OF SELF, PLACE, AND PRACTICE: AN ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATOR‘S EXPLORATION OF ECOLOGICAL IDENTITY Carmen Andrea Schlamb Doctor of Philosophy Nipissing University 2016 OF SELF, PLACE, AND PRACTICE: AN ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATOR‘S EXPLORATION OF ECOLOGICAL IDENTITY CA MEN AND EA SCHLAMB SUBMITTED IN PA TIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUI EMENTS FO THE DEG EE OF DOCTO OF PHILOSOPH, NIPISSING UNI-ERSITY SCHULICH SCHOOL OF EDUCATION NO TH BA,, ONTA IO / Carmen Schlamb April 2016 Abstract This dissertation is an exploration into the formation and development of my ecological identity as an environmental educator see2ing a3areness of my sense of self, of place, and of my personal and professional practice. Ecological identity, defined by Thomasho3 as —all the different ways people construe themselves in relationship to the earth as manifested in personality, values, actions, and sense of self.6 is best understood by engaging in ecological identity wor2 which encourages in7uiry into many areas of life. Through narrative in7uiry self8 study, I e0plore my lived e0perience in nature over the past 4 decades and identify stories that hold meaning and offer insight into my relationship with nature. By storying and restorying these narratives as I cross time and situation, I create landmarks on my personal and professional landscape that help me navigate my 3ay for3ard as an educator and as an individual wor2ing to3ards pra0is in life and wor2. This study invites environmental educators, through concrete demonstration, to consider performing their o3n acts of in7uiry that may provide insight into their identity and ho3 they conduct their teaching practice. iv Ackn wledgments :hen I decided to embar2 on this doctoral research I did not anticipate the number of people that would accompany me on the journey. In so many 3ays, this wor2 is our collective 3or2, and I am honoured to have them represented within these pages. To my dissertation supervisor, mentor, and friend, Dr. Carmen Shields. my appreciation of your guidance and support throughout my graduate years and this in7uiry cannot be e0pressed in words. I will spend the ne0t 20 years paying it for3ard. To my supervisory committee members, Dr. Pauline Sameshima, Dr. Carole ichardson, and Dr. M. J. Barrett, I than2 you for your thoughtful consideration of this wor2 and your valuable input. To Dr. David Booth, my e0ternal e0aminer, and Dr. Heather Rintoul, my internal e0aminer, I than2 you for the time and attention you have given this research. To my husband, whose story is so braided with mine. None of this would have been possible without your love and full support. To my daughters, the lights of my life, than2 you for your great gift of time, and patience with ”mom at the computer.‘ To my parents and siblings 3ho cheered me on from the sidelines, and who wal2ed bac2 in time with me through the early stories. To my friends œ ne3 ones made through conversation and art, and seasoned ones I will al3ays cherish for cottage wee2end fun, movie/taco nights, and unlimited te0ts and emails when I 3as in the weeds. Than2 you for coming with me on this e0ploration. v Table of C ntents Abstract ............................................................................................................................. Page Abstract .................................................................................................................................... iv Ac2no3ledgements ................................................................................................................... v List of Figures .......................................................................................................................... i0 P OLOGUE ............................................................................................................................. 1 On the Practice of Landmar2ing ................................................................................... 1 A Note to the Sojourner ................................................................................................ A Landmar2s ................................................................................................................... 10 CHAPTER ONE: IN*UI ING INTO AN ENVI ONMENTALL, INFLUENCED LIFE .............................................................................................................. 16 Defining Nature and Environment .............................................................................. 1C Ecological Identity ...................................................................................................... 20 Deep Ecology .............................................................................................................. 23 Systems Thin2ing ........................................................................................................ 26 Find Your Place .......................................................................................................... 2A CHAPTER TWO: SU -EYING THE LANDSCAPE .......................................................... 2C Focus of Research ....................................................................................................... 2C Justification for Research ............................................................................................ 2E The Story in the Middle: Then and No3 .................................................................... 3C Scholars of Influence: Landmar2 Scholars ................................................................. 3E CHAPTER TH EE: P EPA ING TO EXPLO E USING NA ATI-E METHODOLOG, AND METHODS ............................................................ 42 vi Identity Research Grounded ........................................................................................ 42 Life Started Qualitatively ............................................................................................ 43 *ualitative Research ................................................................................................... 44 Narrative In7uiry as Methodology and Method .......................................................... 45 Self8Study .................................................................................................................... 4A MHtissage as Frame3or2 ............................................................................................. 4C Ecological Identity Wor2 ............................................................................................ 4E Approaches to Research .............................................................................................. 53 Methods ....................................................................................................................... 5A Strength of Study and Considerations ......................................................................... 61 Data Collection and Analysis ...................................................................................... 64 CHAPTER FOU : THEO ETICAL UNDERPINNINGS FO MA IING HOME AND RESTO ,ING M, EA L, YEA S ON THE LAND ................................. 6E Environmental Consciousness .................................................................................... A0 Nature Deficit Disorder ............................................................................................... A3 Postmodernism and Ecological Identity Wor2 ........................................................... A5 Braiding in the Story Before the Story ........................................................................ C0 Nature as Teacher Threads: Stories From Where the Land Meets the Water ............. C2 The —I6 Word Threads: Reflections From the Middle of the Bus ............................... CC The More8Than8Human Threads: Learning From Teachers of Another Kind ........... E5 CHAPTER FI-E: PACIING THEO , AND VENTU ING OUT– A SEA CH FO ROOTS OF TRANSFO MATION ........................................................ 103 Constructing a Ne3 Reality ...................................................................................... 104 vii Interpreting a Ne3 Reality: Environmental Hermeneutics ....................................... 10A -oicing a Ne3 Reality .............................................................................................. 10E Schemas ..................................................................................................................... 111 Searching for Place Threads: Stories that Drive West .............................................. 111 Turning Bac2 To3ard the Wild Threads: Narratives From an Accidental Teacher . 11C Beyond a Circle of One Threads: Adding Voices to My Story ............................... 12C CHAPTER SIF: UNPACIING THEO , AND SEEKING SIGNSJ AN ECOLOGICAL IDENTITY IN EVOLUTION ............................................................. 136 On the Goal of Pra0is ................................................................................................ 13A A Word about Signs .................................................................................................. 13E See2ing Signs in the Physical: Navigating On the Ground ....................................... 140 See2ing Signs of the Past in the Present: Welcoming Ways of Kno3ing ................ 14C See2ing Signs From Fello3 Travellers: Charting My Course ................................. 156 See2ing Signs in the Collective: Connecting With Community ............................... 161 EPILOGUE: LANDMA