WINNIPEG, MB – Carrying her favourite stuffed chimpanzee, “Mr. H,” Jane Goodall today received an Honorary Doctor of Laws at a special ceremony over the noon hour at The University of Winnipeg to acknowledge her lifetime of work dedicated to conservation. Earlier on campus today, Dr. Goodall and Dr. Annette Trimbee, President and Vice-Chancellor, University of Winnipeg, signed a Memorandum of
Goodall and Trimbee sign MOU Sept 29 2017 – staff photo
Understanding to create new collaborative efforts on education programs related to conservation, sustainability and social justice.
Through the Jane Goodall Institute of Canada (JGIC), the Roots & Shoots program reaches thousands of young people. It fosters respect and compassion for all living things, and encourages actions to make the world a better place for people, other animals, and the environment.
“I believe the most important thing I did in my life is start Roots & Shoots in 1991, because it gives children hope,” Dr. Goodall told the assembled guests. “Every single one of us has an impact every single day, by what we choose to eat, or buy, how we choose to live. We each make a difference.”
Today children in 100 countries around the world participate in Roots & Shoots programs.
Co-operative activities outlined in the MOU signed today may include co-ordination of visiting speakers, seminars, conferences, and workshops on topics of mutual interests; collaboration in research activities; and development of student internships and other student opportunities. JGIC will also have an office space on campus.
In fall 2016, UWinnipeg’s Dr. Carlos Colorado, Associate Professor, Religion and Culture, was appointed to the prestigious position of Chair of the Board of Directors of the Jane Goodall Institute of Canada. Established by Goodall in 1977, the globally renowned nonprofit empowers people to make a difference for all living things. Through this network, Dr. Goodall’s vision for sustainable living — founded on a symbiotic relationship between human animals, nonhuman animals and the rest of the natural world — has been enacted through educational programs, habitat protection, and development initiatives.
“The University of Winnipeg and the Jane Goodall Institute of Canada share many core principles in the areas of conservation and sustainability,” says Dr. Colorado. “This partnership will enable us to collaborate in meaningful educational and research initiatives in pursuit of a sustainable future for our planet. It will allow JGIC to draw on the skills of the talented people on our campus, and it will allow our students and faculty to participate in the exciting and important work of the Goodall Institute.”
Dr. Goodall’s work at the Gombe Stream Chimpanzee Reserve became the foundation of contemporary primatological research, effectively redefining the relationship between humans and animals. Dr. Goodall also broke new ground for women in science.
MEDIA CONTACT
Diane Poulin, Senior Communications Specialist, The University of Winnipeg
P: 204.988.7135, E: d.poulin@uwinnipeg.ca
