Minket Lepcha, Storyteller, Film Maker & Researcher

Minket Lepcha is an Indigenous Lepcha woman from a Himalayan region of Darjeeling, India. She has been engaged in documenting and storytelling based on folklore of Darjeeling and Sikkim for the last decade. Minket was awarded the Young Green Filmmaker award in 2016 at the Woodpecker International Film Festival for her film, Voices of Teesta. Having always been inspired by Lepcha folklore and believing that the ecological wisdom is hidden in these stories, she conducts workshops based on the Lepcha folklore in the Global South. Also, Minket and her team curated an online exhibition, where 30 young girls from Northeast India collected their river folklore with the Living Water Museum. This exhibition was titled ‘Visualising Water Heritage of Northeast India through Storytelling.’

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Currently, Minket is a first year PhD student in the Environment and Geography faculty at the University of Manitoba and is mentored by Dr. Steph McLachlan. Minket also works as a researcher at the ECL. Her research focuses on water issues, such as hydro impacted communities, Indigenous ontologies, and gender.

Hosna Banihabib, ECL Researcher

Hosna Banihabib, a master’s student, delves into the environmental and social impacts of hydroelectric dam projects on Indigenous communities in Northern Manitoba. Growing up with a deep connection to her Azari heritage, Hosna has always been fascinated by traditional healing mechanisms and plant-based medicines, which are integral to her cultural background. In Azari culture, traditional healing practices are deeply rooted in the use of natural remedies and holistic approaches to health. This includes the use of various herbs, plants, and natural resources that have been passed down through generations. Elders in Azari communities often possess extensive knowledge of these natural remedies, which are used to treat a wide range of ailments and promote overall well-being. Hosna’s journey began in Iran, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in urban engineering from the University of Tehran.

Learn more about Hosna Banihabib

Her passion for addressing complex environmental challenges led her to Canada, where she is now guided by Professor Stephane McLachlan in the Environmental Conservation Lab. Here, she collaborates on projects that integrate Indigenous knowledge systems and traditional land-based healing practices. Hosna’s perspective, rooted in her cultural background and personal experiences, enriches her work and aims to create a respectful and insightful understanding of the environmental challenges faced by Indigenous communities. Her Azari heritage and its emphasis on natural healing resonate deeply with the traditional knowledge she encounters in her research, allowing her to bridge cultural gaps and foster mutual understanding. Her future research will stand out for its community-based participatory approach, which places Indigenous voices at the heart of the process. Through her work, Hosna has formed meaningful connections with Indigenous healers, learning about their practices and the profound relationship they have with the environment.

Jeremy Mumford, ECL Researcher

Jeremy Mumford is the newest member of the Environmental Conservation Lab, and a dedicated environmental advocate with a robust background in ecological conservation and environmental protection. Armed with a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies, focused in environmental assessment from the University of Manitoba, Jeremy has honed his expertise in assessment protocols, resource management, and sustainable practices. His academic and professional journey reflects a deep-seated commitment to preserving natural habitats and addressing the environmental challenges that impact communities. 

Jeremy’s passion for environmental protection is deeply intertwined with his advocacy for social justice, particularly for inclusivity and the rights of minority groups.

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As a proud member of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, Jeremy understands the importance of diverse perspectives in enhancing collective conservation efforts. He has been a vocal advocate for ensuring that marginalized voices are included in environmental discourse and decision-making processes. His work is driven by a belief that a truly sustainable future must be inclusive, where all communities are empowered to participate in and benefit from environmental conservation efforts.

In his various roles, Jeremy has consistently demonstrated leadership and a collaborative spirit, bringing together community members, organizations, and stakeholders to work towards common environmental goals. He is proud to have been involved in projects that not only address ecological issues but also build stronger, more resilient communities. His approach to environmentalism is holistic, recognizing the interconnectedness of environmental and social, factors. Jeremy’s ongoing commitment to integrating inclusivity and environmental protection reflects his vision of a future where sustainability and social justice go hand in hand.

Klara is an undergraduate student currently completing an undergraduate honours degree in environmental science with a focus in stewardship. She is passionate about environmental education, ecosystem management, and conservation, and aspires to collaborate in research that benefits the livelihoods of local communities and their environment, in ways that can foster solution-building and community healing.

Through her past experience in environmental education, Klara has gained an appreciation for the value of learning in building and sharing narratives that prioritize wellbeing, as well as fostering a greater appreciation for all living things. During her time at the ECL, she has engaged in making environmental learning more accessible, working closely with French-speaking communities to help equip youth with an understanding of community-based environmental monitoring and citizen science tools.

Learn more about Klara Gagnon

Klara is driven by her experiences as a member of the French-speaking community in Manitoba, and hopes to offer the opportunities she did not have access to growing up to today’s Francophone youth. She hopes to continue to learn about new ways to promote a greater appreciation for nature and find solutions for a more sustainable, collaborative and inclusive future.