Bailey Lab 

I came to Dalhousie’s as Master of Marine Management program with a strong desire to build upon my interests in collaborating with Indigenous communities to protect culturally significant species. As an environmental history major my undergraduate research had focused on the history and cultural significance of the southern resident orcas and Chinook salmon to Indigenous tribes in Washington state.

This December, I had the privilege of joining my lab mate, Kate Ortenzi, at the Arctic Change 2024 conference in Ottawa, Ontario, as a research assistant. It was my first time in Ottawa, and I was both excited and nervous—not just for the conference, but for everything the city had to offer. The weather was gloomy for most of our time there, with grey skies and chilly winds, but the city’s food scene more than made up for it.

Embarking on our first international research projects, ‘bright-eyed and bushy-tailed,’ we had no idea what this work had in store for us—an onslaught of challenging, exciting, daunting, and rewarding learning experiences.

Today is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation here in Canada, or Orange Shirt Day.  As we reflect upon the legacy of residential schools, we researchers and academics also have the responsibility to reflect on our policies and practices that inhibit or support Indigenous self-governance. One way we can do that is by making sure that in our work, we understand and uphold the principles of Indigenous Data Sovereignty.

As part of my graduate research project, I had the opportunity to attend the 28th Session of the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC) in Bangkok, Thailand, from May 13th to 17th, 2024. As an official observer, I witnessed and learned about various aspects of international governance. I was privileged to see the meeting in person and gain a better understanding of the intricacies of tuna governance, as well as some of its faults and limitations.

Each year, over 150,00 tourists flood the shores of Bocas del Toro, Panama, eager to experience its vibrant culture and stunning biodiversity. They also happen to flood its public water system, as lines for wells grow longer and tap water runs the colour of coffee.