Hello Nature Manitoba members,
The Nature Manitoba Board has discussed our options regarding the upcoming AGM on March. 23rdh. Following the advisories from health authorities, and working groups regarding COVID-19, we have made the decision to postpone the in-person AGM meeting at The Franco Manitoban Cultural Centre.
We will likely provide members with the option of an electronic copy of the 2019 Annual Report or a printed copy, sent by post,. We are looking at how to accomplish other AGM business such as election of officers and Board members, approval of the individual reports and voting on the advertised resolution. We will communicate details of how we will do these things to you all as soon as they are finalized. If the COVID-19 situation permits, we may reschedule the AGM for a later date, as well as other events to celebrate our 100th Anniversary.
Award results will be announced online.
We thank you for your understanding in making this hard decision but the health and safety of our membership and community is our first priority.
Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns.
Agenda:
NATURE MANITOBA
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
POSTPONED - NEW DATE TBA
Franco Manitoban Cultural Centre
340 Provencher Boulevard, Winnipeg
AGENDA
- Welcome
- Minutes of the preceding Annual General Meeting 18 March 2019
- Annual Report of the President
- Treasurer’s Report
- Appointment of Auditors for 2020
- Annual Reports of Committees
- Presentation: Tall Grass Prairie by Marilyn Latta*
- Resolutions
- Election of Board Members
- Election of Executive Members
- Presentation of Awards
- Adjournment
Refreshments and birthday cake!
*Marilyn Latta is past-president of Nature Manitoba and long-time chair of its Habitat Conservation Committee. She was an integral part of identifying and conserving what's left of our tall grass prairies and establishing the Manitoba Tall Grass Prairie Preserve. She has worked for decades to help manage Nature Manitoba's tall grass prairie, as well as to educate the public about the prairie and the species there. We are pleased to have Marilyn at our AGM to talk about Nature Manitoba's rich history with the tall grass prairie and what it's been like to manage this property for 35 years!
Slate of Nominees:
NOMINATIONS
2020/2021 Proposed State of Officers
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Executive (1 year terms) |
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President |
Jack Dubois |
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Executive Vice President |
Sandy Hayglass |
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Vice President |
James Whitelaw |
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Treasurer |
Andre Laberge |
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Secretary |
Vacant |
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Past President |
Don Himbeault |
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Directors (3 year terms) |
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Term Ending Mar/2023 |
Term Ending Mar/2022 |
Term Ending Mar/2021 |
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Christian Arthuso |
Alain Louer |
Rommel Molod |
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Marika Olynyk |
Maria Mitousis |
Les McCann |
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Lesly Andrews |
Karen Smith |
Up for election:
Christian Artuso (3-year term):
Above: Photo by Youn Young Park
Christian has a Ph.D. in Environment and Geography from the University of Manitoba. His thesis examined how Eastern Screech-Owls are affected by human population density. Christian works for Birds Studies Canada, managing Manitoba projects such as the Golden-winged Warbler Survey and the Manitoba Breeding Bird Atlas. Christian joined the Nature Manitoba Board in 2008, chairs the Manitoba Important Bird Area program and is involved with the Manitoba Chimney Swift Initiative and the Manitoba Avian Records Committee (MARC). Christian regularly leads bird outings and participates in numerous bird surveys such as the Manitoba Nocturnal Owl Survey (MNOS), Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) and Christmas Bird Count (CBC). He has published many articles on Manitoba’s avifauna and recently received the Cliff Shaw Award for outstanding contributions to the Blue Jay. Christian is passionate about conservation and committed to public outreach, regularly giving presentations at venues ranging from schools to scientific conferences. Christian enjoys traveling and wildlife photography. He has photographed over 3,600 species of birds and his photos appear in many magazines and books. His website is artusobirds.blogspot.com.
Marika Olynyk (3-year term):
Marika is an environmental educator and ecologist. She holds a Masters in Natural Resources Management, and has worked as an ecologist in the areas of pollination, avian, and prairie ecology. Marika currently works with Parks Canada and is a co-founder of Urban Ecology Winnipeg. She has a background in community engagement and is passionate about developing meaningful ways for people to interact with the natural world. In her spare time, Marika loves hiking, camping, and canoeing, and enjoys exploring new places across the province.
Resolutions:
Resolution to the 23 March 2020 Annual General Meeting of Nature Manitoba - Put forward by Marilyn Latta, Chair, Habitat Conservation Committee:
Recognizing that Nature Manitoba spearheaded the first efforts to identify and conserve the remaining tall grass prairie habitat in Manitoba, and
Recognizing the hard work and dedication of Nature Manitoba volunteers, staff and donors over many years that resulted in the securing of land and the subsequent establishment of the Manitoba Tall Grass Prairie Preserve with various partners, and
Recognizing that the ongoing care and management of the tall grass prairie lands owned by Nature Manitoba has become onerous over time and that the major landowner and our partner organization in the Preserve, the Nature Conservancy of Canada, has the staff and expertise to manage these lands optimally,
Therefore be it resolved that the members of Nature Manitoba present at this Annual General Meeting instruct the Board Executive to effect the transfer of ownership of its tall grass prairie properties to Nature Conservancy of Canada, in this our centennial year, and also to ensure appropriate recognition and ongoing management involvement.
Notice To Members:
Policy Resolutions: All proposed resolutions must appear in Nature Manitoba News at least 15 days prior to an Annual General Meeting or Special General Meeting or in a separate mailing to the members at least 15 days prior to the meeting at which they are to be voted on by the members. Any separate mailings of the resolution(s) shall be at the expense of the mover of the resolution(s) unless otherwise indicated by the Board.”
Amendments of the Bylaws: Notice of intent to amend the Bylaws shall appear in Nature Manitoba News at least twenty-one days prior to the Annual General Meeting or any Special General Meeting of the Society. A two-thirds majority of the members voting is required to amend the Bylaws.”