Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion within the SCO-SOC
The Society of Canadian Ornithologists/la Société des Ornithologistes du Canada (SCO-SOC) acknowledges that systemic racism is pervasive in Canada, and we wish to join the voices of protest that are saying enough is enough. The SCO-SOC condemns all acts of individual and institutional racism, harassment, and discrimination. We recognize, and wish to address, underlying biases in our actions and institutions that continue to perpetuate inequality. No one should feel vulnerable, voiceless, or pre-judged. No one should feel that their identity, gender, sexuality, ability, race, or ethnicity precludes them from enjoying nature in public spaces or participating in wildlife research. We have a responsibility to stand with and support our colleagues, students, and neighbours to ensure equality for everyone.
Now is the time to face inequities, both acknowledged and unrecognized, and begin embracing the changes that are necessary to remove barriers to participation, inclusion, representation, and justice. Repairing the inequities within the SCO-SOC, as well as within our broader communities, will take time to do well, and we commit to dedicating ourselves to these efforts over the long term. As such, we have formed an Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Committee that has been tasked with determining both short-term and long-term actions that we can follow to support and promote the inclusion and well-being of ornithologists from groups historically denied equity in Canada.
At present, the EDI Committee is working on several initiatives to promote diversity and inclusion within the SCO-SOC:
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Providing a free membership program to remove barriers to entry
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Periodically featuring historically underrepresented ornithologists in Canada on our social media outlets (more information below);
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Developing clear metrics to track the effectiveness of our EDI efforts;
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Surveying our membership to better understand its characteristics and needs;
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Introducing social and networking opportunities to support underrepresented communities;
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Offering a new workshop series and a personalized mentorship program to support the career development of all students and early career researchers;
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Introducing a new award to support students from underrepresented communities; and
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Increasing transparency and accountability by making metrics on society membership and EDI-promoting activities publicly available.
These activities are by no means exhaustive and will be built upon in the years to come. We welcome input from the ornithological community in Canada, so please feel free to contact us via social media (Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook) or by email (nicola.koper@umanitoba.ca) with your suggestions for how we can improve SCO-SOC.
Free Membership Program
SCO-SOC recognizes the right of people from all walks of life to be involved in ornithology, the value of diverse perspectives, and that individuals may experience barriers in joining and benefitting from our society. With this recognition, we are providing free membership for all people who self-identify as being from equity-denied groups, including but not limited to: visible minorities (Black, Indigenous, and/or persons of colour), minority sexual orientations or gender identities (LGBTQ+), and individuals with disabilities. We feel strongly about this initiative and a transformation towards a more welcoming and diverse society. To apply for a free membership, please visit our membership website and check the “free membership” box , or download and fill out the Word or PDF membership application from our membership portal and email it to our membership secretary (darroch.whitaker@gmail.com). You do not need to disclose which equity-seeking group to which you belong during the application, but you are welcome to do so.
2SLGBTQIA+ Virtual Meet-ups
The Society of Canadian Ornithologists has a monthly meet-up group for 2SLGBTQIA+ ornithologists (from September through April). We welcome other queer ecologists to join us, even if you are not a member of our society or if you work on species other than birds! We love knowing there are other queer ecologists out there, and learning from and supporting all of you, so everyone is very welcome to join and say hi.
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Our meetings from January-April 2023 will be on the second Monday of every month. Our usual time is 7pm CST (in our effort to support as many time zones in Canada as possible after the workday is over) but note occasional exceptions, e.g. Jan. 2023. Here's the link: https://linktr.ee/scosoc.
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To get on the email list and receive Outlook calendar invites to find out about these monthly meet-ups and confirm dates and times, please email nicola.koper@umanitoba.ca. Also follow the Society of Canadian Ornithologists on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram to find out about these events, and more!
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Note that SCO-SOC offers free membership to folks from underrepresented groups, including 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, so consider joining to get access to our many other services, such as student awards, webinar series, meeting group for racialized ornithologists, and mentorship program.
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For more info email nicola.koper@umanitoba.ca.
BIPOC* Virtual Meet-ups
The Society of Canadian Ornithologists has a monthly meet-up group for BIPOC*/racialized ornithologists (from September through April). We welcome other ecologists to join us, even if you are not a member of our society, if you work on species other than birds, and even if you are not from any BIPOC/racialized community (allies welcome). We love learning from each other and working together.
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Our meetings from January-April 2023 will be on the second Wednesday of every month. Our usual time is 7pm CST (in our effort to support as many time zones in Canada as possible after the workday is over). Here's the link: https://linktr.ee/scosoc.
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To get on the email list and receive Outlook calendar invites to find out about these monthly meet-ups and confirm dates and times, please email nicola.koper@umanitoba.ca. Also follow the Society of Canadian Ornithologists on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram to find out about these events, and more!
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Note that SCO-SOC offers free membership to folks from underrepresented groups, including BIPOC*/racialized communities, so consider joining to get access to our many other services, such as student awards, webinar series, meeting group for racialized ornithologists, and mentorship program.
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For more info email nicola.koper@umanitoba.ca
*We use the term BIPOC (Acronym for Black, Indigenous, and people of color) recognizing that is not a perfect term, as it can be perceived as lumping together communities that are different and do not necessarily face the same challenges and levels of injustice. However, according to the dictionary, the construction of the term “BIPOC” recognizes that Black and Indigenous people are severely impacted by systemic racial injustices (Merriam-Webster, n.d.-a), and since we consider this to be true, we decided to keep it. By using it, we are not looking to erase the diversity in the communities that are included but to highlight the fact that these identities are still underrepresented in the field of ecology. Finally, we highlight such underrepresentation with the purpose of improving the situation by encouraging the diversity that is lacking.
Ornithologist Features
Calling all ornithologists in Canada who self-identify as being from equity-denied groups, including but not limited to: Black, Indigenous, a person of colour, LGBTQ2+ and/or as having a disability. The Society of Canadian Ornithologists would be proud to showcase you and your work on our social media and in our thrice annual publication, Picoides, to highlight the amazing diversity of talent that exists among ornithologists in Canada. Throughout 2021, we will feature ornithologists on our social media (Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook). At the end of the year, all featured ornithologists will appear together in an issue of Picoides.
To be featured, please email your 265-character-or-less caption, including your social media handle(s) and/or website url if desired, and one to two photos or infographics of yourself and/or your research to taylorbrown@trentu.ca. Search for our hashtag #FeatureFridays to see our recent features!
If you would like advice on or assistance with your submission, please contact Leanne Grieves at grievel@mcmaster.ca.
Meet the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee
Elizabeth Gow (she/her)
I am a Research Scientist in the Wildlife Research Division in Environment and Climate Change Canada and an Adjunct Professor at the University of Guelph and Simon Fraser University. My research uses innovative technologies and trans and interdisciplinary research teams to understand how terrestrial birds are responding and adapting to anthropogenic stressors in urban and forest environments in western Canada. I aim to help build, create, and foster an equitable, diverse, and inclusive environment that provides safe and supportive spaces for ornithologists in Canada and beyond.
Where people can find me:
Twitter: @GowElizabeth
Personal website: https://www.elizabethgow.com/
Leanne Grieves, chair (she/her)
I’m a biologist specializing in avian chemical ecology. I’m most interested in how birds use smell during social and reproductive communication. As a new postdoc at McMaster University, I am working at the Long Point Bird Observatory to characterize the chemical and microbial profiles of migratory passerines in North America. I’m queer and I strive to provide supportive mentorship to other members of the LGBTQ+ STEM community. As a member of the Society of Canadian Ornithologists’ Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion committee, my goal is to foster greater inclusivity and equity in the SCO, ornithology, and beyond.
Where people can find me:
Twitter: @LeaGrie
Personal website: www.leannegrieves.com
Ann McKellar (she/her)
I am a Research Scientist with Environment and Climate Change Canada and Adjunct Professor at the University of Saskatchewan. My research program aims to understand the drivers of population change and develop effective conservation strategies for migratory birds in human-dominated landscapes. I recognize the value of diverse perspectives in research excellence and as a queer scientist I strive to increase diversity and inclusion in STEM.
Janet Ng (she/her)
I am an avian ecologist with a focus on species at risk, landscape ecology, and the cumulative effects of human development and climate change. My avian experience includes working with nightjars, raptors, and shorebirds, where this work has taken me into multiple sectors including non-profit, environmental consulting, and government. I advocate for representation within the ornithology community, as well as inclusive and safe spaces for everyone in our field.
Where people can find me:
Twitter: @janetngbio
Jordan Reynolds
I am an ecologist with a focus on avian movement and habitat selection. I received my BSc and Certificate of Specialization in Animal Behaviour and Environmental Impact Assessment at Dalhousie University. During my MSc at the University of Waterloo in Dr. Rooney’s lab, I examined the determinants of avian communities in Rocky Mountain peatlands. Currently, I am pursuing a PhD in Dr. Fedy’s Lab at the University of Waterloo examining greater sage-grouse genetic and movement data and examine the abundance and distribution of avian predators. This research will address fundamental questions in ecology and contribute to the conservation and management of the greater sage-grouse and sagebrush steppe habitat. Within my research and career I strive to build diversity and equity in the field while providing a welcoming and safe environment for all individuals to succeed.
Where people can find me:
Twitter: @JReynolds959
Research gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Jordan_Reynolds10
Hannah Tench
I am a queer, mixed-race (Chinese Canadian) graduate student from Burnaby, British Columbia and currently based in Prince George at the University of Northern British Columbia. I am researching factors constraining avian egg viability, using the tree swallow as a model species. I have experience working with raptors and songbirds and am particularly interested in breeding behaviour and egg incubation. I am deeply passionate about fostering welcoming and inclusive spaces both in ornithology and broader ecological field and lab-based workplaces and communities.
Where people can find me:
Twitter: @hannahhannahmei
Alana Westwood, secretary (she/her)
I am Assistant Professor at Dalhousie University and a settler based in Mi’kma’ki. My lab studies the science-policy interface to understand how management decisions are made, and the impacts of forestry and mining to supply evidence to maintain biodiversity. I work with Indigenous, settler government, and academic partners (including the Boreal Avian Modelling Project) to develop more inclusive tools to guide conservation and management of forest birds. I am a passionate advocate for underrepresented groups in science and strive to see a Society of Canadian Ornithologists and ornithology world where all communities are represented in leadership roles.
Where people can find me:
Instagram: @arboriphile
Professional website: www.westwoodlab.ca
Personal website: www.alanawestwood.com
ResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Alana_Westwood
