Sources of Knowledge is organized by a Subcommittee of the Parks Advisory Committee (PAC) for Bruce Peninsula National Park and Fathom Five National Marine Park Ontario. PAC was created when the two parks were established in 1987 to advise Parks Canada on park management, help communicate information about such issues as climate change with member organizations and undertake initiatives that benefit the national parks and the local people.
PAC membership includes representative of: Bruce Peninsula Bird Observatory, Bruce Peninsula Tourist Association, Bruce Trail Conservancy, Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society, Central Bruce Peninsula Chamber of Commerce, Escarpment Biosphere Conservancy, Friends of Bruce District Parks, Municipality of Northern Bruce Peninsula, Nature Conservancy of Canada, Ontario Underwater Council, Ontario Nature, St. Edmunds Property Owners’ Association, Tobermory Chamber of Commerce, Tobermory Maritime Association, Tobermory Snowmobile Club, and Upper Bruce Peninsula Sportsmen Association. The Chippewas of Nawash Unceded First Nation and Saugeen First Nation have a separate consultation process with Parks Canada and although their contribution to PAC is welcome, they are not bound by PAC procedures or decisions.
On May 2, 2008, PAC tasked a Sources of Knowledge Subcommittee to “organize a forum to report on ongoing research in the greater park ecosystem and to develop a model for a larger knowledge network.” The Subcommittee successfully hosted the first Sources of Knowledge Forum in May 2009 which focused on “Coastal Heritage”. Building on this success, the Subcommittee hosted a second Forum in April 2010 focused on “Wildlife and Its Value to Community” and a third Forum in April 2011 focussed on “Dark Skies – Bright Minds”.
In 2011 the Subcommittee initiated a process to become its own entity as an incorporated non-profit organization.
Current members of the organizing committee include: Gordon Nelson (Chair), Bill Caulfeild-Browne (Vice-Chair), Bill Graham, Scott Parker, Sean Liipere, Darci Lombard, Arlene Kennedy, Howie Frohlich, Ray Rothenbury, John Bainbridge, John Greenhouse and Mike Laing.
Guiding Principles
We believe that the Bruce Peninsula is an extraordinary place; rich in natural and cultural heritage. We recognize that knowledge guides sustainable economies, leads prosperous communities, and inspires actions for a healthy environment. We see our community as a source of knowledge. Through research into climate change & other issues, and learning we can realize our common goals.
MISSION
To develop Bruce Peninsula National Park and Fathom Five National Marine Park as sources of natural, cultural and other knowledge for the people of the Bruce Peninsula and surrounding areas in cooperation with Parks Canada, the Parks Advisory Committee and other interests in the region.
GOALS
- Disseminate information on professional research and relevant local knowledge relating to the two parks and surrounding area to researchers, the local community, schools, and wider public;
- Operate as a forum that encourages and celebrates engagement in community well-being, the environment and the legacies we leave; and,
- Contribute, as appropriate, to the development of research and learning on the Bruce Peninsula.
