For Local Residents
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Tofino is getting used to some pretty big events, such as November 2009's Cold Water Classic and the Olympic Torch Relay.
The 12th International Congress of Ethnobiology is no exception in size - at least 400 delegates and volunteers- will be visiting Tofino from May 9-14, 2010. But what's different is that this crowd is truly international, arriving from over 60 countries (and all six habitable continents).
Some delegates are tribal elders or chiefs, others work for prominent international non-governmental organizations. Some are noted academics in their fields, and others are dedicated film makers. Some are healers, some are story tellers. Some are scientists, some are students. Some will travel just two hours to get to Tofino, and others will travel two entire days, perhaps flying on a plane for the first time in their lives.
What all of them have in common is a dedication and commitment to grassroot initiatives in traditional foods, food security and food sovereignty, language preservation, traditional knowledge, conservation of sacred spaces and a myriad of issues under the umbrella of conserving and protecting the world's biocultural diversity.
The Congress Organizers (the Tofino Botanical Gardens, Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations, and the International Society of Ethnobiology) know that the residents and businesses of Tofino and the surrounding area will welcome delegates with your usual warmth and welcoming friendliness. But here are some particular ways that you can contribute to the success of this international congress!
- Learn about the Congress
- Volunteer for the Congress
- Attend some or all of the Congress - local registration rates
- Be a Congress Ambassador - businesses
- Be a Congress Ambassador - individuals