Niagara College students, employees and community members will get the chance to hear from a modern day explorer who has chronicled his adventures journeying through Canada’s rugged landscape.
On October 12 from 1 to 3 p.m., ncLibraries and Learning Commons, in partnership with NC Sustainability, will host an online living library event featuring guest speaker Adam Shoalts, a Canadian professional explorer, geographer, historian and best-selling author.
Shoalts, who is a Niagara native, has participated in numerous archaeological digs, mapped rivers, and undertaken solo expeditions by foot and canoe in the most remote wilderness areas.
In 2017, he completed a nearly 4,000-kilometre trek across Canada’s Arctic to mark 150 years of Canadian Confederation. More recently, from April to July 2022, he journeyed 3,400 kilometres from Lake Erie’s Long Point to Kangiqsualujjuaq in the Arctic to follow the migratory path of birds.
During his Oct. 12 discussion, Shoalts will highlight his experiences as a professional explorer, sharing photography from his adventures.
Library Facilitator Geoff Brown noted that ncLibraries wanted to host a conversation that focused on the environment, climate change and sustainability for its next living library event – Adam Shoalts’ unique experience fit the bill.
“Adam is such an accomplished member of our local community who has had first-hand experience with the Canadian landscape,” said Brown. “Adam’s explorations will provide profound insights into our featured topics for the fifth installment in our living library event series.”
All are welcome to register for the event, which will be moderated by Evan DiValentino, NC’s Associate Dean, School of Environment and Horticulture.
“I’ve spent some time doing my homework on Adam and his expeditions, books, photography, and discussions. I’m truly impressed by his passion for, and knowledge of, the natural environment,” said DiValentino.
“Adam has gone through great lengths to see the Canadian wilderness and there’s a lot we can learn from him,” he added. “Keynote speakers like Adam don’t come around that often, so I’d encourage the NC community to join the conversation on October 12.”
Shoalts has penned multiple best-selling books about his explorations including Alone Against the North (2016), Beyond the Trees: A Journey Alone Across Canada’s Arctic (2020) and The Whisper on the Night Wind: The True History of a Wilderness Legend (2022). His book A History of Canada in Ten Maps (2018) tells the stories behind ten centuries old maps, and how they came to shape what became “Canada.”
All four books are available through ncLibraries for students and employees to borrow.
More about Adam Shoalts
Adam Shoalts is a Brock University graduate and holds a master’s and PhD from McMaster University.
In 2013, Shoalts was elected a Fellow of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society for “extraordinary contributions to geography.” He is also the Westaway Explorer-in-Residence of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society and in 2016 was named a national champion of the Trans-Canada Trail.
Shoalts has a particular concern for preserving wild places and has been involved with many conservation organizations. In 2008, he received the Niagara Region’s environmental award for his work on local watersheds.
Read more about Adam Shoalts at adamshoalts.com.
About the Living Library series
The ncLibraries and Learning Commons Living Library event series seeks to provide a forum for guest speakers to share their experiences firsthand. The living library concept, where books are people and reading consists of a conversation, has been adopted by organizations across the globe to challenge stereotypes, stigma, prejudice and discrimination.
The ncLibraries team hosted educational events for Treaties Recognition Week in Fall 2020, Black History Month in February 2021, Pride Month in June 2021, National Indigenous Education Month in November 2021 and Asian History Month in May 2022. Recordings are available on the ncLibraries website.
