LIVING WATER SMART IN BRITISH COLUMBIA: “My research is really just bringing us back to the basics of what matters – human to human connection, trust-based relationships AND community,” stated Dr. Jane Wei-Skillern, Senior Fellow with the Center for Social Sector Leadership at the University of California Berkeley, and network leadership thought leader
Note to Reader:
Published by the Partnership for Water Sustainability in British Columbia, Waterbucket eNews celebrates the leadership of individuals and organizations who are guided by the Living Water Smart vision. Stories are structured in three parts: One-Minute Takeaway, Editor’s Perspective (REPRODUCED BELOW), and the Story Behind the Story.
The edition published on November 18, 2025 featured four thought leaders – Michael Blackstock in British Columbia; Jane Wei-Skillern and Zbigniew Grabowski in the United States; and Serpil Oppermann in Turkey. Reflections by the latter three within this story illustrate how the pioneering Blue Ecology work of Michael Blackstock in bridging the gap between Western and Indigenous perspectives resonates with each of them.
EDITOR’S PERSPECTIVE / CONTEXT FOR BUSY READER
“The story behind the story is what Michael Blackstock and I learned from our conversations with three thought leaders who embrace Michael’s teachings about Blue Ecology. Front-and-centre is our brainstorming with Jane Wei-Skillern. In January 2026, Jane and Michael will tag-team to lead a Partnership forum,” stated Kim Stephens, Waterbucket eNews Editor and Partnership Executive Director.
To Learn More:
Waterbucket eNews stories are structured in three parts: One-Minute Takeaway, Editor’s Perspective and Context for Busy Reader, and the Story Behind the Story. To read the complete 3-part storyline, download a PDF copy of Living Water Smart in British Columbia: Seed change through the power of relationships and networks.
DOWNLOAD A COPY: https://waterbucket.ca/wcp/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/11/PWSBC_Living-Water-Smart_Jane-Wei-Skillern_power-of-a-relational-foundation_2025.pdf