What does a better future for people and the planet look like? The “Tending Tomorrow, Picturing Today” exhibit invites us to slow down and reflect on the connections between humans, nature, and the systems we live in, and how the choices we make today can shape a more just and resilient tomorrow.
Running from July 2nd to September 30th at the Grebel Gallery, this exhibit brings together photography by Ndagire and prose from Leah Reesor-Keller's book, Tending Tomorrow: Courageous Change for People and Planet. Through images and words, the exhibit explores connection, care, and resilience in the face of environmental and social challenges. More than just a visual exhibit, “Tending Tomorrow, Picturing Today” is an invitation to reimagine the future. It challenges Western ideas that place humans above nature and instead embraces the possibility of flourishing together, creating a space to reflect on harm, healing and hope.
Ndagire is a freelance photographer and peace practitioner who brings a deep sense of place and attentiveness to her work. Her photography, much of it captured while she was living and working for two years in Chocó, Colombia, reflects her connection to nature and the strength of grassroots communities regarding climate change. Originally from Uganda, Ndagire has lived and worked across East Africa, Latin America, and North America. She is currently the Undergraduate Academic and Administrative Officer for Peace and Conflict Studies at Grebel, and holds graduate degrees in both International Development and Peace and Conflict Studies.
Leah is a writer, speaker, and leadership consultant who helps churches and nonprofits envision bold, justice-oriented change. Her book Tending Tomorrow invites readers to respond to global challenges with imagination, courage, and care. Leah’s career spans 20 years of working with faith-based and social justice organizations in Canada, Jamaica, Haiti, and Nepal.
Leah and Ndagire co-created this exhibit as a way to bring Leah’s book’s message into conversation with Ndagire’s powerful visuals. Whether you are drawn in by the photography, the prose, or the questions the exhibit raises, we hope Tending Tomorrow, Picturing today will offer a quiet space to reflect and relate.
The exhibit launched on July 9 with a guided gallery tour led by Ndagire and Leah. As visitors moved through the space, the co-curators shared personal reflections and stories behind the work. “This work is a labor of love, community, and creation care,” Ndagire shared. “It is meant to name the environmental injustices happening both here and elsewhere. Most importantly, it is meant to highlight critical species deemed insignificant in our conversations on climate change, and the threat it poses to these beings. It was great to be a part of this project. Thank you for listening and engaging with the stories we have shared.” Leah added, “It’s powerful to see people not just looking at the work but really connecting with it. That moment of shared reflection is where meaningful change begins.”
The Grebel Gallery is on the fourth floor of Conrad Grebel University College. The exhibit is free and open to the public from Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 6:00 pm, or by appointment. The space is wheelchair accessible. To arrange a group visit or host an event in the gallery, contact cpacoordinator@uwaterloo.ca. We would love to welcome you to the gallery!
