IGSS 2023/2024
The Intergenerational Speaker Series will continue into 2023/2024.
We will have five events. Each event may have a speaker or two, a short viewing of a film, activities, and small group discussions. The aim of these events is to enrich participants' understanding of the topics and to consider the views and opinions of other generations. What can we learn from each other? How can we set aside possible stereotypes to appreciate our similarities and respect our differences? These questions will be explored over the next year.
Next Event - Registration Open!
Event 5 - Pathways to Nature: Connectedness and Health
May 22nd, 2024 11am-1pm, Mount Royal University, Lincoln Park Room, J301
Taking time to breathe in the air, feel the sun and wind, visit special waters or landscapes, or look at plants and animals - the place of parks and nature in the cycles of life is universally valued. We celebrate our special moments, find healing and strength through our struggles!
Based on movements in green/social/parks prescribing and in lessons learned from community-engaged research, Sonya Jakubec (RN, PhD) will share evidence that parks and nature offer a valuable intervention for people of all abilities across the lifespan. Stories and exploration of pathways to nature connectedness will inspire you to incorporate nature more intentionally into your health practices - and everyday life!
With guest speaker Sonya Jakubec.
Sonya Jakubec is a professor at the School of Nursing and Midwifery at Mount Royal University in Calgary, Alberta. A community health nurse for over 30 years, Sonya studies the health and environment connection, with a focus on parks and nature-based interventions for health and wellbeing across the lifespan, in disability, dementia, dying, death and grief care. You can find her walking in Calgary's urban parks, community gardening in her neighbourhood, and skiing and hiking in the foothills and mountains.
Event 1 - Connecting with our Roots: How Family Stories Shape Lives
September 13th, 2023 11am-1pm, Mount Royal University, Lincoln Park Room, J301
The intention of this event was to discuss how generations of stories can shape our lives. We looked at the beauty of family history and the opportunities we have to learn from both older and younger generations. This event explores what family history looks like, the importance of connecting with members of our family trees, and how generational perspectives and experiences can shape perceptions on life.
Calgary-based genealogist Tara Shymanski spoke at this event.
Recording of Tara Shymanski's Presentation
Event 2 - Disconnecting to Connect: Finding Balance in a Digital World
November 22nd, 2023 11am-1pm, Mount Royal University, Lincoln Park Room, J301
The intention of this event was to discuss how connection has evolved over time and how we have adapted to it. In what ways do we connect? Have our methods changed over time? How do we feel about these changes? These are just some of the questions that we reflected on during the event. IGSS' second event explored intergenerational perspectives on our wired world and discussed how recent advancements in digital technology have affected our personal relationships and the human connection.
Calgary-based researcher and professor Malinda Desjarlais spoke at this event.
Event 3 - Coping with Change: Navigating through Life's Transitions
January 24th, 2024 11am-1pm, Mount Royal University, Lincoln Park Room, J301
The intention of this event was to discuss the impact transitions have on our lives and how we navigate the complexities of these changes. When have we experienced change? Has it been positive or negative? How do we cope with it? These are just some of the questions that we reflected on during the event. IGSS' third event explored intergenerational perspectives on life’s transitions and the ways in which we handle these stressors, providing the audience with the opportunity to meet new people, share stories, and explore strategies for handling stress.
Calgary-based professor Kimberly Shapkin spoke at this event.
Event 4 - Mindful Music: Tune into Wellness
March 13th, 2023 11am-1pm, Mount Royal University, Lincoln Park Room, J301
March is Music Therapy Awareness Month, making it the perfect opportunity to learn more about the healing properties of music, and how music is the ideal bridge between all ages. There is no other activity that activates more areas of the brain simultaneously than engaging with music that resonates with us. Quite simply, music infuses moments with meaning. Our speaker will demonstrate how music therapy can improve cognitive function, increase energy levels, and boost mood, showcasing music’s transformative impact on individuals ranging from two months to 104 years old.
During this event, the audience had the opportunity to:
Explore music therapy and learn about its diverse applications, benefits, and outcomes for all ages.
Engage in mood, memory, and motivation-boosting music exercises
Learn the top 8 ‘key’ tips for using music to accentuate the positive - including the power of a purposeful playlist to ignite more meaningful connection to self and others.
Author, Music Therapist, and keynote speaker, Jennifer Buchanan spoke at this event.
IGSS 2022/2023
In 2022/2023, we offered four events; one in September, November, January and March.
Each event had a speaker or two, a short viewing of a film, activities, and small group discussions. The aim of these events were to enrich participants' understanding of the topics and to consider the views and opinions of other generations. What can we learn from each other? How can we set aside possible stereotypes to appreciate our similarities and respect our differences? These were the questions we focused on during all four events.
Event 1 - Reconciliation: What does it mean to you?
The focus of the event was to celebrate Treaty 7 territory (Calgary and surrounding areas), raise awareness on colonization, increase efforts for decolonization, facilitate learning, and honour the Indigenous peoples of Canada through active reconciliation. We hoped to create a space that allowed participants to connect and collaborate, to build community, and to discuss individual actions that one can take to participate in reconciliation. Our guest speakers included Tim Fox (Natoyi’sokasiim), Blood (Kainai) Nation and Naheed Nenshi.
Knowledge sharing with Tim Fox
The reflection tools Tim Fox referred to are sharing circles and H3 (Head, Heart, Hands).
Sharing circle format allows all voices to have a chance to speak and be heard.
H3 – a question is asked for each area.
Head – What questions do I still have and how can I begin finding the answers?
Heart – What values was I raised with or hold to importance now and how can I remind myself of those values when this work gets challenging tough or uncomfortable?
Hands – suggest action and what are the daily, weekly, monthly, and annual actions I can take that demonstrate my commitment to this work?
The grounding message Tim sends to participants is:
Thank you for taking the time and interest in joining us for a conversation on deeper understanding of ________________________. I am excited to host this conversation with your team.
To begin our experience together, I invite each of you to ground yourself by reflecting on place, identity and your work in your community. I appreciate that everyone is at various phases of understanding when it comes to Reconciliation. I hope that our short time together will be, for some, a continued step of your journey in the space of Reconciliation and right relations.
In an effort to provide context and begin establishing a space of curiosity and openness, please make time to read the article: Settlers with Opinions and view this short clip.
Finally, as part of our time together we ask that you begin to prepare yourselves and please bring the territorial acknowledgment of where you were born and if you were not born in this country, a territorial acknowledgment of where you now live, work or play along with teaching from that place that helps guide your thinking about Reconciliation and relationship. If you are looking for resources in this area, we recommend the app called “Whose Land” or native-land to start exploring.
Recording of Tim Fox's Presentation
Event 2 - Connecting through Film and Conversation
The focus of the event was to tell stories, share memories, and connect with others through film. We hoped to create a space that allowed participants to discuss their experiences, reflect on generational similarities and differences, and promote a sense of belonging within the community. The intention was to tell stories, share experiences, reflect on similarities and differences, and connect with others across generations through film.
Although we cannot include a copy of the film that was viewed, our speaker Amber Dukart has provided us with her presentation. Hopefully this will give you some insight into what was discussed during the event.
Event 3 - Moving through Challenging Times
The intention of the event was to emphasize mindfulness, affordability, nutrition, and strategies for making connections during difficult times. During this event, we discussed the challenges of affordable living, gained knowledge on maintaining sustainable well-being and promoted intergenerational discussion, participation, and enjoyment.
During the event, we provided the audience with brochures containing community resources and opportunities for connecting intergenerationally with others. This information is included under 'Gallery and Artifacts' for your convenience.
Recording of Julie Van Rosendaal's Presentation
Event 4 - Framing our Memories
The intention of this event was to to honour intergenerational connections by learning to capture and preserve memories. We hoped to create a space that allowed participants to creatively express themselves, learn from other generations, discover ways to share stories, and recognize the beauty of meaningful legacies. Our guest speaker described their StoryShare program and shared some of the recordings their organization has made to perserve the stories and memories of Calgary seniors.
During this event, the audience participated in a small group activity and 'framed' their memories. Pictures of this can be found below, under 'Gallery and Artifacts'.
Additionally, our guest speaker Doreen Vanderstoop has invited you to connect with her via her website. This contains Doreen's biography and contact information. The link is below.
https://www.doreenvanderstoop.ca
Recording of Doreen Vanderstoop's Presentation
Gallery & Artifacts
'Framing our Memories' Activity Gallery
Opportunities for Intergenerational Connection and Community Building
If you wish to look into any of these resources, please click the hyperlinks below. They will direct you to the appropriate website.
CORE Alberta - https://corealberta.ca/groups
LINKages - https://www.link-ages.ca
Calgary Seniors' Resource Centre - https://www.calgaryseniors.org
Additional Resources:
The Atlantic (Article) - https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas
Location
Driving
Coming from Richardson Way SW, park in Lot 2 (across from MRU Child Care Centre) and enter through the West Gate Entrance.
Once through the main doors, on the right side near the W-Wing entrance take the stairs to campus level 3. Turn right and turn right again. Lincoln Park Room (J301) is the first glass door on your right.
Calgary Transit — Bus
Bus routes are located on the west and east side of the campus.
West Gate
Bus routes located at the West Transit Hub will stop steps away from the West Gate Entrance.
Once through the main doors, on the right side near the W-Wing entrance take the stairs to campus level 3. Turn right and turn right again. Lincoln Park Room (J301) is the first glass door on your right.
East Gate
Bus routes located on the east side of campus will stop near the Mount Royal Circle entrance on Richard Road SW.
It's a 5- to 10-minute walk from the bus stop to Lincoln Park Room (J301).
Walk past the Taylor Centre for the Performing Arts to the East Gate Entrance. Once through the main doors, continue along Main Street, past Tim Hortons and walk up the stairs to campus level 2. On the left side near the W-Wing entrance take the stairs to campus level 3. Turn right and turn right again. Lincoln Park Room (J301) is the first glass door on your right.