President’s Message

October 21, 2024 • 0 Comment

In 2025, we saw many changes in Impact and Environmental Assessment policy, meaningful Indigenous relationship building, and detailed design and construction approvals and techniques. Our conference is designed to delve into these changes, First, by welcoming Elder Heidi Whetung (Ininaatig Mashkiki Kwe), from Curve Lake First Nation, and thank her for opening and closing our conference through traditional ceremony.

Conference Chair, Violetta Savage (City of Toronto) and Co-Chair Sabrina Wong (Dillion Consulting Ltd.), have worked tirelessly since this time last year to make these next two days informative and engaging. We hope you learn, participate, and when you return to your places of work, encourage others to join OAIA where they will receive many member benefits, including access to webinars, events, and of course, copies of the conference materials which they can pursue at their leisure.

On Day 1, Gary Prichard (Giniw), and I will be discussing if providing a Land Acknowledgement is necessary. Gary is from Curve Lake Fist Nations, he is Chair of the OAIA Indigenous Knowledge Committee, and a member of the Circle of Experts within the Assembly of Nations as their Chemical and Environmental Risk Assessment specialist. Our conversation is guaranteed to be honest, meaningful, and insightful. We look forward to sharing our thoughts with you in hope that you take our conversation back to think about in relation to your respective roles as a practitioner, regulator, First Nation, NGOs, or academic.

This year’s conference is intended to be thought provoking, with the theme of differing perspectives and complex tensions woven through out the two-day event. From geospatial technology to new energy solutions, we will move to concurrent sessions on Indigenous themed discussions, municipal infrastructure and development. Our first day will end with a fun-filled evening to network and socialize. On the second day we will continue to discuss challenges and opportunities, including recent legislative reforms, Indigenous engagement, risk management and uncertainty, and end our day with another insightful panel discussion.

While at the conference, take a moment to personally thank our sponsors for without their generous support the conference would not be possible. I would also like to welcome our student delegation, and I encourage you to reach out to our practitioners and engage. There are many connections to be made at OAIA 2025! To our presenters, a giant THANK YOU! Your support of and dedication to OAIA and the field of IA and EA is noted, and your extra effort to share your knowledge with us is much appreciated.

I would also like to thank you, our delegates and members for your support in attending our conferences and webinars, becoming a member, and volunteering to assist our committees is so very appreciated. Please stay tuned as we have an exciting 2026 planned!

I hope you enjoy the conference. See you soon!