Riverfest 2024

September 5 - 26, 2024 

Location: Cohen Commons, Visual Arts Centre

River Through Your Eye: Campus Community Photography is an exhibit curated by the campus community through the annual celebration of Riverfest. This collection on photo submissions from 2022 and 2023, showcases the beauty of the Deshkan Ziibi (Antler River/Thames River) captured through different perspectives.

River Through Your Eye returns for another year, with submissions being accepted until the end of September. Those who submit photos will be entered into a Sustainability prize pack draw that includes Riverfest-branded swag. Participants are encouraged to submit their photos via Instagram to @WesternuSustain or email sustainability@uwo.ca.Be sure to use the hashtag #RiverThroughYourEye2024.

Saturday, September 7, 2024 at 1:00pm - 3:30pm

The O-Serves Wellness Walk Along the River is an event during Western's Orientation Week designed to introduce new students to some special locations on campus and explore their new home. 

Students will also be invited to take photos along the walk as part of the River Through Your Eye Instagram Contest that runs from September 7 - 27.

September 7 - September 27, 2024

This social media contest is designed to encourage students, faculty, and staff to connect with Deshkan Ziibi and enjoy the nature around it. This activity engages with the Western Sustainability and Indigenous Student Centre’s Instagram pages as submissions will be shared on these platforms, through the hashtag #RiverThroughYourEye2024.

At the end of Riverfest, two participants will be selected through random draw to win fun prizes.

Wednesday, September 11, 2024 at 12:00pm - 1:00pm

Location: Meet at the Western Community Gardens

Do you want to learn more about the sustainability features Western's campus has to offer? Join us for an afternoon Green Campus Tour along the river. All are welcome to attend this event. Please meet at the Western Community Gardens, located behind the Greenhouses.

This tour will highlight some of the following:

• Deshkan Ziibi or the Thames River
• Electric vehicle charging
• LEED-certified buildings
• Live Stake Planting project (Campus as a Living Lab)
• Pollinator and Community Gardens

REGISTER HERE

Friday, September 13, 2024 at 12:00pm - 1:00pm

Take a break and get outside for some fresh air! Join Ben Souriol, graduate student in the Department of Biology, for an hour-long walk through tranquil trails and walking paths along the river on campus. Dress appropriately for the weather, as walks may continue in rainy or muddy conditions! Ben's Wellness Walks are a great way to explore campus, connect with nature, meet new friends and improve your overall well-being. 

This event is open to all members of the campus community (students, staff, faculty). 

Registration is required. To participate, please email Ben Souriol (bsouriol@uwo.ca) in advance of the walk to receive updates in the event of a cancellation or time change. The walk begins in front of the Biological & Geological Sciences Building (BGSB). 

Thursday, September 19, 2024 at 6:30pm - 9:00pm

Paint Night by the River is an interactive session led by artist Moses Lunham. Moses (Anishnaabe) is an accomplished First Nations artist from the community of Kettle and Stony Point First Nation. A graduate from Fanshawe College's Graphic Art and Design Program (1990) Moses has worked with many First Nation communities in Southwestern Ontario by providing a wide range of art workshops inspired by his culture.

"Creating art is a very therapeutic experience. It heals and provides us the opportunity to make connections to story and cultural teachings that are needed for Mino Bimadziwin (A Good Way of Living)."

In 2015 Moses was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award for his art from the Anishnaabek Nation. "My work is a reflection of my people (Anishnaabe), their spirituality and ideology."

The evening will include a step-by-step painting tutorial on beautiful hand-carved cedar paddles.

No prior experience is necessary to get involved. All supplies will be provided at this event, just bring yourself! This event is only open to the Western campus community.

Space is limited and registration is required. This event is open to the Western campus community. 

REGISTER HERE

Friday, September 20, 2024 at 8:00am - 12:00pm

Location: Kent Walk North, in front of McIntosh Gallery

You're invited to take part in the fourth annual Bike to Campus Day! This event focuses on spreading awareness and highlighting the benefits of active transportation. Connect with community and campus partners at the Bike Fair (8am-12pm).

If you are a seasoned cyclist or are curious about getting involved with active transportation, there will be resources at the Bike Fair to learn more about some of the following topics:

• Cycling routes in London
• Safe commuting
• Silent bike auction brought to you by Western Special Constables
• E-bike test rides with the London Bicycle Cafe
• Bike theft prevention and the 529 Garage Program
• Bike parking and infrastructure on campus
• Bike accessories (bells/lights/mirrors)
• And more!

Be sure to stick around at 8:30am for a group photo in front of McIntosh Gallery.

You can join a Green Campus walking tour of campus led by Western Sustainability or a cycling tour led by WATS over the lunch hour (12pm-1pm). Please see registration links below.

Walking Tour Registration OR Cycling Tour Registration

Tuesday, September 24, 2024 at 5:00pm - 7:00pm

Location: Cohen Commons, Visual Arts Centre

Connect with Deshkan Ziibi and each other during an evening of storytelling and sharing in the Cohen Commons, located within the Visual Arts Centre. We'll hear from Wahsayzee Deleary and Danalynn Williams on the river and the importance of water.

Participants are invited to come to learn as well as explore the River Through Your Eye: Campus Community Photography exhibit in the same space.

An optional Water Walk will take place at the end of this event.

REGISTER HERE

Wednesday, September 25, 2024 at 10:00am - 11:00am

Location: Meet in the FIMS Graduate Library Terrace (FNB Rm. 3020)

In honour of National Tree Day, Truth and Reconciliation, and Western's Second Annual Riverfest there was a Tree Planting Dedication ceremony of a White Pine.

The event will begin with a feast, followed by a ceremony at the White Pine Tree (located next to the Tennis Bubble).

Thursday, September 26, 2024 at 10:30am - 11:30am

Location: Meet behind Elgin Hall Residence, near the Medway parking lot

Join the Indigenous Students' Association, Indigenous Student Centre, and Western Sustainability for an Anishinaabe Water Walk.

The event will begin wth a talk by Wahsayzee Deleary, Loon Clan. Water is life, and in this event participants will be encouraged to reconnect with their own personal connection to Deshkan Ziibi as we walk along the river in ceremony.

We will meet behind Elgin Hall Residence, near the Medway parking lot. After the opening, we will walk along the river as a group, led by the Indigenous Students' Association, and our route will bring us back to the starting location. Participants are encouraged to bring their own lawn chair or blanket to sit during the opening remarks.

Registration is encouraged. Drop-ins are welcome, but please try to register in advance. This event is open to all members of the campus community, Indigenous and non-Indigenous, faculty, staff, and students. We hope to see you there!

REGISTER HERE

Sunday, September 29, 2024 at 10:30am - 12:00pm

Members from the Western Sustainable Leaders Program are invited to take part in the third annual post-homecoming campus clean-up. Participants will earn Co-Curricular Credit.

This event is open to WSLP members. If you're looking to get involved with the WSLP, visit here for more information.

REGISTER HERE