Community-based participatory research is critical to uncover solutions Imagine running out of grocery money before month’s end and turning to the food bank for help, only to discover you don’t know how to cook anything that’s in the food hamper your family receives. This is just one example of the problems related to food insecurity…
The province is the only place in the world where its soon-to-be-official gem is mined commercially
Alberta may soon be getting an official gemstone, as the provincial government recently announced its intention to add ammolite to the Emblems of Alberta Act, along with current emblems such as the wild rose and petrified wood, Alberta’s official flower and stone. Though ammolite wasn’t officially recognized as a gemstone until 1981, it’s been around far longer than…
Christmas was more primitive in the 18th and mid-19th centuries, but it was still Christmas
Turn the clock back to the late 18th century and mid-19th century Alberta, and chances are you’d be eating fish, beavertail, and stewed moose rather than roasted turkey and honey-glazed ham for Christmas dinner. Instead of rockin’ to tunes emanating from audio systems and streaming services, you’re more likely to be dancing the jig to…
After all, the high demand for outdoor activities springs from a need for physical activity provoked by government Covid-19 restrictions
Rising costs to operate Alberta’s Kananaskis parks should come out of the province’s health budget. As soon as the provincial government imposed a lockdown in March 2020, Albertans headed outdoors in greater numbers than ever. However, the province and municipal governments soon restricted outdoor gatherings as well. Recall the hysterical complaints about seeing people walking…
Great-granddaughter of an early settler, Debbie Beaver is preserving a vital part of a province’s history
Every time someone asks Debbie Beaver where she’s from, she has to shake her head. When she answers, “I’m Canadian,” there’s the inevitable followup question: “OK, but where are you really from?” “It still irritates me to this day,” said the administrative assistant in the University of Alberta’s Department of Psychology, who co-founded the Black Settlers of…
Interpretive programs can improve visitors' attitudes about nature-friendly behaviour, but longer-term effects less certain: U of A researchers
By Glen Hvenegaard and Elizabeth Halpenny University of Alberta After weeks of pandemic lockdown and closures, families keen on camping holidays and getting outdoors are relieved that many of our parks are reopening. Canada’s national parks partially opened on June 1 for day use; camping will be closed until at least June 21 while authorities assess safety.…
The provincial government dropped a bombshell this week when it announced the full or partial closure of 20 provincial parks and recreation areas. Some of these sites will be closed to public access. They also announced other major changes, including the potential sale or privatization of 164 additional parks and recreation areas. These sites could…
Natural beauty distinguishes Alberta from so many places. Let’s follow the will of the majority and protect this beautiful region
It’s disappointing to see that the Alberta government's proposal to create new protected areas in west-central Alberta has led to a partisan political brawl. Over the last week, the government cancelled public information sessions for the Bighorn Country proposal because of reports of intimidation and threats by opponents to the proposal. The local MLA, Jason…