Newsroom

Global study measuring global glacier loss reveals significant melt

According to Glaciologist Dr. Brian Menounos, Professor in UNBC’s Geography program (GEES), “When we think about the end of this century, by and large, most of the ice in the Fraser basin will be gone.” He’s recently published research in the Glacier Mass Balance Intercomparison Exercise (GlaMBIE) alongside peers that found glaciers lost between 2 to 39% of their ice regionally, and about 5% globally between 2000 and 2023.

The gathering of this data involved in-person measurements, and space-born observation methods. It revealed an overall net loss with our local glacial melt rate being relatively quick compared to other areas of the planet. 

Unfortunately, the research does not paint a pretty picture. While we’re familiar with fires and floods, landslides are something our region has not dealt with on a wide scale, and their likelihood increases as the landscape changes. The project offers its data to create predictive models to forecast future consequences we can prepare for.

Photo Credit - UNBC - Dr. Brian Menounos

Healthcare Stress Motivates Attendance at UHNBC Reproductive Rights Demonstration

Elections near and far coupled with growing Healthcare concerns, underlied attendance at an annual reproductive rights demonstration organized by the Northern Women’s Centre at UNBC and encouraged by the ongoing IWAU conference. The gathering was witnessed by downtown commuters as CFURadio sampled some attendees. 

A common concern identified that healthcare services have become even more stressed and that stress is affecting everyone, including those seeking reproductive care. This increased the usual unease about access to abortion and other services.

A close BC election, and the return of the Republican party in the US election raised anxiety in the group, as the pivotal Roe v. Wade legislation was overturned in their prior term, removing federal abortion protections. Regarding that, in attendance was UNBC’s Dr. Indrani Margolin, who stated, “Women live, often, with a sense of fear and concern for their safety, so just knowing that’s happening across the border, it just raises that concern.”

Sustainable Bubbles Snap Crackle & Pop as Northern Pride Centre Replaces Rice at Rocky Horror Picture Show

Halloween weekend has crept up on the unsuspecting city of Prince George. As suits, ties, and well-to-do business bustles along amidst leaves whipping through crisp air, the UNBC Northern Pride Centre prepares for a far more scantily clad routine carried out in the darkness. A projection bulb flickers to life in UNBC’s Weldwood Theatre 7pm this Friday Oct 25th for the Rocky Picture Horror Show.

Typically this event serves as the fulcrum for the centre’s funding each year, but with the success of various drag night events initiated after the Covid-19 pandemic, there is less pressure on the success of this event. “It’s not the make-or-break anymore.” Says Northern Pride volunteer Jo Van Winkle. They continue, “It’s definitely getting more and more fun each year.”

A bag of accoutrements is available to each attendee. Costumes, both racy and modest, are welcome $10 in advance $15 at door, Room 7-238, near UNBC’s Winter Garden in building 7.

You can also grab some tickets from Books & Co. while supplies last.

Kym Gouchie Joins All Star Production & Performance Cast to Release Children's Album

A project Kym Gouchie conceptualized with Rae Spoon years ago has come to fruition with a quiet release this June 13th 2024 on Gouchie’s mother’s birthday, and its joyful noise will now be heard at Prince George’s Knox Performance Centre Wednesday October 23rd, and at no cost to no you. Local philanthropist Selen Alpay & Integris Credit union have supported a number of school groups to come and witness performances Tuesday and also earlier in the day on Wednesday the 23rd. Entry is FREE

The youth-focused album Shun Beh Nats'ujeh: We Are Healing Through Songs, shares lyrics in Dakelh, Secwepemctsin, English, and Cree. All of which reflect Gouchie’s ancestry and personal journey to asserting her identity as a Lheidli T’enneh woman. An all star cast of accomplished Western Canadian producers and musicians joined Gouchie for this complex project, most of which are joining her on stage at 6pm, Oct.23rd. The release is already picking up momentum, as the Vancouver International Children’s Festival will also be hosting Kym and her ensemble in the spring of 2025.

Attendees are encouraged to arrive at 6pm for bannock and jam.

Photo Credit - Katherine Benny