Publications
Abstract: The Great Lakes provide essential ecological and socio-economic benefits, yet face growing environmental pressures driven by human activities. This study used a mixed-methods approach to explore local perspectives on freshwater health, challenges, and opportunities, including the blue economy, in Sault Ste. Marie, a binational city also known as Baawaating (“the place of the rapids”) located at the outflow of Lake Superior along the St. Marys River. Data were collected via an online survey with community members residing on both the Ontario and Michigan sides of the St. Marys River. The results showed that most residents have meaningful connections to local water systems, primarily through recreational activities like hiking and swimming. Although overall views on water quality and shoreline health were positive, many voiced concerns about issues, such as pollution and climate change, and emphasized shared responsibility for protecting water. Participants highlighted education, outreach, and collective action as essential avenues for fostering greater local care and protection of the water systems. We found that certain demographic characteristics, particularly age, gender, and population group, had an impact on participants’ perspectives and the barriers they are facing. Given its relevance as a socio-economic and environmental opportunity, we also asked participants about the blue economy and found that, although many saw its potential, most were unfamiliar with the concept, highlighting the need for broader community awareness and discussion around its benefits.
Abstract: In today’s fast-paced, high-pressure academic landscape whether creatives or academics, many struggle to find the best mindset, environment or flow for productive writing and creative process (Benvenuti, 2017; Papen & Thériault, 2018; Tremblay -Wragg et al., 2021). Academics are challenged in this “publish or perish” environment, to find time to prioritize writing or knowledge dissemination, along with other scholarly responsibilities (Cunningham, 2022; Stevenson, 2021; Weibe et al. 2023). As universities explore innovative and fresh ways to support their communities and students, writing retreats stand out as a powerful method for promoting both academic and personal growth and wellbeing, whether online or in-person. For academics, students or researchers, writing retreats provide structured time and space to step away from distractions to immerse themselves in a supportive and comfortable environment to develop and enhance their writing skills and creative works, increase publication outputs, and meet performance expectations (Hamerton & Fraser, 2012; Kornhaber et al., 2016; Quynn & Stewart, 2021; Stewart et al., 2018).
This paper explores Algoma University’s Creative Scholars Lab, a pilot academic writing retreat for faculty, graduate and undergraduates, held at a quiet, peaceful lodge surrounded by forests and rivers near Lake Superior. We share how this retreat aided participants in developing writing skills, attaining or sharpening writing goals, and deepened relationships with themselves, each other, and the world around them. Through personal stories and evidence-based insights, we illustrate the transformative power of writing retreats in enhancing creativity, productivity and holistic wellness.