The Ritual of the Calling for Geoscientists in Nova Scotia will mark its twenty-sixth gathering in April 2026. Organized by the Covenant of the Earth Ring Society of Nova Scotia, the Ritual is a formal “call to service” ceremony which eligible geoscientists in our province attend voluntarily to confirm their desire to “serve and protect” the public through the application of their geoscience knowledge and skills.
The Earth Ring presentation to geoscientists is the highlight of the ceremony. The memento itself signifies that the participant has joined an honourable profession dedicated to seeking the truth in earth science and applying this to the service of people and environment.
The Ritual gives geoscientists a strong sense of their responsibility to the public and its safety, their peers, profession, ethics, and themselves.
Eligibility
Participation is limited to undergraduate and graduate earth science students who will receive a geoscience degree in May or December of this year, and who have completed the courses necessary to meet the General Knowledge and Experience Requirements for Professional Registration in Canada. This is a basic requirement for individuals who want to advance their professional career through registration as Member in Training (MIT) or Geoscientist-in-Training (GIT), and eventually Member (P.Geo.) with the Association of Professional Geoscientists of Nova Scotia (APGNS).
Students who make this commitment will be graduates of Acadia, Dalhousie, Saint Mary’s or St. Francis Xavier universities. Practicing Nova Scotia professional geoscientists (P.Geo.) and professors of geoscience at Nova Scotia universities may also participate in the Ritual.
Over 700 geoscientists have taken the oath to date and are eligible to wear an Earth Ring.
Role of APGNS
APGNS graciously supports the Covenant of the Earth Ring Society of Nova Scotia through promotion and financial support of the Ritual. However, individuals interested in wearing the Earth Ring are not required to be registered with APGNS. Wearing an Earth Ring is un-related to registration with APGNS.
Event Details: 2026 Ritual of the Earth Ring
Date: Friday, April 10, 2026, 6:30pm
Venue: Milligan Room, Life Sciences Centre, Dalhousie University
Cost: $25 (graduating students), $40 (P.Geo., MIT(GIT), LTP, and professors)
Ring Orders
Nova Scotia P.Geo., MIT(GIT), LTP registrants, and geoscience professors can place their orders through Dr. Pat Ryall, patrick.ryall@dal.ca.
Graduating students, contact:
Dr. Cliff Stanley, cliff.stanley@acadiau.ca (and general questions)
Dr. Erin Adlakha, erin.adlakha@smu.ca
Dr. Grant Wach, grant.wach@dal.ca
Dr. Donelly Archibald, darchiba@stfx.ca
