We are experienced human ecologists, social scientists, and farmers who are passionate about putting our shoulders to the wheel and getting behind creative and innovative actions to help build vitality and resilience for people and ecosystems.
What is Biocultural diversity?
Biocultural combines two words that are commonly more familiar to people in their separate forms: biological and cultural. Joining them invokes the profound connections between the enormous diversity of life on Earth as expressed in the variety and variability of ecosystems, and the incredible diversity of ways of knowing and being in human societies: all bound together in a complex web of life. Framed as biocultural diversity, these inextricably linked relationships are both the source and objective of a robust and resilient world.
Biocultural combines two words that are commonly more familiar to people in their separate forms: biological and cultural. Joining them invokes the profound connections between the enormous diversity of life on Earth as expressed in the variety and variability of ecosystems, and the incredible diversity of ways of knowing and being in human societies: all bound together in a complex web of life. Framed as biocultural diversity, these inextricably linked relationships are both the source and objective of a robust and resilient world.
Who can benefit from Island Reach Biocultural Services?
We work with social movement groups, member-based organizations, nonprofits, educators, individuals, and trusts and foundations active at at one of the many frontlines of the social and environmental crises of our times.
Our biocultural services are available to help partners with efforts to re-localize systems and structures for greater well-being and resilience (e.g., food systems, agroecology, solidarity economies); re-vitalize ecosystems (e.g., restoration, conservation); and engage personal and collective responses to the crises
(e.g., leveraging resources to seed social and environmental justice, ecopsychotherapy).
We know from experience that being at the frontlines is challenging. We have found vibrancy, joy and effectiveness in tackling such challenges with artistic sensibilities.
Our biocultural services are grounded in values of equity, reciprocity, and respect.
Learn more about these services here
Our biocultural services are available to help partners with efforts to re-localize systems and structures for greater well-being and resilience (e.g., food systems, agroecology, solidarity economies); re-vitalize ecosystems (e.g., restoration, conservation); and engage personal and collective responses to the crises
(e.g., leveraging resources to seed social and environmental justice, ecopsychotherapy).
We know from experience that being at the frontlines is challenging. We have found vibrancy, joy and effectiveness in tackling such challenges with artistic sensibilities.
Our biocultural services are grounded in values of equity, reciprocity, and respect.
Learn more about these services here
Meet Janis and Brooks
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Our work is informed by decades of personal and professional study and action, continually refined and enhanced through our hands-on and engaged work with individuals, groups, communities, and organizations locally and globally as...
We bring this breadth of experience, skill, and knowledge to each collaboration and engagement, working with clients to identify the most relevant and creative ways we can ally with your unique project, initiative, or questions to build greater vitality and resilience. |
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What others have to say about us
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The Centre for Local Prosperity has engaged Janis and Brooks several times in our Thinkers Lodge retreats. They are top-shelf film makers, with creative and sensitive content capture, and timely and artistic creation of final works. In addition, they have been instrumental in providing input into the design of these events and how best to optimize the facilitation and outcomes. CLP looks forward to an ongoing relationship in the future - they are a true joy to work with.
Robert Cervelli Executive Director Centre for Local Prosperity I had the pleasure of working with Janis and Brooks for the planning and filming of the Centre for Local Prosperity's recent Thinkers' Lodge retreat in Pugwash, Nova Scotia. They brought together deep understanding of the topic of our event (exploring responses to the climate crises) with the keen eyes and ears of documentary filmmakers. They helped to shape our retreat into something transformative for the participants, and were ever-present during the event to draw out and capture the most important conversations and insights. I've worked with award-winning filmmakers before, but I've never seen anything like Brooks and Janis. They're a remarkable team. I recommend them without hesitation to any organisation that is looking to create and document a unique, change-making event.
Andy Horsnell, Social Enterprise Solutions, Andy Horsnell Consulting |
Drs. Steele and McCutchen have demonstrated outstanding capacities to empower their partners and yield successful resource management outcomes in very challenging contexts in Vanuatu and across the Pacific region. They have shown an open-mindedness to traditional and Western ideas, bringing to the table an intellectual rigour much needed as we navigate complex change processes in local livelihoods. They are committed to collaborative work and creative problem solving. Their numerous and highly-regarded field documentaries show a great attention to detail and bring critical messages in a relatable way to community and international partners.
Dr. Christopher Bartlett, Government of the Republic of Vanuatu, Lead Negotiator on Loss & Damage
Dr. Christopher Bartlett, Government of the Republic of Vanuatu, Lead Negotiator on Loss & Damage
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Outstanding from beginning to end. I have to admit I shed more than a few tears while watching it. The concept guide presents itself well also……The work that you are doing is simply amazing, undeniably important, and should reap significant rewards if you can find the best way to distribute your message and the film. I admire you folks for the work you do for our planet and its inhabitants. Time is running short. We must all find ways to remedy the damage that we have done and are doing.”
Bill Lattrell, Wetland Scientist & Restoration Ecologist, Massachusetts US
Bill Lattrell, Wetland Scientist & Restoration Ecologist, Massachusetts US
What is most precious and unique about the film is that it connects the human elements at both ends of the climate change spectrum- indigenous peoples and rural farmers being impacted by climate change with the heroes and activists trying to stop the problem in the industrialized world. Immuto shows the deep concerns and fears of village people working to adapt to the onslaught of negative changes brought about by climate change, with their struggles and initiatives to find a way to survive into the future. It pans to Europe and America- the developed world, and shows concerned and motivated young people and activists sacrificing their all as they try in desperation to stop the source of the problem- the unbridled burning of fossil fuels. Throughout the film, a great love for the planet and a great love for humanity comes across, connecting those of like mind and unified hearts who are from greatly contrasting nations- the rich nations that largely cause the problem with those of the poor nations most impacted by climate change.
Dr. Austin Bowden-Kerby, Sustainable Environmental Livelihoods for the Future, Fiji Islands
Dr. Austin Bowden-Kerby, Sustainable Environmental Livelihoods for the Future, Fiji Islands
“You've done a first rate job finding these voices and creating the images and editing it all together into a moving call to educate and act. Films that have budgets much larger than yours are not necessarily any better in motivating an audience.”
Paul Marbury, Berkeley, CA
Cinematographer (credits include Mulan 2020, Racing Extinction, 2015, The Matrix Revolutions, 2003)
Paul Marbury, Berkeley, CA
Cinematographer (credits include Mulan 2020, Racing Extinction, 2015, The Matrix Revolutions, 2003)
Educational and Public Speaking
I have known Janis Steele for over two decades. Her capacity to remain curious, to strive for insights and to make connections between societal structures and everyday life is exemplary. I worked to support her teaching in a joint graduate course in Public Health and Sustainability at the University of Massachusetts Amherst in 2017 because I admire her insights and careful analyses of the complex array of influences causing and affecting the biodiversity crisis.
Dr. Steele drew on the depth of her practical knowledge from the field and her commitment to intellectual rigor to design a syllabus that was broadly theoretical, geographically varied, supplemented with many case studies. Students found the course both challenging and innovative. Student feedback was very positive, including an appreciation of Dr. Steele's applied expertise and the thought-provoking material.
Dr. Lisa Wexler, Professor, School of Social Work, University of Michigan
Dr. Steele drew on the depth of her practical knowledge from the field and her commitment to intellectual rigor to design a syllabus that was broadly theoretical, geographically varied, supplemented with many case studies. Students found the course both challenging and innovative. Student feedback was very positive, including an appreciation of Dr. Steele's applied expertise and the thought-provoking material.
Dr. Lisa Wexler, Professor, School of Social Work, University of Michigan