Angela Wang, HBA '26 shares her takeaways from the Ivey DeGrowth Club's Diversity of Thought: Breaking Out of the Bubble that took place on March 14, 2025.
The first Diversity of Thought (DOT) event was more than just a lecture—it was an experience. Designed as an interactive forum, the session brought together Ivey students, club executives, and guest speakers for a powerful dialogue that challenged conventional thinking and reimagined sustainability.
The event opened with a case-mapping session led by student club executives, where participants critically examined the hidden assumptions in Ivey cases. We asked tough questions like:
- (How) does the business ensure its necessary resources will be available in the future?
- Who in the business generates the most value? Are they fairly compensated?
- What is missing from the case facts—such as offshoring, worker disenfranchisement, or environmental degradation?
These questions opened up a much-needed space for reflection—one that’s often missing from a traditional Ivey classroom.
Globalization, Happiness, and the Costs We Don’t See
A screening of The Economics of Happiness pushed us further. It encouraged me to question who really benefits from globalization and unchecked corporate growth.
Indigenous Knowledge and Land Stewardship: A Powerful Keynote
The highlight of the afternoon was the keynote from Deshkan Ziibiing Indigenous Land Guardians Diamond McGahey and Taylor Deleary. Their talk wove together rich knowledge about Indigenous land stewardship, water ceremonies, traditional harvesting, and the urgent need to bring youth back to the land.
Through the lens of Two-Eyed Seeing—which blends Indigenous and Western ways of knowing—they emphasized the power of collaboration and the importance of viewing sustainability through a critical and decolonizing lens. I learned how Solutions must be holistic, interconnected, and deeply rooted in history, land, and community.
From Ideas to Action: Real-World Solutions
I learned about real initiatives being led by Indigenous communities, including:
- Carbon sinks and sequestering carbon through wetland restoration
- The Deshkan Ziibi Conservation Impact Bond, blending public and private efforts for long-term land protection
- Clean energy projects that produced cost savings for London homeowners annually while reducing emissions
- Nature-based solutions for flood mitigation, biodiversity restoration, and ethical urban planning
These efforts serve as both inspiration and a call to action—reminding me how much work still lies ahead.
A New Kind of Learning Space
I’m appreciative of DOT and the kind of learning space it is. It left me feeling inspired, fulfilled, and reflective. Huge thank you to Brennan Vogel, Diamond McGahey, and Taylor Deleary for sharing your time, knowledge, and stories. I’m excited to see what else can be done at Ivey.
Question for the audience:
“We are currently Deshkan Ziibiing Indigenous Land Guardians to come to Ivey—but how can Ivey come to Deshkan Ziibiing? How can we make more of an effort to learn and do more on the land?”
That’s the real question. And it’s one that deserves our attention going forward.
🌿 Want to learn more or get involved with future DOT or degrowth events? Stay tuned. There’s so much more to explore. @iveydegrowthclub
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