CAG Conference Debrief

I've returned from the annual conference of the Canadian Association of Geographers (CAG) hosted by the University of Victoria, British Columbia (June 1-4; https://event.fourwaves.com/cagcarto2026/schedule). I presented a similar presentation as at ESAC, and I was hoping this conference would yield some feedback before I finish my article about research-creation and spaces of rest at RARE. The CAG conference is much bigger than ESAC, and so many kinds of geography are represented there. I was happy to present at a topical session called, "Innovative methodologies, creativity and technology." I'm grateful to Dr. Roberta Hawkins for coordinating this session that included a mix of geographers, map librarians and artists - so many that the topical session was presented in two parts! Again, it was an affirming experience, that geographers and map librarians around Canada are using creative methods for data collection. I wish my presentation hadn't gone over time (a faux pas, for sure), and I wish the session had more time for Q & A, but I did receive some encouraging feedback. I think I prefer presenting my research before finalizing any writing. I like to use my slide deck and images as writing prompts, but also I think the dialogue about the research is so valuable for personal and professional growth.

The campus as University of Victoria is so beautiful, spacious and full of life. More green than concrete, which is refreshing. The deer made appearances a couple of the mornings, just outside of the residence. And the crows sound different on the west coast (they were not ravens, I was assured).

Dr. Deborah McGregor delivered a wonderful keynote about the Anishnaabe Ontology of Wellbeing. I've always wanted to hear her speak, and she didn't disappoint. She spoke about our how we (settlers) need to learn how to receive gifts (from nature), and that love, hope and imagination are responsibilities we need to engage in more frequently. The so called "polycrisis" or planetary crisis we are experiencing is a result of a disconnection from nature. "Solving" the crisis starts with spirit, as McGregor says, and listening to the land.

While I made a handful of new, meaningful connections, and learned many new things, I am really happy to be home.