The 16th North American Caribou Workshop is coming to Thunder Bay on May 17, 2016. This biannual event brings together caribou biologists, research scientists, resource managers, policy makers, Aboriginal groups, and industry professional from across North America and beyond to talk about caribou biology and conservation.
In conjunction with the workshop, a free public event will be held on the evening of Tuesday, May 17, coordinated by the Thunder Bay Field Naturalists, with support from Science North. As the theme of the conference is “connections,” the public event will explore connections between caribou and the local community, moderated by Mr. Paul Kennedy—host of CBC Radio’s Ideas.
A number of speakers and presentations will offer those in attendance a glimpse into the life, ecology and challenges of caribou, with a particular focus on the Woodland Caribou of Northwestern Ontario. This will include a combined video and lecture presentation providing a rare glimpse into the secret lives of Woodland Caribou, an introduction to an educational video series on caribou, and an exploration into the history of caribou in Northwestern Ontario and early First Nations peoples’ association with caribou. There will also be an opportunity to view conference posters from across North America on various aspects of caribou biology and conservation.
A hands-on event for families and youth will offer those in attendance the opportunity to view and touch specimens and samples of caribou and their predators, view videos on caribou ecology and conservation, and participate in educational and fun activities related to ecology and conservation.
The family/hands-on event begins at 6:00 p.m in the Kensington Room of the Victoria Inn in Thunder Bay. Talks and video presentations will take place from 7-9:00 p.m. in the Embassy Ballroom. For more information, contact info@tbfn.net.
Want to learn more about caribou? Check out the films below from the National Film Board, Parks Canada, and Ontario Nature:
