My Human Ecology Story

I recently had the opportunity to be one of three individuals to have my Human Ecology story recorded.  The question was simple: why did you choose Human Ecology?  There was also a secondary question of: what do you plan on doing with your degree?

Here is my answer to that question.  I apologize for the camera angle, I had no control over that.



My favourite part is the little summary of me:

 Josh is another recent graduate who is inspired to help people with his knowledge of family dynamics and issues situated in the contemporary society. He works independently as a freelance counsellor. 

You can read more here about this project, and also see to other peoples stories.

Fathers Day Gift Giving Ideas

I usually don’t write about gift giving ideas for Mother’s Day, because most people are aware of how to make this day work, and know what to give for gifts.  However, when it comes to Father’s Day, there is mass confusion, and a distortion in the media for gift giving ideas.

We are told to get dad the latest set of tools, a new computer, a car wash, socks, or the latest movie.  While these may be great gifts, it doesn’t provide the best gifts for Father’s Day.

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Read the rest of this column at the Battleford's News Optimist or at Notes on Parenting.

Fathers Day Gift Giving Ideas Clips on BTV

I was on CityTV's Breakfast Television the other day talking about Fathers Day gift giving ideas.  I had two segments on the show.

I must admit that the first segment, making crafts, I had my wife's help.  She pre-made the crafts, told me and showed me how to do them.  I am terrible with scissors, I should not have passed kindergarten with my lack of skills.  Nonetheless, here are the two clips from Breakfast TV!

• Homemade crafts for fathers day.
• Making a homemade movie for fathers day.

The Manitoba Association of Home Economists also came up with a booklet of 30 activities to do on fathers day.

Finding Toys that Our Kids Will Play With

I sat down recently and watched the documentary “Babies” with my wife for an at home date night.  A mistake in selection for my wife, because I sat down to critique the movie. Now let me first say that documentaries usually contain bias, inaccurate conclusions, and paradigm shift materials. Keep that in mind when you watch the film, or any documentary.

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Read the rest of the post at Notes on Parenting.

Seeking Participants for a Research Project: "Autonomous Motherhood: A Socio-Legal Investigation"

Research Team
Four researchers at universities in British Columbia and Saskatchewan, are involved in this project which is funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRCC).  The team leader is Professor Susan B. Boyd, Faculty of Law, University of BC.

Research Objective
The overall objective of the project is to investigate the experience of mothers who gave birth to or adopted a child while single and who then reared their children on their own for at least one year between 1945 and 2010 in Canada.  We call this practice of mothering outside of marriage or a cohabiting relationship "autonomous motherhood".

The Historical Interview Component
This component of the project will consist of 1 to 2 hour interviews with
 mothers who gave birth to or adopted and parented a child outside a marriage or common law relationship for at least a year between 1945 and 2010. There is very little research in Canada that highlights this experience. If you have a story of lone motherhood to tell, we would very much appreciate hearing from you.

Contacts
Professors Dorothy E. Chunn, Simon Fraser University (tel: 604-741-7889 (cell) or 778-782-4761; email: chunn@sfu.ca), and Wanda Wiegers, University of Saskatchewan (tel: 306-321-7822 (cell) or 306-966-5877; email: w.wiegers@usask.ca) are coordinating the historical interview component of the project. You may contact them at the telephone numbers or email addresses above to discuss possible participation in the historical interview study.

Welcome Back Winnipeg Je-Errr No Name Team

It's been a week now since it the announcement that Winnipeg is getting an NHL team.  It has been fascinating to see the hype, excitement, and the outpouring of support to this new team.

I remember being in high school and doing a school project with two classmates about the afford-ability of bringing an NHL team back to Winnipeg.  At the time with a low dollar, no salary-cap, smaller population, and other factors we came to the conclusion that Winnipeg couldn't support a NHL team.  It's amazing how much can change in almost 10 years.

It's exciting. It's a new refreshing start for Winnipeg. Let's Go Jets!!!! (or who ever you are)

The Lockhart Award for Family Social Sciences 2011 Recipient

History:

The reasoning behind the Lockhart Award for Family Social Sciences was to give back to the University that awarded me my degree, and also in respect to all those who supported me via awards, bursaries, scholarships and grants while attending.

Requirements:

1. Successful completion of the Bachelor of Human Ecology, majoring in Family Social Sciences

2. Minimum degree GPA of 3.0

3. Demonstrate the potential to be a strong leader through involvement in the Faculty of Human Ecology and/or volunteer work in their community.

4. Preference given to those with significant social obligations. Such as caring for children, elderly family members, or disabled family members.

5. A one page statement is to be submitted outlining how requirements are met.

6. The Awards Committee of the Faculty of Human Ecology is the selection committee.

6. The award is distributed yearly at convocation.

Recipients:

2010 awarded to Unnamed.

2011 awarded to Ogochukwu Udenigwe.