The 2008 financial crisis was ripe for a meltdown since those most literate with the world’s financial laws and limits were accomplices in the damage. An obscure and unquestioned governance system was the ideal setting for public negligence and private greed. 2008 proved that banks are not “too big to fail.” The regulators and traders skirted responsibility and hit a windfall, while about 10 trillion dollars was taken from people’s financial assets. The system crashed, the banks failed their customers, and yet in 2017 it is still business as usual. In 2017 we should be wondering about the Great Lakes: will they crash as well?
From Stakeholder To Guardianship: making decisions for perpetual care
In 2015 Ontario passed the Great Lakes Protection Act. One key difference to this Act was the establishment of Guardians Council. The Great Lakes Commons community is encouraged by this difference because the focus on 'Guardianship' aligns well with many of our principles. But how might a Guardian protect the waters differently than a typical stakeholder? What can a Great Lakes Commons offer this new Council?
Reclaiming the Water Commons: Water Ethics and Nature Rights in Maine
The all-day symposium features speakers, roundtable discussions and several performances. Registration begins at 8:00 am with an opening ceremony by gkisedtanamoogk of the Wampanoag Nation at 8:30 am.. Following the ceremony John Bear Mitchell, a storyteller from the Penobscot Nation, will share a story on water themes just prior to John Bank's talk which will take place at 9:15-10 am.