November 19, 2023
The Don Rix Distinguished Keynote Address is right around the corner, and this year promises to be an extraordinary journey into the heart of exploration, anthropology and genomics. At the helm of this captivating event is a name synonymous with adventure, discovery and the unraveling of human stories.
Meet Wade Davis
Wade Davis is a writer, photographer, ethnographer and filmmaker whose work has taken him from the depths of the Amazon rainforest to the icy expanse of the Arctic. A recipient of the Samuel Johnson prize for best non-fiction writing, Davis holds degrees in anthropology, biology and received his Ph.D. in ethnobotany from Harvard University.
Davis has experienced and documented the rich tapestry of human cultures and ecosystems across the globe. His extraordinary journey has led to a profound understanding of our planet’s diversity and interconnectedness, and he’s eager to share these insights with us.
The Wayfinders of Genomic Wisdom
Wade Davis’s keynote address, titled “The Wayfinders of Genomic Wisdom,” promises to be a remarkable exploration of Indigenous cultures and their invaluable contributions to our understanding of the world. From the master navigators of Polynesia to the Indigenous peoples of British Columbia, Davis’s captivating journey will shed light on the incredible role that Indigenous wisdom plays in addressing the challenges of our modern world. He will connect the dots between genomics, culture and our interconnected global community, offering fresh perspectives on how we can overcome the complex issues of our time.
Discover how genomic science unveils the profound truth that we are all connected by the same genetic cloth. Davis reveals the consequences of a conqueror’s worldview that led to species extinctions and climate change. He argues that Indigenous perspectives combined with genomic insights can revolutionize conservation, restore ecological balance, mend cultural divisions and provide the antidote to heal our ailing world.
Whether you’re a seasoned professional in the fields of genomics and anthropology or simply curious about the world we live in, this event offers something for everyone. Wade Davis’s captivating storytelling and profound observations will leave you with a new perspective on our planet’s past, present and future.