Congratulations to the Home Economists of New Brunswick & Reflections from Diane O'Shea, P.H.Ec.

The Ontario Home Economics Association (OHEA) would like to congratulate the New Brunswick Home Economics Association on the 100th anniversary of their association. One hundred years as a professional association is a significant accomplishment and demonstrates your members' dedication to the profession of Home Economics, as well to their own personal and professional development. 

The work of the Home Economists of New Brunswick over the last 100 years has lead to advocacy across many sectors - the result of which has been improved quality of life for individuals and families in their community and beyond. An important testament to the value of their work is also the fact that the number one suggestion received from New Brunswickers to make their province healthier was to have mandatory Home Economics classes! (1) This finding has contributed significantly to the growing conversations across several jurisdictions about this much-needed curriculum change.

The New Brunswick Home Economics Association also had a conference on June 1-3, 2018. Their theme was "Celebrate the Past, Embrace the Present, and Look to the Future." We hope this three day event was filled with knowledge, creating connections, and encouraging Professional Home Economists to further develop this profession. 

Once again, we would like to congratulate the New Brunswick Home Economics Association on this monumental accomplishment. 

References:
New Brunswick Medical Society. (2017). Top 3 in 10: Taking back New Brunswick’s Health.

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LET’S CELEBRATE 100 YEARS OF HOME ECONOMICS IN NEW BRUNSWICK  

June 1st to 3rd, 2018

Reflections by Diane O’Shea, P.H.Ec. 

When I first saw the notice about this conference in the OHEA Digest, I was impressed with the program and the fees. Given my now “retired” status, I turned to my husband and asked if he would like a drive to New Brunswick. He readily agreed and we were off to what would be the best professional development ever!

Using the theme, “Celebrate the Past, Embrace the Present and Look to the Future”, the New Brunswick Home Economics Association created a truly memorable event. From the opening wine and cheese reception and the hilarious Dr Jeanne Godin a NBHEA president from 2005-2007 and 2013-2015 and a professor at the Universite de Moncton along with former Home Economics educator, Barry Robertson, to the closing ring ceremony for new Home Economics graduates the weekend was filled with wonderful networking (I didn’t know a soul), thought provoking speakers, exceptional food and facilities, and a dynamic exploration of 100 years in stories, music, décor, fashion  and fun. There were delightful surprises along the way and we came home loaded with glorious gifts!

The Evolution of the Home Economics Profession created an incredible interactive approach that celebrated the many people that pursued post-secondary studies in Home Economics and subsequently took positions in a variety of related fields such as extension and education. Through photos, role playing and storytelling former members and presidents accomplished an eye opening display of personal journeys in Home Economics as well as the history and formation of the Home Economics Association which began in 1918 with 61 Household Science graduates from Mount Allison Ladies’ College. The first by-laws were adopted in 1923 and the first newsletter was also published. Much credit must be given to Home Economics educator, Aline Landry, for tremendous research that culminated in an extremely impressive historical journey. At the end of the conference participants were presented with a 238 page Souvenir Booklet filled with stories, newspaper clippings and pictures. It is a tremendous read! The personal journeys truly reflect the upholding of Home Economics philosophy and mission in a variety of related fields for 100 years.

Highlighting Our Different Fields of Practice featured a panel of professionals who work in a variety of socio-economic, political, educational and business sectors. Each panel member reflected on their Home Economics training and background and explained the impact in their various fields today as they strive to meet the changing needs of society.

A Healthy Life for Today’s Families: What are the Challenges? Here Dr Linda Dalpe who is described as a person of influence discussed some of the challenges facing New Brunswick families and what can be done collaboratively to improve their health and quality of life. Dr Dalpe is very active within medical organizations in encouraging a shift towards prevention in managing health. She sees Home Economists and a more commonly used term, Family Economists, providing significant roles.

The Future of Our Profession: Young Home Economists’ Vision of Our Profession portrayed current and upcoming generations of young professionals in Home Economics and Human Ecology as they explained their visions of the future of the profession. Participants were asked to describe their visions on huge picture frame which would be later displayed at the University of Moncton.

In continuing the students’ visions two Universite de Moncton professors, Dr Julie Caissie and Dr Lyne Chantal, looked at the influence of new technologies on family relationships, now and in future, particularly with regard to the issue of consent.

While the above presents a brief outline of the conference, here are some of my “take-aways”…

• Women who began Home Economics were really trying to bring the needs of families to the forefront, women were not allowed to vote until 1919 in New Brunswick. There has been a long line of advocacy for the health and well-being of families initiated by Home Economics professionals over 100 years and this continues.
• Home Economics is truly a “prevention-based profession” (perhaps we need to dwell more on this??)
• Themes of “family-economists” and the need for “home management” emerged with recognition for “integrative” approaches. For example, while food and nutrition is a fundamental focus, food preparation cannot be taught without the financial resources being place. We need more holistic ways.
• New Brunswick Home Economics Association and other organizations are lobbying extensively for compulsory food and nutrition courses taught by Home Economists who have a Bachelor of Education degree (there is a meeting scheduled with the Ministry of Education for late June).
• Several political dignitaries spoke about the focus on the development of “family” focused policies be they in programs, events, services or education. One reinforced the need to teach kids how to “run their life”. Another described how his experiences with sewing machines in Home Ec launched him into making kites in what has now become a magnificent kite festival for families in Dieppe.
• Claudette Bradshaw, former federal cabinet minister and former federal co-ordinator of homelessness has had an incredible journey in pursuing the values and practice of her Home Economics education – read her story! She attended the conference.
• A commemorative stamp was arranged for the event as was a unique painting. Donations were made to support a domestic shelter in Bathurst with the winner receiving the artwork.

• The P.H.Ec. designation in New Brunswick, according to the Act, grants both the Right to Title and the Right to Practice.
• Delighted to present a letter of congratulations  from Dr. June Matthews, President OHEA.

• In thinking about future directions for Home Economists, “technology has contributed to a growing divide between the traditional roles that children and their parents play while at the same time blurring lines between parents and children” (Dr. Julie Caissie).
• There is a need in New Brunswick for supporting more strongly programs and courses related to Home Economics and Human Ecology at the Universities along with stronger liaisons. There is also a need to support young workers in their various work areas. Hopefully efforts can be reciprocal in terms of leadership and advocacy under the Home Economics Association umbrella. (Is this a theme for Ontario?)
• As mentioned above the food, décor and fun was wonderful. At the Saturday evening banquet, table groups made butter (thanks to Dairy Farmers of Canada) and enjoyed an incredible 100 years of  fashion show.

• All presentations and print materials were in French and English, I am totally envious of those people who so easily speak and understand both languages with ease.
• I met some wonderful people with remarkable stories – I have a new friend, a woman who graduated from the University of Saskatchewan in 1948, worked in Extension in New Brunswick for many, many years, a past president of NBHEA and she is still doing amazing things!
• The weekend and the trip were really worthwhile!