2011 Keynote Speakers & Entertainment

Friday Evening with Julian Agyeman Ph.D. FRSA

Professor and Chair, Urban and Environmental Policy and Planning at Tufts University

Julian's current research interests critically explore aspects of the complex and embedded relations between humans and the environment, whether mediated by institutions or social movement
organizations, and the effects of this on public policy and planning processes and outcomes, particularly in relation to notions of justice and equity. With over 150 publications, his recent books include Environmental Inequities Across Borders: Local Perspectives on Global Injustices (2011 MIT Press) and Cultivating Food Justice : Race, Class and Sustainability (2011 MIT Press).

Saturday Afternoon with Coleen O’Connell

Division of Interdisciplinary Inquiry at Lesley University

Coleen’s teaching and scholarship have been focused on expanding the definition and underlying notions of Environmental Education to be that of Ecological Teaching and Learning integrated across the curriculum. She is focused on changing the code for education such that education becomes the practice of educating for ecological global citizenship replacing the present system of educating for global consumerism and competition. Sustainability, systems thinking, deep ecology, intentional communities, and traditional indigenous knowledge are key concepts woven into her teaching practice. Read more about Coleen.

Saturday Night

Gaia Roots-World Music Ensemble

Check them out at: www.gaiaroots.com
Inspired by roots music from W. Africa, the Caribbean, and around the world, Gaia Roots blend drumming, dance, vocal harmonies, and story into a unique weave of traditional music and original creations.

Sunday

Closing Ceremony with Troy Phillips

For the Closing Ceremony, let us gather and bring our hearts and minds together in a blessing for our present and future generations. Led by Troy Phillips, participants will gather in a circle and hold hands. Troy will smudge everyone in the circle with sage to cleanse them and bring good thoughts, energy and feeling to the circle. As we all stand in community, Troy will also offer a prayer of thanks in his traditional Nipmuc language. Troy Phillips is a Nipmuc Native American and was a former Commissioner On Indian Affairs for the State of Massachusetts from 2003 till 2010. He is an advocate on many native issues especially pertaining to sacred sites. Troy belongs to several native organizations in the region. He is a Native American actor who was in We Shall Remain: After The Mayflower. During his free time, he and his family travel to attend powwows to dance and sing. He is a traditional native teacher and artist whose work has been displayed throughout the region. Troy currently works for an Environmental Service company.