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SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
Environment was on the agenda for the moderator of the United Church of Canada, Mardi Tindal, who was in Yellowknife this week to talk with individuals and organizations.

Mardi Tindal, moderator of the United Church of Canada, was talking about the environment during a visit to Yellowknife this week. She spoke to Yellowknifer at Northern United Place on Wednesday. - Kevin Allerston/NNSL photo

Tindal said she was impressed with Yellowknifer's attitude toward the environment.

"It's been an inspiring time. It's been wonderful to meet leaders here in church, in community and in government, who are so fully engaged in taking in the reality of ecological crisis, and particularly with a focus on climate change and an understanding of ocean change," said Tindal.

She spent her time from March 7 until yesterday speaking with people in government, environmental organizations, aboriginal groups and young people to hear their views.

"People here are remarkably knowledgeable, I think, and courageous, and aren't afraid to try things, to take initiative," said Tindal. "There are a great many concerns in the North, of course, about the thawing permafrost, also about rising sea levels and coastal communities, and the coming need to relocate whole communities."

She said people have been talking about having a "new paradigm" for how well-being is measured.

"It's time for the world to come together to look at other ways of measuring economic and social well-being. Ways that are sustainable and that acknowledge the natural limits of the Earth. The way to re-frame 'a good life,'" said Tindal.

"Because, of course, the rate at which we're consuming is not bringing happiness or a sense of well being. The approach we are taking is widening the gap between those who are wealthy and those who are poor."

One person Tindal met with is environmental activist Daniel T'seleie.

"It's really good to see the interest and the dedication that the United Church and other faith groups have in taking serious action on climate change and other environmental justice issues," said T'seleie. "The United Church, in my opinion, has been one faith group in Canada that has taken a leading role in addressing some of these serious issues that we're facing."

The involvement of groups like the United Church is critical. It's critical," he said. "We need to approach it from the standpoint of doing the right thing in life, and faith-based groups like the United Church are capable of really being a leader."

Tindal was not alone on her trip. Along with her was Nora Sanders, general secretary of the United Church of Canada, who is originally from Yellowknife, who spoke about declining membership in the United Church of Canada.

"I know that congregations everywhere in Canada are experiencing smaller numbers, and I think that has to do with a whole lot of things. People have busy lives, Sunday's often the only times they can be together. I also think a different generation will find different ways of coming together to think about these things," said Sanders.

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