British primatologist Jane Goodall visits Kitchener
Jane Goodall, a world-renowned expert in primate research and conservation of the species, visited Kitchener, Ont. on Wednesday.
The British primatologist, who has dedicated her life to help save the natural world, dropped by for an event at the Centre in the Square.
But first, she attended a much more intimate gathering at River Willow Centre in downtown Kitchener.
The centre is an open-door community space for those who identify as Indigenous, racialized, two-spirited and LGBTQ+.
The group behind the centre is well known in the community for their time at Landback camp in Victoria Park, also known as Willow River Park, three years ago.
In the back of the King Street East property is a garden, which used to be full of weeds. But thanks to a $5,000 donation from the Jane Goodall Institute, it now has a seating area, a small fire pit and gardens for growing food and medicine.
“Having a green space in the city, seeing that insects will come, and birds will come, and little animals will come,” said Goodall, referencing why the donation was important.
Goodall took a tour of the centre Wednesday afternoon and spoke to community members there about their joint effort to live off the land.
“To be able to hear Jane’s stories and her own relationship with the plants and the animals, we know that feeling was shared because Landback camp started on the land and we spent so much time in the park surrounded by animals and the trees and nature,” said Bangishimo, co-director of Willow River Centre.
Goodall also aligns with many of the values of the centre.
"The common thread that binds us all together is that we're all human beings. That's much more important than our religion, our race, colour of skin, language, culture. We're all human beings. All one family," said Goodall.
Staff at Willow River Centre say they have tried to make the garden as accessible as possible with raised beds.
They also hope to keep upgrading their garden over time with a bee hotel and other animal habitats – a cause close to Goodall's heart.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
TD Bank hit with record US$3 billion fine over drug cartel money laundering
TD Bank will pay US$3 billion to settle charges that it failed to properly monitor money laundering by drug cartels, regulators announced Thursday.
DEVELOPING Live updates: Millions without power amid path of destruction left by Hurricane Milton
Milton made landfall as a Category 3 storm Wednesday night, causing widespread destruction and immobilizing critical infrastructure. The extent of the damage is not yet known.
Fisher-Price infant swings recalled in Canada after 5 deaths reported
Several models of Fisher-Price infant swings have been recalled in Canada after the company received reports of fatalities link to affected products.
'The View' co-hosts come out swinging at Donald Trump a day after he insulted them
The hosts of ABC's 'The View' clapped back at Donald Trump on Thursday, a day after the Republican nominee for president insulted co-hosts Sunny Hostin and Whoopi Goldberg.
Poilievre says 'other ways' to address affordability for seniors than Bloc's proposed pension boost
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre says that while his party backed a Bloc Quebecois motion seeking money to boost seniors' benefits, he thinks there are 'other ways' to address affordability for older Canadians.
Ethel Kennedy, social activist and wife of Robert F. Kennedy, has died
Ethel Kennedy, the wife of Sen. Robert F. Kennedy who raised their 11 children after he was assassinated and remained dedicated to social causes and the family’s legacy for decades thereafter, died on Thursday, her family said. She was 96.
Video shows violent robbery north of Toronto, suspects make off with suitcase full of cash: police
Police north of Toronto have released video of what they’re describing as a violent, targeted robbery in Thornhill, where suspects boxed in the victim’s car and made off with a suitcase filled with cash.
Air Canada pilots vote in favour of new contract, dousing strike fears
Air Canada pilots have given a green light to a tentative agreement with the airline, easing any fears of a future strike.
B.C. candidate apologizes for 'unacceptable' comments about Muslims, Palestinians
One of the B.C. Conservative candidates running in the province's second-largest city has apologized for "completely unacceptable" comments he made about Muslims and Palestinians.