Media 2017

December 7, 2017

AGA Bondar Challenge Exhibition
Opens at the Art Gallery of Algoma

Sault Ste Marie, Ontario

175 Algoma District students who worked through the Art Gallery of Algoma Bondar Challenge this Fall, celebrate the Opening and Presentation by Dr. Roberta Bondar of the AGA’s exhibition of participants’ photographic images. Each image is accompanied by an Artist’s Statement about its meaning and intent.

The Art Gallery of Algoma presents the students’ final submissions in exhibition from December 7, 2017 – January 6, 2018

RELATED MEDIA:

Jan 10, 2018
Ronald McDonald House, Toronto
Roberta Bondar visits RMHC Toronto to present Katelyn Godin with framed print of her AGA Bondar Challenge submission.

Dec 4, 2017
SooToday .com
Roberta Bondar inspires the next generation of photographers

December 7, 2017

The Case(s) of the Sault Ste Marie Walk of Fame!

Sault Ste Marie, Ontario

The completion of Sault Ste. Marie’s Walk of Fame restoration project was celebrated in a ceremony as the Sault’s Canada 150 Honorary Chair and one of the City’s first Walk of Fame recipients, Dr. Roberta Bondar, unveiled the display case located at the Art Gallery of Algoma, one of four locations throughout the downtown.

RELATED MEDIA:

Dec 8, 2017
SooToday .com
PHOTO GALLERY: Sault Ste. Marie completes Walk of Fame restoration project

Dec 7, 2017
CTV Northern Ontario video:
New look for Walk of Fame in Sault Ste. Marie

Sault Star .com
Bondar unveils new Walk of Fame display

October 17, 2017

Dr. Roberta Bondar receives 2017 Canadian Eco-Hero Award

Toronto, ON
Planet in Focus 18th Annual Environmental Film Festival

A special launch event honoured the many achievements of a true pioneer, Canadian icon, and environmental education advocate, Dr. Roberta Bondar.

Eco-Heroes are presented each year at the Planet in Focus Environmental Film Festival to both Canadian and International individuals whose body of work has had significant impact on raising awareness of environmental issues through artistic expression.

The evening included a talk by Dr. Bondar and an interview conducted by Ziya Tong with audience questions.

September 30, 2017

New Roberta Bondar photography exhibit opens at Art Gallery of Algoma Thursday

Sault Ste Marie, Ontario
SooToday Staff, SooToday.com

‘Light in the Land ~ the Nature of Canada,’ opens at the Art Gallery of Algoma (AGA) on October 5

September 18-19, 2017

“Earth Matters” and Ontario 150 Bondar Challenge

MANITOULIN ISLAND INVITATION to attend Dr. Roberta Bondar’s presentation entitled “Earth Matters” and to launch the Ontario 150 Bondar Challenge

M’Chigeeng Monday, September 18th Time: 1:00 pm

Wikwemikong Tuesday, September 19th Time: 9:30 am

August 20, 2017

Ex-astronaut Roberta Bondar showcases art at Lunenburg photo exhibit

Lunenburg, Nova Scotia
Lois Ann Dort, The Chronicle Herald

Examines the interlinks between Science, Art, and Dr Bondar’s nationally touring exhibit Light in the Land — the Nature of Canada, currently showing at the Lunenburg School of the Arts — on public exhibit until September 16.

Dort engaged the former astronaut in a discussion about this Travelling Exhibit and Learning Experience [TELE], Science, Art and the challenges Bondar continues to set for herself.

August 12, 2017

Young photographers in Peterborough taking close-ups with nature for The Bondar Challenge

Peterborough, Ontario
Jessica Nyznik,The Peterborough Examiner

“This article is what we are all about.”

Dr. Roberta Bondar, The Roberta Bondar Foundation

How and Why a Bondar Challenge stimulates the thoughtful “seeing” of Nature in youth, then helps them use technology to capture unique images for sharing intriguing aspects of their natural environment with others.

With slide show of Clifford Skarstedt’s candid shots of these Bondar Challengers at their work in the field.

August 2, 2017

Bondar: one of today’s most versatile and creative thinkers

Baddeck, Nova Scotia
Carolyn Barber, The Victoria Standard

Famed Canadian astronaut, neuroscientist, author, photographer inspires many during trip to Baddeck

This feature article is packed with answers to Barber’s insightful questions. In her interview at Cape Breton University’s special convocation in the Alexander Graham Bell Historic Site, Barber also relays several of Dr Bondar’s meaningful moments, memories, and views about Learning, Life, and the planet.

July 22, 2017

Astronaut Roberta Bondar honoured with CBU degree

Baddeck, Nova Scotia
Alexander Graham Bell Historic Site
Ryan MacDonald, CTV News Atlantic

Highlights of Cape Breton University’s Special Convocation to award Dr. Roberta Bondar a honorary degree, recognizing her contribution to space medicine research. In the interview segment, Dr Bondar highlights the several interests she shares with Mabel Hubbard Bell — although almost a century apart — art, science, technology, and business.

July 22, 2017

Bondar receives CBU’s highest honour

Baddeck, Nova Scotia
Alexander Graham Bell Historic Site
Elizabeth Patterson, The Cape Breton Post

From her view of Bell’s Silver Dart replica hanging above the ceremonies representing Canada’s first powered flight to her own memory of orbiting the Earth in STS Discovery — and all within 80 years of each other — the vision of Cape Breton University‘s special convocation in this most appropriate of Canadian aviation sites was never lost on Dr Bondar.

RELATED MEDIA:

July 21 2017
Nancy King, Cape Breton Post
Canada’s first woman in space to receive honorary CBU degree in Baddeck Roberta Bondar encourages students to explore a more liberal education.

June 12 2017
Cape Breton Post
First neurologist in space, Dr. Roberta Bondar, will receive an honorary CBU doctorate of letters “for her pioneering contribution to space medicine research” during a special convocation ceremony at the Alexander Graham Bell Museum.

July 20 to August 11, 2017
Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site, Baddeck, NS

August 18 to September 17, 2017
Lunenburg School of the Arts, Lunenburg, NS

Light in the Land ~ The Nature of Canada

Light in the Land ~ The Nature of Canada, the newest Travelling Exhibition and Learning Experience [TELE], opens in Nova Scotia! Created specifically by The Foundation to honour the 25th anniversary of her historic flight into space, this TELE features 14 of Dr. Roberta Bondar’s large, fine art photographs.

More Information from the TELE’s Nova Scotia host ~ The Alexander Graham Bell Foundation

Baddeck Venue
Lunenburg Venue

July 19/21, 2017

High Flight

Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, July 19
Baddeck, Nova Scotia, July 21

For two performances only

High Flight — an evening of multimedia “sonic splendor” — images and sounds, orchestra and chorus, as Dr. Roberta Bondar joins the Elmer Iseler Singers in celebration of the 25th anniversary of her flight aboard STS Discovery’s First International Microgravity Laboratory

This performance is part of:
Mabel Bell: Celebrating a Life & Legacy of Outstanding Nova Scotia Achievements in Art & Science

June 18, 2017

Life Reflected

Toronto, Ontario

Sunday, June 18: Luminato 2017 Performance of the National Arts Centre Orchestra’s celebrated Life Reflected, director and creative producer Donna Feore’s merge of storytelling, original compositions, and immersive multimeda to reflect four legendary Canadian women: anti-bullying advocate Amanda Todd (My Name is Amanda Todd), writer Alice Munro (Dear Life), astronaut Roberta Bondar (Bondarsphere) and poet Rita Joe (I Lost My Talk).

July 9, 2017

First woman in space among those honouring Mabel Bell this summer

Baddeck, Nova Scotia

Cape Breton Post:
This year marks 110 years since the formation of the Aerial Experiment Association by Mabel Bell – the first woman in the world to fund, form and manage an aviation company.

From July to September in Lunenburg and Baddeck, the Silver Dart anniversary committee along with Canada’s first woman in space Dr. Roberta Bondar presented a series of events in several venues, for a variety of ages to help celebrate Nova Scotia’s significant achievements in the areas of history, arts, science and technology.

May 30, 2017

Enbridge Famous 5 Speaker Series

Sarnia, Ontario

Cathy Dobson, The Sarnia Journal, reports that Dr. Bondar, keynote speaker at an Enbridge Famous 5 event (Sarnia), spoke of her concerns about the planet’s finite resources, offering advice and encouragement to students in the audience, saying We harm the environment at our peril.

The Enbridge Famous 5 speaker series pays homage to five Albertan women, all activists in the early-mid 20th century who championed the rights and welfare of women and children.

May 24, 2017

LIGHT IN THE LAND: THE NATURE OF CANADA OPENS MAY 25 AT SCIENCE NORTH

Sudbury, Ontario

(SUDBURY, ON) — A unique, new travelling exhibition, Light in the Land ~ the Nature of Canada, opens today at Science North. The exhibition, designed by The Roberta Bondar Foundation, has been curated to honour the 25th anniversary of Dr. Bondar’s space mission. It features 14 oversized fine art photographs of the Canadian landscape from sea to sea to sea.

DOWNLOAD FULL RELEASE

May 10, 2017

InnovationOxford – Roberta Bondar 25th Anniversary

Michael Harding, InnovationOxford, leads Roberta into motivations and memories from her childhood through her education, summer jobs, and years of diverse training to her present in this 25th Anniversary commemoration of her flight aboard the First International Microgravity Laboratory.

In taking Dr. Bondar through her professional life, Harding manages to re-view and reveal uncommon, special, meaningful moments from those 25 years to catch up on her subsequent and continuing achievements.

April 25, 2017

Sault Ste. Marie Science Festival

Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario

The Sault Ste. Marie Science Festival that kicked off Monday, April 24th sparks an interest in science among all age groups and creates an opportunity to celebrate science. Dr. Roberta Bondar, a former Science Fair winner herself when a 9th grade student, made her way around the exhibits stopping to speak with participants and to ask questions about their interests.

For more of this event and Dr. Bondar’s visit, see saultonline.com

April 24, 2017

Earth Matters – Science North and The Roberta Bondar Foundation Partnership

Science North and The Roberta Bondar Foundation have formed a new partnership to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Dr. Roberta Bondar’s historic space travel with Earth Matters, a multi-city series of guest appearances throughout Northern Ontario focused on the trailblazing astronaut’s love for this planet.

The inspirational seven-stop series, which kicks off on April 25 at the Sault Ste. Marie Science Festival in Dr. Bondar’s hometown, is part of Ontario’s 150th anniversary celebrations. The initiative also incorporates the photography-based Ontario150 Bondar Challenge.

“My view from the spacecraft Discovery 25 years ago forever changed my view of Earth, and it was on that flight that I committed to protect this magnificent planet,” says Dr. Bondar, whose Foundation is committed to connecting people to nature through photography in order to promote good health and protect the planet.

Dr. Bondar is not only Canada’s first woman and world’s first neurologist in space, she is also an award-winning photographer, who photographed each of Canada’s National Parks for the book Passionate Vision – Discovering Canada’s National Parks. She will illustrate her talks on how her unique perspective from space made her appreciate Earth using many of her fine art images and videos.

“As part of Science North’s mandate in serving Northern Ontario we are always looking for ways to extend our reach and bring science education to all communities in Northern Ontario,” says Guy Labine, Science North CEO. “We are delighted to partner with Dr. Bondar, who is such an inspiration to so many Canadians, in bringing her insights about our planet to Northern Ontario in such a unique way.”

“Ontario’s 150th anniversary is an opportunity for people to recognize and celebrate the incredible resources our province offers,” says Eleanor McMahon, Ontario Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport. “Under the leadership of Dr. Bondar and Science North, Earth Matters and the Ontario150 Bondar Challenge will engage and help people connect with our natural world in an inspiring and impactful way.”

Dr. Bondar’s tour of the North has additional stops in Sudbury, North Bay, Timmins, Manitoulin Island, Kenora and Thunder Bay the dates for which will be confirmed in the coming weeks.

The Ontario150 Bondar Challenge invites people to take photographs of an aspect of nature in their own community that they admire and hope will still exist 150 years from now. Participants will be asked to submit their photographs along with a brief description of why what they have captured is meaningful. Once submitted, these photos can be viewed on community pages accessed here.

The photography will be curated into narratives of each community’s hopes for the ‘natural future’ and publicly posted. The illustrated online stories will be promoted by The Roberta Bondar Foundation on their site and social media channels as well as on the Science North website. More details about this challenge will be announced in the first stop of the tour on April 25, 11am at Algoma University, GLC Field House and posted at that time on The Foundation’s The Ontario 150 Bondar Challenge webpage.

The event is aimed at students from grade 6 to 12 with members of the general public invited to attend. Tickets are free but limited and can be reserved online at sciencenorth.ca/ssmscifest.

“It is my hope that when people connect to nature through photography, they will love and respect Earth and work together to protect it so that we can enjoy a healthy life on a healthy planet,” says Dr. Bondar.

About the Roberta Bondar Foundation
The Roberta Bondar Foundation’s mission is to build healthier lives by protecting the natural heritage of our planet. By connecting people to nature through photography, the foundation aims to promote good health while protecting the planet. Programs include nature photography programs for youth, traveling photography exhibitions on biodiversity for all generations, research and speakers’ series by Dr. Roberta Bondar. Examples of The Roberta Bondar Lecture and Seminars programs and series.

About Science North
Science North is Northern Ontario’s most popular tourist attraction and an educational resource for children and adults across the province, operating the second- and eighth-largest science centres in Canada. Science North’s attractions include a science centre, IMAX® theatre, digital Planetarium, butterfly gallery, special exhibits hall, and Dynamic Earth – Home of the Big Nickel, a separate science centre focused on mining and earth sciences.

About Ontario150
2017 is the 150th anniversary of Ontario as a province. To recognize this historically significant year, the government launched Ontario150, a year-long commemoration that is honouring the province’s past, showcasing the present and inspiring future generations. Through Ontario150 grant programs and a series of signature initiatives, Ontario is engaging youth, encouraging cultural expression, promoting participation in sport and recreation, and creating economic opportunities across the province.

For more information, media are asked to contact:

Science North
Nicole Chiasson
Director, Education and Northern Programs
705-522-3701 ext. 375
chiasson@sciencenorth.ca

The Roberta Bondar Foundation
Donna Baker, Project Coordinator
dbaker@therobertabondarfoundation.org
(416) 522-4859

February 15, 2017

A Canadian Trailblazer – TVO’s Nam Kiwanuka talks with Dr Roberta Bondar

TVOntario

TVO’s multimedia journalist and current affairs host, Nam Kiwanuka talks with Dr Roberta Bondar about space flight aboard the First International Microgravity Laboratory and how it impacts Dr Bondar’s view of life on Earth.

Their conversation covers a diverse range of topics — science, creativity, professional landscape and nature photography, and The Roberta Bondar Foundation’s environmental awareness and education programs. Kiwanuka guides Dr Bondar through milestones, motivations, microgravity, and medicine. Quick-paced. Informative. Fun.

February 18, 2017

The Woodstock Art Gallery presents Windows onto the Wild

Woodstock Art Gallery
Woodstock, ON

The Woodstock Art Gallery presents Windows onto the Wild from

Saturday February 18 until Friday June 30. This is a customized and carefully curated Travelling Exhibition and Learning Experience [TELE] from The Roberta Bondar Foundation.

Opening Reception includes a “Walk and Talk” with Dr Bondar to help launch Windows onto the Wild — all part of The Gallery’s and Dr Bondar’s co-mission to encourage, through art, an appreciation and better understanding of the natural environment.

Main Gallery Second Floor

RELATED MEDIA:

Feb 9, 2017
WOODSTOCK SENTINEL REVIEW feature:
Heather Rivers, Woodstock Sentinel-Review
Windows onto the Wild will open on Feb 18 at the Woodstock Art Gallery

Sep 14, 2015
WOODSTOCK SENTINEL REVIEW feature:
Bruce Urquhart, Postmedia Network
Woodstock Art Gallery hosting photography exhibition by former astronaut Dr. Roberta Bondar in February 2017

January 31, 2017

Senate Tribute for 25th Anniversary

The Senate of Canada, Ottawa

Senator, The Honourable Patricia Bovey joined parliamentarians in paying tribute to Dr. Roberta Bondar on the 25th anniversary of her flight, working in the precursor of the International Space Station.

In her statement, Senator Bovey described Bondar’s commitment to championing the environment and its species, her efforts to capture and share its images, and her engagement initiatives with audiences and youth.

January 31, 2017

Global Television, Making A Difference

Global News Broadcast Journalist Susan Hay sits down with Dr. Roberta Bondar to discuss Life and Legacy and how the world’s first neurologist in space is Making a Difference.

TWEETS THIS WEEK THAT MADE US SMILE:

January 31, 2017

Terry Sheehan, MP, Sault Ste Marie, pays tribute to Dr Roberta Bondar in the House of Commons

Ottawa, House of Commons

[Feature article from SooToday.com]

January 31, 2017

Robert Oliphant, MP, Don Valley West, salutes Dr Roberta Bondar in the House of Commons

Ottawa, House of Commons

Robert Oliphant, MP, Don Valley West, salutes Dr Roberta Bondar in the House of Commons… and declares a surprise Sault connection…

January 30, 2017

Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne Congratulations

Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne sent congratulations to Dr. Roberta Bondar on the 25th anniversary of Dr Bondar’s flight aboard Space Shuttle Discovery‘s historic mission.

The Premier also commended Dr Bondar’s contributions and commitment to the community, to civic service, and to raising awareness of our relationship with the natural world and the importance of environmental sustainability through The Roberta Bondar Foundation.

January 28, 2017

Getting perspective on rising above from (who else?) an astronaut

Globe and Mail
Elizabeth Renzetti

Renzetti interviews Dr Roberta Bondar and reveals some of Bondar’s perspective on our planet, the effects of space flight on human health, and her commitment to reconnecting people to their natural environment.

January 24, 2017

CBC News: Dr. Roberta Bondar: Canada’s First Lady of Space

As a lead into Canada’s 150th birthday, Reg Sherren, a CBC feature journalist, follows Dr Roberta Bondar into Toronto’s Parkdale Jr and Sr school.

An effervescent storyteller, Sherren weaves fun, fact, and philosophy in The Next Canada a thoughtful vignette about Bondar’s values, salient background, defining moments, and present path.

He checks out Dr Bondar as she takes him into one of her Foundation’s programs, The Bondar Challenge. The finale captures the mutual excitement and joy of Parkdale youth who have taken the challenge to reflect the world around them through the camera lens and become inspired by their environment. They are “The Next Canada” taking inspiration from Dr Bondar.

January 21, 2017

CBC News: Mansbridge One on One | Dr. Roberta Bondar

Canadian Broadcasting Corporation

CBC News Chief Correspondent, Peter Mansbridge engaged Dr Roberta Bondar in his weekly Mansbridge One On One to talk about the 25th anniversary of her space flight aboard Discovery…

Their half hour of conversation recalled both the flight and her work aboard the First International Microgravity Laboratory and how its experience has touched her life. They discussed her present activities in professional landscape photography and some of the motivation for her Foundation’s environmental awareness and education programs.

Mansbridge surprised Bondar with guests who each asked her opinion on different issues related to space and exploration. And more!

 January 19, 2017

Roberta Bondar recalls the nerves, thrills of becoming Canada’s first woman in space

Toronto ON

Kevin Bissett, The Canadian Press, speaks with Dr Roberta Bondar as she recalls the nerves, thrills of becoming Canada’s first woman in space.

As world’s first neurologist in space, Bondar discusses the pressures she felt working on experiments that dozens of scientists from X countries had spent years preparing & which would be executed in Spacelab in a fraction of a week.

And, however exciting the time in space, how that, too, was a fraction of her Life, a work in progress that continues to evolve.

January 9, 2017

DR. ROBERTA BONDAR DAYS PROCLAIMED BY SAULT STE MARIE MAYOR PROVENZANO FOR JAN 22-30, 2017

Sault Ste Marie ON

Sault Ste Marie, Ontario, January 19, 2017 – The Mayor of Sault Ste Marie read his proclamation before City Council and public online feed declaring January 22 -30, 2017 as Dr. Roberta Bondar Days. The Dr. Roberta Bondar Days are one of the City’s key initiatives to celebrate Canada’s 150th anniversary.

The choice of January dates is a special silver anniversary tribute to Dr. Bondar’s January flight aboard Discovery on NASA’s historic First International Microgravity Laboratory [IML-1], STS-42 mission.

At Mayor Provenzano’s invitation, Dr. Bondar will join him on Canada Day as the City’s Honorary Ambassador to preside over its 150th Anniversary of Canada Day Celebrations in Roberta Bondar Park.

RELATED MEDIA:

SAULT ONLINE WEB FEATURE:
from Sault Online.com:
Roberta Bondar selected as Sault’s Canada 150 ambassador

SOO TODAY WEB FEATURES:
Sault Ste. Marie launches into Canada 150 Celebrations
Are you ready for January 22?

SAULT STAR WEB FEATURE:
Canada 150 celebrations launched