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Strange landscapes
No full textThis book review was originally published by The British Columbia Review: https://thebcreview.ca/2025/10/15/2692-campbell-mcfarland/Dana McFarland reviews The Other Shore by Rebecca Campbell (Hamilton: Stelliform Press, 2025)
Regenerative Leisure Experiences in the Natural Environment
No full text2026This research thesis aims to explore how nature-based experiences can foster nature connectedness and the development of ecological identity, theorized to enhance participants' health and wellbeing. In addition, the research thesis investigates Regenerative Nature-Based Experiences (RNBE) in relation to pro-environmental beliefs and conservation mindsets in participants, which, in turn, supports reconciliation behaviours towards the natural world and planet, benefiting individuals, communities, and the environment on both local and global levels. The research findings provide encouraging evidence for how RNBE may impart these virtues to participants, thereby fostering resilience and regenerative benefits for human, economic, and natural ecosystems. Guided nature-based experiences are also explored, highlighting the principles, practices, skills, and techniques essential to facilitating meaningful, authentic experiences for participants. Barriers that individuals face across diverse sociocultural backgrounds in accessing nature and participating in nature-based experiences were also investigated.The findings suggest that nature connectedness can be fostered through RNBE and that nature connectedness nurtures ecological identity and instills pro-environmental behaviours in participants. This research shows the potential of RNBE to connect individuals with nature and promote improved health and wellbeing. The research also highlights the many challenges and inequalities in accessing nature, finding that barriers are especially pronounced in underrepresented populations. Guides of RNBE can act as gatekeepers to RNBE, mitigating or eliminating barriers faced by diverse populations.
A conceptual framework based on the research was designed to demonstrate how RNBE fosters Nature Connectedness (NC) and leads to the development of Ecological Identity (EI), enhancing the health and wellbeing benefits nature provides. The framework illustrates how NC and EI nurture pro-environmental behaviours and contribute to a regenerative system, considering a variety of elements and variables deemed necessary for the development of regenerative, nature-based experience programming. A quick reference guidebook for RNBE practitioners is also included condensing the findings of the research in a convenient platform.
While there have been many studies and research on humans connecting and benefitting from nature, much less research has attempted to examine how nature-based experiences in conjunction with the fostering the of Nature Connectedness (NC) and development of Ecological Identity (EI) enhance health and wellbeing benefits; moreover, how this may work as a gateway to change mindsets and instil pro-environmental behaviours that hold the potential to shift thinking in participants towards regenerative evolutional ecological systems. This research paper in particular examines how nature-based experiences and outdoor activities such as outdoor interpretation, plein air art, forest immersion activities, adventure activities, storm watching, cloud gazing, star gazing, night walks, and other mediums of nature contact and nature-based experiences through a framework may be used to foster evolutional ecological regenerative systems and create opportunities and eliminate barriers bringing benefits that connecting with nature provides on a variety of levels across diverse populations. The research methods employed in the literature review, expert interviews, and online survey provide compelling support for the health and wellbeing benefits that nature-based experiences can offer to participants, communities, and the environment
Feeling Polarized? An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis of Central Albertans Feelings in Response to Polarizing Content on Facebook
No full text2025Affective polarization has become a growing problem in Canada (Boulianne & Belland, 2022; LaFleche, 2023; Marchand et al., 2020; Milloy, 2023). Despite this, most studies examining digital polarization explore the content, or technologies driving polarization, rather than the lived experience of users interacting with polarizing content (Boccia Artieri et al., 2021; Brady et al., 2017; A. Goldenberg & Willer, 2023). This research sought to address this gap by exploring the lived experiences of Central Albertans of encountering polarizing content on Facebook. Following an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) approach, this study illuminated the roles of echo chambers, out-group animosity, fundamental attribution errors, and algorithms in affective polarization. The findings show that when users see toxic, algorithmically generated content, users then interpret such content and make negative assumptions about those who are posting in comment threads on Facebook. This process is leading to greater out-group animosity and demonstrates that these four conditions significantly shape the affective polarization conversation
Victoria's path to diversifying public transportation: A social and socioeconomic transportation assessment and considerations
No full textMuch of the world understands that public transportation is a necessary service provided and supported by all levels of government. Many Canadians also understand that Canadian cities have fallen behind on public transportation innovation when compared to comparably sized European cities. This major project uses Victoria, BC to explore some of the importance and existing issues of public transportation in mid-sized Canadian cities.
This paper employs a social and socioeconomic lens, along with European case study cities to understand not only if Victoria’s public transportation issues could be supported by the addition of a new public transit system but also which type of transit would best fit to support Victoria’s needs. Through social and socioeconomic evaluation and analyzing case study cities, this project, which acts as a preliminary project assessment, argues the implementation and development of light rail transit should be further explored and considered by key decision makers.Thesis/major project submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Community Planning in the Department of Community Planning, Faculty of Social Sciences, Vancouver Island University
What Does Music Have To Do With It? - A Conceptual Framework For Designing Music Performance Centered Projects Embedding Regenerative Sustainability Practices
No full text2025Addressing environmental challenges is a shared responsibility across all industries, with each sector holding a duty to innovate, adapt, and reduce its ecological impact. There is potential for musicians and the music industry to play a proactive role in advancing regenerative sustainability through community-serving performances. This study investigated how music performances can be integrated with regenerative principles to foster pro-environmental values, regenerative thinking, and climate action at the community level. Data was generated through semi-structured interviews with expert informants, analysis of relevant literature on regenerative sustainability, and case studies of past arts-based initiatives that exhibit regenerative practices. The interview findings revealed the following themes: 1. The shared live music experience, when incorporated with elements such as active engagement and follow-up activities, is a cultural process that serves a community both individually and collectively; 2. Relationships are at the centre of this work and must be honored and cultivated in any project; 3. Collaboration and having a supportive network of resources is foundational to success; 4. Musicians hold a unique position of messenger facilitating value-building and transformative processes. These themes were incorporated into the regenerative project step guiding framework I synthesized from regenerative sustainability literature. After consulting best practices and tactics observed from past and current regenerative music programming, I propose a foundational framework, acting as a planning tool for future program development in British Columbia – specifically initiatives that engage the public in music, culture, and dialogue in service of the well-being of all living systems
Examining Risk Reduction Strategies in Alberta Oil and Gas Producers
No full text2025AbstractThis paper examines risk reduction strategies within Alberta's oil and gas-producing industry through interviews with 15 senior health and safety professionals. The intent of this research was to understand the underlying attributes of failure in the protective structures industry has established to ensure organizational resiliency. Thematic analysis revealed three areas of concern: risk management, health and safety management systems (HSMS), and the lack of thorough investigation into the causes of loss events. Benchmarking against publicly available occupational health and safety data revealed performance differences among producers. Leading organizations distinguished themselves by verification and confirmation of critical safety controls, executive coaching to drive outcomes, and the integration of formalized HSMS. Risk reduction strategies were homogenous and may not address the probability of repeated failures in the petroleum-producing industry. Losses continue despite existing programs, with stronger performance linked to organizations where executives and senior managers are directly engaged in verifying the effectiveness of safety controls
Mapping Connectivity: Integrating Ecological Landscape Analysis into Urban Planning in the City of Nanaimo
No full text2025Ecosystem-based approaches to urban planning and management are essential for promoting sustainable community development. One of the most significant impacts of urbanization to biodiversity is land conversion, which reduces natural habitats and disrupts ecosystem functionality. Ecological networks, including corridors and green spaces, are critical for maintaining biodiversity, yet connectivity planning must balance ecological sustainability with urban growth and socio-economic considerations. This study had two main objectives: (1) identify from the literature which landscape, ecological, land use, and infrastructure considerations are important for an analysis on landscape connectivity analysis done to support local planning, 2) identify areas within the landscape matrix that may be critical for conserving and restoring connectivity in the City of Nanaimo, and 3) identify the land-use and infrastructure factors that present considerations for the prioritization of the potential connectivity areas. The research followed a four-stage process: first, a systematic literature review to identify ecological and socio-economic variables relevant to urban connectivity; second, the calculation of landscape metrics to assess the configuration and composition of the urban landscape; third, least-cost path analysis to identify potential ecological corridors; and finally, the application of circuit theory to evaluate the relative importance of identified corridors and key areas. The research produces insights that can be used for integrating ecological connectivity into urban planning and highlight the importance of balancing conservation priorities with socio-economic realities in rapidly urbanizing environments
Indigenous Language Inclusion in Emergency Communications: A Case Study of the 2023 Yellowknife Wildfire Evacuation
No full text2025This thesis evaluates the exclusion of Indigenous languages from emergency communication during the 2023 North Slave Complex wildfires and examines the implications for reconciliation and public safety. Despite the Government of the Northwest Territories’ recognition of nine Indigenous languages, all alerts were issued only in English and French. Using a decolonizing policy analysis informed by cultural safety theory (Papps & Ramsden, 1996; Smith, 1999) and resilience engineering (Hollnagel et al., 2011), this study analyzes government records obtained through Freedom of Information requests, policy documents, and media coverage. Findings demonstrate systemic barriers that continue to marginalize Indigenous language speakers during crises, increasing their vulnerability. Comparative case studies from Nunavut, Alaska, Hawaii, and Aotearoa New Zealand illustrate practical models for Indigenous language integration. Policy recommendations are proposed to strengthen reconciliation through legislative reform, infrastructure investment, and Indigenous-led governance. This research contributes to scholarship by showing that linguistic exclusion in emergency management is not only a public safety failure but also a continuation of colonial inequities (Tuck & Yang, 2012; Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, 2015)
Reducing the Overrepresentation of Indigenous People in Canada’s Criminal Justice System through Attention to Colonialism and Its Consequences
No full text2025The significant overrepresentation of Indigenous people in Canada’s criminal justice system has been a persistent problem for decades and is still a problem today, despite efforts by various governments to tackle the issue. However, a recent follow-up study on Indigenous offenders who managed to stay crime-free for at least three years following their participation in VisionQuest’s substance abuse treatment program in British Columbia found that it is possible to overcome the problem of overrepresentation. The program is unique in that it aims to assist Indigenous offenders in their efforts to lead crime-free, substance abuse-free, and productive lives, by paying special attention to the challenges imposed upon them by the consequences of colonialism. With this in mind, the central research question posed by my dissertation work is: What elements, among the self-reported program intervention and non-program experiences of Indigenous offenders who have participated in the VisionQuest program, best assist them in overcoming the challenges and consequences of colonialism in their efforts to lead crime-free lives? As my dissertation describes, I approached the question by conducting semi-structured, face-to-face interviews with ten clients and ten staff members from the VisionQuest program. Collectively, the results of the interviews provide confirmation of the significant consequences and challenges faced by Indigenous offenders. More importantly, they provide confirmation of why our attentiveness to the consequences and challenges of colonialism is so critical to assisting Indigenous offenders in leading crime-free lives. The findings should be helpful in informing those leading substance-abuse programs on how they might enhance their capacity to assist Indigenous offenders in remaining crime free. Equally importantly, the findings may inform governments and the criminal justice community about how they might better address the disproportionate numbers of Indigenous people in the Canadian criminal justice system. Keywords: overrepresentation, Indigenous, colonialism, substance abuse, recidivism, criminal justic
The 5 R's of Indigenous research as a framework to co-design and evaluate an outdoor play program in early learning and child care centers: Protocol for the Promoting Early Childhood Outside (PRO-ECO) 2.0 wait-list control cluster randomized trial
No full textThis article was originally published as: Brussoni, M., Ramsden, R., Grieve, S., Mount, D., Fox, E., Herrington, S., Lin, Y., Johnson, S.E., Lloyd, J., Elliot, E., Mlieczko, E., Lemire, A., Scott, L., Barrett, A., Cottier, E., & Rice, A. (2025). The 5 R's of Indigenous research as a framework to co-design and evaluate an outdoor play program in early learning and child care centers: Protocol for the Promoting Early Childhood Outside (PRO-ECO) 2.0 wait-list control cluster randomized trial. JMIR Research Protocols, 14. https://doi.org/10.2196/77956The Promoting Early Childhood Outside (PRO-ECO) 2.0 study is a community-based research partnership with Indigenous Knowledge Keepers and Elders, Indigenous and early childhood organizations, early childhood education faculty, ELCC centers, and families, aiming to expand outdoor play in ELCC centers. This paper provides an overview of the community-based design process, guided by the 5 R’s—Respect, Relevance, Responsibility, Reciprocity, and Relationship—and the resulting study protocol for the mixed methods waitlist control cluster randomized trial.This study is funded by the Government of Canada (Project #017788209). BC Cancer provided monetary funds for the shade-related interventions.
MB is supported by a salary award from the British Columbia Children’s Hospital Research Institute