When the lights go out: Communities preparing for disasters

​A lunchtime conversation with Riley Olstead and Ivan Drouin

​Communities that have lived through climate disasters teach us not to rely solely on the formal emergency systems. A strong community response is also essential.

​Our guests have been experimenting with building “community crisis capacity” in the Antigonish area. Their volunteer-led workshops include mental health resilience, communications, vulnerable persons support, and community mapping. What inspires Riley and Ivan to do this work, and what are they learning? Join us as host Emily Cowin invites our guests to share their story.

​During the final half hour, we will engage in small breakout groups and then return for a final Q&A with the guests.

​Riley is a sociologist at St. Francis Xavier University. Her work focuses on the question of how settlers learn to interrupt their colonial habits to make possible other ways of knowing, relating and being as practice for our uncertain future.

​Ivan was responsible for the Psychosocial Emergency Response Plan at the Colchester East Hants Hospital in Wagobagitik (Truro). He presently works at the Health & Counselling Centre of St. Francis Xavier University.