Detroit Mercy will host the 21st annual Great Lakes Bioneers Detroit (GLBD) Conference on Thursday, Oct. 15, in the Student Union Ballroom on the McNichols Campus.
This year, students, staff, administrators and faculty are invited to attend the environment-centered event for free.
The redesigned one-day conference will bring together community members of all ages to discuss critical environmental and social challenges and explore ideas for addressing them. This year’s theme is “Revolution from the Heart of Nature: Change Makers.”
Conference topics include:
- The science behind sustainable living
- How pollution and renewable energy affect public health, especially in communities of color
- Youth leadership and environmental responsibility for community change
- Social justice and eco-spirituality
- Storm water management and flood prevention
- Water affordability and justice
The program features pre-recorded keynote presentations from nationally recognized thought leaders, including:
- Samantha Skenandore – Re-Evolving Indigeneity to Save Our Planet
- Brett KenCairn – Nature-based Climate Solutions: Centering Life to Heal the Planet
- Nina Simons – Living Between Paradigms
- Leah Penniman – Free the People! Free the Land!
- Julian Brave NoiseCat – The Epic Misadventures of the Trickster Coyote
Pre-recorded performances by Destani Wolf, the Destiny Arts Youth Performance Company, and Garth Stevenson, along with inspiring youth leadership presentations by Coley Kakols Miller and Kyle Trefny, highlight the important role young leaders play in creating a more sustainable and equitable future.
The Great Lakes Bioneers Detroit conference is a platform for community members to network and highlight innovative approaches to environmental and social challenges. The conference is for people of all ages who are interested in exploring topics, developing skills and motivating action for the betterment of our One Earth Community.