Closing Plenary

Please join us for a powerful closing plenary session featuring Closing Keynote Speaker Dr Tiara Moore and a Panel Discussion centered on 'what it means to honor our ancestors' and 'what we envision for future generations and the Salish Sea' Dr. Moore earned her PhD in Biology from UCLA, where she conducted research in Mo'orea, French Polynesia, Carpinteria Salt Marsh, and Upper Newport Bay. In Mo'orea, she observed the effects sedimentation and nutrient pollution have on the proliferation of coral reef macroalgae. In Carpinteria and Newport, she explored the effects of macroalgal decomposition on sediment biogeochemistry and the microbial community using environmental DNA (eDNA) to assess the biodiversity of entire ecosystems with only a soil sample. Dr. Moore completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Washington and The Nature Conservancy. Currently, Dr. Moore is the Black In Marine Science Program Lead at The Nature Conservancy. Inside and outside of the lab, Dr. Moore hopes her research in biodiversity will translate to increasing the overall diversity in science. She dedicates her time to mentoring minority women in the lab and in after school programs. Founder of A WOC SPACE, Dr. Moore aspires to make a safe and inclusive workplace for women of color (WOC) through WOCShops, individual personal trainings, and community outreach. Featured Panelist Chief Leah George Wilson Co-Chair of First Nations Summit Chief Leah George-Wilson is a member of the Tsleil-Waututh First Nation (TWFN) located in North Vancouver. She was elected to a third term as Chief of TWN in May 2019. In 2001 she was the first woman to hold the office of Elected Chief for the TWFN, a position she held from 2001-2003 and 2005 - 2009. Ms. George-Wilson previously worked for the TWFN for many years in various positions including member of the TWFN's negotiating team in the BC Treaty Process, TWFN Self-Government Coordinator. and Director of the TWFN Treaty, Land and Resources Department. Ms. George-Wilson's educational background includes a Bachelor's Degree in Anthropology from Simon Fraser University. She is currently attending the University of British Columbia Law School. She also sits on a number of boards including: the First Nations Lands Advisory Board, the Canadian Tourism Commission and the BC First Nations Health Council. Other panelists include Simon Fraser University students Tasha Romeyn and Simran Sarai and Salish Sea Institute Director Ginny Broadhurst.