Episode #36 with Dr. Sarah Abbott
Dr. Sarah Abbott recently completed her interdisciplinary Doctorate of Social Sciences at Royal Roads University in Victoria, British Columbia Her dissertation research and resulting film aim to understand and share knowledge of the sentient relationality of trees and environmental empathy with public and academic audiences. Her research combines public ethnographic inquiry, Indigenous research methodologies, scientific research and qualitative experiences with trees/plants, and interspecies communication. Sarah received a Vanier Canada Scholarship to support her doctoral studies (2014-2017).
Sarah’s independent films, artist works, and community projects have focused on experiences of being, human rights, ethics and the environment for over twenty years. Her film work in all genres (documentary, narrative, experimental, and dance) has received national and international attention through film festivals, television broadcasts, awards, and grants. Sarah received the 2012 Saskatchewan Lieutenant Governor’s Arts Award for Arts and Learning, and the 2009 Regina Mayor’s Arts and Business Awards for Innovation in recognition of her filmmaking endeavours, innovative teaching, ability to bridge cultures, commitment to empowering people, and passion for communicating hard-hitting issues. Her film work and community projects have largely focused on Indigenous issues and culture since her documentary Tide Marks (2004), which centers on the lives of four people, who fought apartheid at the grassroots level, ten years after South Africa’s first democratic elections.
At the University of Regina, Sarah is an associate professor in the Department of Film, Faculty of Media, Art, and Performance (MAP). Along with teaching undergraduate and graduate courses film production, she developed and teaches the first MAP course in climate change. In 2006, she developed a teaching model wherein film production students work alongside film industry experts on a professionally-run set. She produced two half-hour dramatic films through these classes: Out In The Cold (2008), inspired by the freezing deaths of Indigenous men, allegedly at the hands of Saskatoon police; and This Time Last Winter (2010), which explores violence in young relationships, interracial relationships, and the healing potential of talking circles. Following the Saskatchewan premiere screenings of these films, Sarah held panel discussions on the topics of Indigenous/police relations and violence in young relationships with Regina and Saskatoon police chiefs and local experts participating. From 2005 to 2010, Sarah was the thread of continuity that led to the establishment of mispon – A Celebration of Indigenous Filmmaking film festival and advocacy collective in Regina. In 2013, she developed a media literacy course for Indigenous youth held at a Regina community centre, Engaging Media and Indigenous Youth.
Academics for Climate on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/444260053128091
Academics for Climate on the Web: https://sarahabbott.ca/academics-for-climate-community-series/
