rollo is interested in researching the intersection between neuroscience and education. She completed her first degree from the Faculty of Kinesiology and Health Studies from the University of Regina. She was awarded the University Prize and the prestigious President’s Medal for the most distinguished graduate and exceptional community leadership for her work with the Acquired Brain Injury Partnership Project at the Wascana Rehabilitation Centre. Realizing her passion for working alongside children, Anne-Marie returned to complete her education degree and taught in a primary classroom in Saskatoon for 10 years. Her interest in physiology and the application of brain science to classroom teaching led Anne-Marie to complete her Master of Education in Curriculum Studies at the University of Saskatchewan. She is currently an educational consultant for Saskatoon Public Schools and a sessional lecturer with the College of Education.

Carrie Bourassa

Carrie Bourassa is the Scientific Director of CIHR’s Institute of Indigenous Peoples’ Health (IIPH). Through IIPH, she leads the advancement of a national health research agenda to improve and promote the health of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples in Canada. The Institute is housed at the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon, where she is a tenured Professor in the Department of Community Health & Epidemiology, College of Medicine. For over 15 years, Dr. Bourassa was a professor of Indigenous health studies in the Department of Indigenous Health, Education, and Social Work at the First Nations University of Canada (FNUniv) in Regina. She is a member of the College of New Scholars, Artists, and Scientists of the Royal Society of Canada and a public member of the Royal College Council of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Dr. Bourassa is Métis and belongs to the Riel Métis Council of Regina Inc. (RMCR, Local #34).

Christy Morrissey

Christy Morrissey is a Professor at the University of Saskatchewan in the Department of Biology and the School of Environment and Sustainability. Her research expertise is in avian ecotoxicology, aquatic ecology, ecophysiology, and wildlife conservation. Dr. Morrissey has 20 years’ experience working on issues related to environmental contamination from pesticides and other chemicals, as well as the use of birds as indicators of environmental change. She has published over 55 journal articles, book chapters, and reports. She has been an advisor and member of the IUCN Task Force on Systemic Pesticides and works closely with provincial and national governments on regulatory issues related to pesticides, wetlands, and the conservation of migratory birds. Dr. Morrissey has been featured very broadly in the national and international media including CBC’s Quirks and Quarks and The Nature of Things, Audubon Magazine, Science Daily, and a full-feature documentary film about songbird declines called “The Messenger”.

Colleen Anne Dell

Colleen Anne Dell is a Professor & Centennial Enhancement Chair in One Health and Wellness at the University of Saskatchewan in the Department of Sociology and School of Public Health. She is a Senior Research Associate with the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction. Working alongside community and academic partners, Dr. Dells’ research focuses on healing from addictions and mental health, with attention to animal-assisted interventions. She has worked alongside several registered therapy dogs, including within and alongside federal prisons, addictions treatment clients, and war veterans. Colleen’s commitment to sharing knowledge is recognized in her team’s production of a variety of unique products, including music videos and paintings. In 2017, Colleen was named to the Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem, a part of the Canadian Honours System, in recognition of her humanitarian research and community service in the animal assisted intervention field.

Corinne Schuster-Wallace

Dr. Corinne Schuster-Wallace has broad experience at the water-health nexus including environmental factors for, and environmental change impacts on, waterborne disease and the linkages with human health, wellbeing, and development. She is a water-health researcher within Global Water Futures and faculty member in the Department of Geography and Planning at the University of Saskatchewan. Previous positions include senior research fellow, Water and Human Development, at the United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health (UNU-INWEH), research associate in the School of Engineering at the University of Guelph in Canada, and a water-environment specialist for the Public Health Agency of Canada. In addition to publications across many different media, Corinne consulted to the Provincial Commission of Inquiry (Part II) into the Walkerton, Ontario (Canada) drinking water tragedy of 2000.

Darrin Oehlerking

Darrin Oehlerking is an Associate Professor of Music at the University of Saskatchewan where he conducts the Wind Orchestra, and teaches courses in Conducting, Wind Literature, and Music Education. Prior to his appointment at Saskatchewan, Dr. Oehlerking taught a wide variety of students and musicians at the primary, secondary, and post-secondary levels. His ensembles have enjoyed success on local, national, and international stages, garnering outstanding performance awards and showcase invitations from a variety of organizations. The Wind Orchestra released their latest compact disc, Skyscapes: The Music of Peter Meechan, in 2017. Dr. Oehlerking is Past President of the Canadian Band Association, and is a Yamaha Artist/Educator. He is in demand as a guest conductor, adjudicator, conference presenter, and clinician. He has conducted ensembles and presented at conferences and workshops across Canada, as well as in the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Switzerland and the Netherlands.

David Arnot

David Arnot has been a lifelong champion of human rights, social justice, and reconciliation. He has demonstrated this commitment through his engagement as a Provincial Court Judge, Director General of Aboriginal Justice, Treaty Commissioner for the Province of Saskatchewan, and (currently) as Chief Commissioner of the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission. During his tenure as a provincial court judge, David partnered with the Poundmaker First Nation to pioneer sentencing circles as a means for restorative justice. As Treaty Commissioner, Arnot’s, “Teaching Treaties in the Classroom” Project, was specifically cited as a model for Canada by the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Racism. In leading this education resource, David introduced the phrase “we are all treaty people,” an expression that is part of the lexicon across Canada. As Chief Commissioner of The Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission, Arnot created a unique approach that prioritizes mediation, education, and systemic advocacy over litigation as the best means of realizing change.

Dean McNeill

Dean McNeill grew up in Edmonton, Alberta performing trumpet in many school, community, dance & commercial bands, the Edmonton Youth Orchestra, and musicals. Dean has been Professor of Brass & Jazz at the University of Saskatchewan for the past 21 years where he has taught, composed, researched & performed music primarily in the jazz and classical idioms. Dean has produced 15 CDs, multiple CBC Radio broadcasts, classical & jazz recital tours, and is constantly composing new works. He has given talks and concerts at other universities, written articles, and facilitated student music camps & professional jazz retreats. He has received the Saskatchewan Jazz Festival’s Special Recognition Award, a Downbeat Magazine’s Arranger’s Award, University of Saskatchewan’s Student’s Union Teaching Excellence Award, and, the UofS Department of Music Dwayne Nelson Teaching Award. A graduate of MacEwan University, McGill University, and the University of North Texas, Dean’s performance of Kalla earned him a Western Canadian Music Award.

Elizabeth Duret

Elizabeth (Liz) Duret CPHR joined the University of Saskatchewan human resources division in April 2015 as the Diversity and Inclusion Consultant. Previously, Liz was with Saskatchewan Polytechnic for 10 years in student services and human resources. Prior to that, she was a probation officer for the Department of Corrections and Public Safety for 10 years. With over 20 years of human resources and consulting experience, Liz brings a wealth of experience, training, and passion to the work she does in the areas of diversity and inclusion, intercultural communications and Indigenous engagement. Liz is a certified life skills coach, group facilitator, and holds her professional designation as a Chartered Professional in Human Resources. On a more personal note, Liz is a proud Métis woman born and raised in Saskatoon, and has two sons.

Hyunjung Shin

Hyunjung Shin, born in South Korea, received her Ph.D. in Second Language Education from the University of Toronto in 2010. Her career has taken her across North America, and she figured she knew a thing or two about navigating a diverse world. Then she moved to Saskatoon... If using a credit card to scrape ice off a windshield in -40 degrees could be a metaphor for difficult times, it certainly was for Hyunjung. But scrape she did. By tackling the challenges at the University of Saskatchewan as an Assistant Professor, she formed a deeper understanding of how social differences connect to social inequalities for migrants. Her daily mindfulness practice and her passion for k-pop dance are combined with a relentless search for the solution to fear of the unknown. The tool she has found will scrape the ice away from our own worldview, leaving a clearer understanding of what it means to be human.

Lorin Elias

Lorin Elias is a professor of psychology and the Associate Dean Student Affairs, College of Arts and Science at the University of Saskatchewan. He completed his PhD in behavioural neuroscience at the University of Waterloo, and has been studying laterality in the human brain and behaviour for over twenty years. Papers from his federally-funded research have appeared in academic journals such as Neurosurgery, Neuropsychologia, Cortex, Brain and Cognition, Laterality, Cognitive Brain Research, and Behavioural Neuroscience. His papers have been featured in articles in popular newspapers and magazines around the world, such as Cosmopolitan, Wired, Maxim, The New York Post, and The New Zealand Herald. He has also written several textbooks and book chapters, and for fun, he also writes reviews of high-end audio equipment.

Nancy Turner

Dr. Nancy Turner is Director, Teaching and Learning Enhancement at the University of Saskatchewan. Her role involves working in partnership institutionally to support the ongoing enhancement of learning and teaching, the development of positive student learning experiences and the provision of quality academic and professional development that enables both of these. Nancy’s work for the past 16 years has focused on strategic leadership of learning and teaching enhancement including professional development of faculty and graduate students, technology enhanced learning, reward and recognition for teaching, wellness, student engagement in educational change, and open education. Nancy has taught for over two decades in Canadian and UK Higher Education in classroom, laboratory and online learning environments and has lead curriculum design and delivery in both National contexts. Her research interests include development of teaching and learning practices at the department level, informal and professional learning, and developing core skills in higher education.

Peter Hedley

Peter Hedley has been working in education in Europe and North America for nearly 20 years. Originally from the UK, he moved to Canada with his wife and three sons 5 years’ ago and joined the University of Saskatchewan in 2016. In his current role as USask Director of Student Affairs and Services, he oversees central campus supports including student wellness, mental health, and access and equity services. He leads the University’s Wellness Strategy with the goal of fostering healthy and supportive learning experiences and environments. He also leads campus sexual violence prevention and response initiatives, as well as chairing the University’s Faith Leaders’ Council and Violence Threat Risk-Assessment team. Peter has a passion for building community connections and is involved in Saskatoon community work with Saskatoon Police, the local Immigration partnership, and Break the Barrier - a Mental Health and Addiction stigma-reduction community partnership in the city.

Philip Loring

Philip Loring is a human ecologist with fifteen years experience studying the social and environmental dimensions of food security and community sustainability. His research focuses primarily on coastal communities, though he has research experience around the world in such diverse locales as Alaska, Mexico, and the Canadian Prairies. He currently holds the Arrell Chair in Food, Policy, and Society in the Arrell Food Institute and Department of Geography, University of Guelph. He is also adjunct faculty with the School of Environment and Sustainability, University of Saskatchewan. He has previously served as President of the Arctic Division of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, as well as the Alaska Chapter of the American Fisheries Society. He has written over 40 academic articles, while also being a regular contributor to CBC radio on issues related to climate change and food systems, and is the author of the forthcoming book, “Finding Our Niche.”

Stryker Calvez

Dr. Stryker Calvez is a Métis/Michif researcher and educator from the Red River territory around Winnipeg. Over the last 20 years, he has worked extensively with provincial governments, post-secondary institutions, organizations and communities to better understand how to implement and/or improve educational, social support, and health programming for Indigenous Peoples, newcomers to Canada, and vulnerable populations. He has been recognized for his contributions to these communities, supporting diversity and inclusion management, facilitating effective intergroup relations, and supporting reconciliation in Canada. Currently, he is the Manager of Indigenous Education Initiatives at the University of Saskatchewan. In this position, Stryker has been leading and supporting numerous institutional indigenization priorities, building Reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people, developing cultural professional development initiatives, and consulting with colleges and schools to develop and implement indigenization strategies.

Tasnim Jaisee

Tasnim Jaisee is studying Political Studies as well as Women’s and Gender Studies at the University of Saskatchewan. She is the current president of the Arts and Science Students Union (ASSU). Tasnim has previously served on campus as VP Marketing of the ASSU and VP Culture and Communications of the Bangladesh Undergraduate Student Federation. She is involved in various cultural events within the local Saskatoon community as part of the Bangladeshi Community Association of Saskatchewan. Tasnim is also working at Saskatoon Sexual Health as a communications assistant summer student on projects emphasizing sexual and reproductive health rights. Reflecting on her own experiences of being a woman of colour with a physical disability, Tasnim wants to pursue research opportunities that focus on intersectional struggles faced by people with disabilities.

Tracie Risling

Tracie Risling (RN, Ph.D.) is an Associate Professor in the College of Nursing at the University of Saskatchewan with a practice background in pediatrics. Engaged in nursing education and scholarship for the past 14 years, she has been recognized with awards for both teaching and research. Tracie currently leads a patient-oriented program of research in health informatics, which includes a study on AI, social media, technology co-design, and patient access as well as the use of electronic health records. In collaboration with patient and community partners, she is exploring how digital health solutions, in particular, those that provide data access, influence patient empowerment and engagement. Her most recent work also includes an examination of the digital determinants of health and intervention design with several diverse patient groups to address resultant barriers. Tracie is the President-Elect of the Canadian Nursing Informatics Association, and a passionate advocate for the critical role of nursing in healthcare’s digital evolution.