The IPCC emphasized that effective risk reduction and adaptation strategies must be co-developed with the Indigenous and vulnerable communities, recognizing their unique knowledge and values as essential for building resilience (IPCC, 2023). In this regard, consideration of Indigenous and local knowledge (ILK) is critically important (Díaz et al., 2018; Choudhury et al., 2021). Here, “Two-Eyed Seeing” is an appropriate metaphor for bridging Western knowledge and ILK (Bartlette et al., 2012). As envisaged by the Mi’kmaw elder, Albert Marshall, Two-Eyed Seeing (Etuaptmumk in Mi’kmaw) embraces “learning to see from one eye with the strengths of Indigenous knowledges and ways of knowing, and from the other eye with the strengths of mainstream knowledges and ways of knowing, and to use both these eyes together, for the benefit of all” (Reid et al., 2020, p. 243). The panel discussant will explore the application of the Two-Eyed Seeing approach in reducing climate-related disasters and formulating climate-just adaptation measures.
Dr. Mahed Choudhury is an Assistant Professor in Wildfire Studies, Thompson Rivers University, Kamloops, BC, Canada. He earned a PhD degree in Natural Resource and Environmental Management from the University of Manitoba, Canada. Dr. Choudhury has conducted research across South Asia... Read More →
Dr. C. Emdad Haque is a Professor at the Natural Resources Institute, University of Manitoba, Canada. He holds a PhD degree in Environmental and Disaster Management from the University of Manitoba, Canada, and has conducted research across South Asia, Latin America, and North America... Read More →
Assistant Professor and Program Head of Disaster and Emergency Management, Royal Roads University
Dr. Mahmood Fayazi is an Assistant Professor and Program Head of Disaster and Emergency Management at Royal Roads University, BC, Canada. He holds a PhD degree in Environmental Design and Planning from the University of Montreal, Canada, and has conducted research across the Middle... Read More →
Jaime Waucaush-Warn is an Assistant Professor in Indigenous Studies at Mount Royal University, Alberta, Canada. She holds an MA and has extensive teaching experience in Indigenous Studies at the University of Lethbridge, the University of Winnipeg, and Mount Royal University. Waucaush-Warn... Read More →
Canada Research Chair in Community Disaster Research, Mount Royal University
Dr. Ranjan Datta is an Associate Professor and Canada Research Chair in Community Disaster Research at Mount Royal University in Calgary, Canada. He earned a PhD degree from the School of Environment and Sustainability at the University of Saskatchewan, Canada. Dr. Datta has conducted... Read More →
Thursday May 14, 2026 9:15am - 10:15am MDT PIC 233NAIT Producitivity and Innovation Centre
Recovery doesn’t have to take years. This session explores how coordinated, community-wide approaches to disaster debris management can help residents return home sooner, reduce inequities, and streamline recovery. Through real-world examples and practical insights, the conversation will unpack how collaboration between government, insurers, and industry can eliminate delays and transform outcomes.
Moderated by RaeAnn Schnurr, and joined by J.T.E. (Tim) Kenney, MSM, CD, Chief Operating Officer at Team Rubicon, Rob de Pruis, National Director, Consumer & Industry Relations at the Insurance Bureau of Canada, and Michael Higgins, Practice Director at Colliers Project Leaders, this discussion offers actionable insights for anyone working to enable faster, more equitable recovery in their communities.
During the Panel, emergency management professionals will share lived experiences working with under-served populations, gaps of services to assist in the response and recovery of these individuals or families and knowledge-sharing in community outreach or capacity building.
Consultant / Public Speaker, JLM Disaster Resiliency and Accessibility Consulting
• Previously employed at “The Canadian Red Cross Society” in HR/VR and “Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging” and volunteered in different departments including EM for over 15+ years • Sole proprietor of “JLM Disaster Resiliency and Accessibility Consulting”. Curren... Read More →
Associate Professor of Disaster and Emergency Management, York University
Jack L. Rozdilsky, Ph.D. is associate professor in the Disaster and Emergency Management program at York University. His professional duties include research, teaching, and service in topics related to disaster social science and emergency management practice. Prior to joining the... Read More →
Thursday May 14, 2026 11:35am - 12:35pm MDT PIC 233NAIT Producitivity and Innovation Centre
