Heidi Walker

Heidi is a PhD student in Environment and Sustainability.

What impact is your work having locally and/or globally?

I think the most impactful component of my PhD research to date has been the photovoice project called “Forest Fire: Picturing our Experiences”. Through photos and written narratives, residents from the La Ronge region of northern Saskatchewan shared their personal experiences of the major wildfire season of 2015. We collaborated with the La Ronge Arts Council and the Alex Robertson Public Library to turn the project into a display that was shown at public galleries in La Ronge and Prince Albert. It became an exciting venue to engage with residents, decision-makers, and the wider public about the diverse impacts of wildfire, the strengths and resilience of people and their communities, and future needs as we continue living with fire in northern Saskatchewan.

With which of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals are you making headway?

My work falls at the intersection of SDG 10 (reduced inequalities) and SDG 13 (climate action). By examining how social contexts and existing inequalities result in diverse experiences of climate hazards, we can more clearly understand how to respond to climate change in ways that are inclusive and equitable.

What was your inspiration for becoming a student/professional in the fields of environment and sustainability?

When I was young, my grandfather and I went on annual fishing trips together and I think it was during these trips that his love of the natural world rubbed off on me. Over time, I developed a greater understanding of the interconnectedness between social and environmental systems and sustainability seems to be the perfect field to grapple with issues at this nexus.

What course have you taken recently in SENS that you’ve loved and why?

I really enjoyed the PhD seminar course (ENVS 809). The course was highly discussion-based, which provided a wonderful opportunity to explore complex sustainability topics with my colleagues who brought diverse range of professional, educational, and cultural perspectives to the table. It also allowed me to begin situating my research within the broader concept of sustainability and to gain an appreciation for the diversity of work taking place within SENS.

What song or album would definitely be on your desert island playlist and why?

This may be a bit old-school, but Bruce Cockburn’s ‘Child of the Wind’ has long been meaningful to me and came to mind when considering this question. For me, the song is a reminder—especially while engaging with some of the heavy, complex problems of the contemporary world—of the need to retain a sense of wonder and appreciation for the beautiful and mysterious things in life. I suspect this would also be a timely message if I found myself stranded on a deserted island!

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