BEYOND LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Waterloo is situated within the traditional territory of ‎ the Attawandaron (Neutral), Anishinaabeg and Haudenosaunee peoples. The area is encompassed by the Haldimand Tract, land promised to the Six Nations, which includes ten kilometers on each side of the Grand River. We are aware of some history - rich, powerful, painful - and we honour the strength and stewardship of the First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. There is also a lot we do not yet know and we open our hearts and minds to learn, take steps toward reconciliation, and resolve to build relationships of trust and mutual support for the future generations of all peoples. Our hope is to go beyond acknowledgement to accountability and restitution.
SHEFAZA ESMAIL
Committed to People and Planet
Shefaza has a background in environmental engineering and currently teaches in the School of Environment, Resources and Sustainability at the University of Waterloo. Growing up in post-colonial Tanzania and moving to Canada in her formative years, she has experienced the interconnectedness of ecosystems, social structures, economic frameworks, and (in)justice paradigms.
Hopeful in the face of climate change, her academic pursuits have led her on a path of learning about environmental sustainability and today's most pressing issues. Her PhD research showed that while food insecurity, soil degradation, and rapidly increasing sprawl are causes for concern in growing urban centres, the resilience of these cities can be bolstered by implementing new solutions for a changing world.
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Shefaza believes that we can work together to implement solutions and create community capacity for a sustainable future, and this upcoming provincial election is the platform to get started!
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Shefaza works with the BrainSTEM Alliance, where she shares STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) knowledge with youth in engaging workshops. In her free time, she also enjoys rock climbing, traveling locally, exploring parks, and volunteering within the Ismaili community.
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Shefaza's teaching approach is to encourage curiosity, critical thinking, and meaningful social responsibility. She is eager to use these leadership qualities to mobilize the Green movement in Waterloo region and stand behind GPO leader Mike Schreiner to be a strong voice at Queen’s Park.
To learn more about Shefaza for Waterloo Greens and their goals and beliefs, explore the site, and if you have any questions please get in touch.