Bowen Island Undercurrent October 7 2021

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NERP KIOSKS: The dream is to have emergency hubs all over Bowen PAGE 8

Thursday, October 7, 2021 • A1

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 7 , 2021 HUMMINGBIRD THANK YOU

VOL. 47 NO.39

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Islanders showed up to make orange flags Sept.30 PAGE 5

BowUndercurrent www.bowenislandundercurrent.com

No orchard Applefest

BUT THE FESTIVAL’S CORE GOES ON AT THE FINAL FARMERS’ MARKET OF THE SEASON

SARAH HAXBY

Applefest spirit coordinator

UNDERCURRENT PHOTO

REUNITING: Bowen Island Community School gathered for its first in-person assembly in a year and a half, Friday

morning at Bowfest Field. The occasion: Whale Day. Skwxwú7mesh Nation cultural worker Bob Baker led the school through songs and some dancing to celebrate the return of yew yews (orcas) to these waters. The occasion also marked the launch of BICS’ new logo. See more: p. 6

COVID-19 rapid tests available at pharmacy

BRONWYN BEAIRSTO

Editor@bowenislandundercurrent.com

There’s finally public COVID-19 testing on Bowen Island. Cates Medicine Centre in Village Square is now offering COVID-19 antigen testing, popularly known as “rapid tests.” The tests are administered by a pharmacist, in line with Health Canada regulations, according to the pharmacy.

The test takes 15 minutes, start to finish, said pharmacist Simin

Mirpourzadeh. The tests are suitable for people five years of age and older, said Mirpourzadeh. “We don’t want to do little, little kids,” she explained.

While if islanders want to travel they need to have the more accurate polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test done on the mainland, the rapid tests are still helpful.

“This is pretty high accuracy but it’s not on the same level as the PCR,” said Mirpourzadeh.

Islanders are to book by calling ahead

Where

k n a B u o Y akes a Difference Ma

(604-947-0766) and are to stay in their car or stand in the covered waiting area.

(They do not want COVID-19 symptomatic people inside the pharmacy.)

Calling ahead is also good as administering the test is a matter of Mirpourzadeh having the time among all of her other duties. “They may have to wait for me to be available and come out and do their tests,” she explained.

The test can be done on asymptomatic people as well and it does come with a cost of $35 per test.

Applefest isn’t happening in its usual form, but the seeds of the local festival are still sprouting this Thanksgiving weekend.

Bowen Agricultural Alliance (BAA) and Bowen Heritage Preservation Association (BIHPA) are keeping the spirit of Applefest alive at the final Farmers’ Market of the season on Oct. 9 from 10 a.m. to noon at Bowen Island Community School as well as with the online launch of Pauline Le Bel and Meribeth Deen’s video on the planting of the male chestnut tree.

The planting of Bouche de Bétizac was a project that was made possible thanks to the support of BIHPA, Metro Vancouver, especially the Crippen Park crew, and the Bowen Island Community Foundation. He is a pollination mate for the longstanding Davies Orchard sweet chestnut tree that’s well over a century old.

The older tree is currently covered in more than 100 pounds of nuts that aren’t edible as they were not pollinated. But, future Applefests may see the fruits of this endeavour – chestnuts for roasting!

We hope we will be able to return to an Applefest event in 2022, but for this year, take a walk in Davies Orchard after shopping at the Farmers’ Market and keep the festival’s spirit alive.

There will be all the usual Famers’ Market items made, grown and baked on Bowen this Saturday and there’s plenty of fall produce ahead of Thanksgiving.

CONTINUED ON P. 12

Find out how we make a difference at firstcu.ca

106-996 Dorman Rd

Powell River | Courtenay | Cumberland | Union Bay | Bowser | Bowen Island | Texada Island | Hornby Island

A2 • Thursday, October 7, 2021

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Get your Business Licence

Events October 6, 2021 11:00 am Environment and Climate Action Committee

All businesses operating on Bowen Island need a business licence.

This applies to commercial, home-based, non-profit and contractor businesses. This also applies to off-island businesses that are coming into the community to perform work.

Regular Council Meeting

A business licensing program ensures that the Municipality’s land use regulations, building and fire codes and other community health and safety requirements are followed by local businesses. It also assists in collecting important statistics about local businesses to help understand trends that impact Municipal policy decisions.

October 18, 2021 3:00 pm

Apply for your Business Licence, and your business will be added to Business Search on the Municipality’s website.

October 12, 2021 6:15 pm

Finance Advisory Committee

October 19, 2021 5:00 pm

• • • •

October 19, 2021 7:00 pm Parks, Trails and Greenways

We’d like your feedback on the draft Community Economic Development (CED) Plan. This draft was compiled by H&K Consultant team, using research and inputs from the community during three phases of engagement over the spring and summer: Survey, Focus Groups, and Town Hall. These, combined with the ideas shared on Citizenlab, interviews and feedback, were used to draft the plan.

Please take a look at the draft Plan on our website and let us know what you think, by answering a quick four-question survey. You may also email your comments to Stef Shortt at sshortt@bimbc.ca. The deadline for comments is October 20, 2021.

Creation of the CED Plan needs the active input and support of Bowen Island residents, businesses, and other community members.

Your participation is key to creating a relevant, sustainable, local community plan for Bowen Island.

Business Search is an online directory tool showing all licensed businesses operating on Bowen Island.

With Business Search, your customers can find your business by:

Heritage Commission

Provide your feedback on the draft Community Economic Development Plan

www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca/cedc

Business name Owner’s name Business type (e.g. plumber, massage therapist, notary public, etc) Or get a list of all businesses

Try Business Search at bowenislandmunicipality.ca/business-search

Advisory Committee All meetings are online via Zoom and

open to the public, unless noted otherwise.

Help stop COVID-19:

Notice of Permissive Tax Exemptions 2020-2023 PERMISSIVE TAX EXEMPTION BYLAW 493, 2019, AMENDMENT BYLAW NO. 553, 2021

Get vaccinated - everyone over 12 is eligible

Stay home if you’re sick

Pursuant to Section 224 of the Community Charter, Bowen Island Municipal Council intends to adopt a bylaw amendment exempting from property taxation for the remaining two years, 2022 and 2023, the lands and/or improvements that are owned or held by charitable, philanthropic or other not-for-profit organizations and that Council considers are used for a purpose that is directly related to the purposes of the Corporation. The additional properties being considered at the October 12, 2021 Regular Council meeting and their estimated total property taxes that would otherwise be imposed if they were not exempt are: Municipal Other Tax 2020 Tax 2020

Municipal Tax 2021

Other Tax 2021

Municipal Tax 2022

Other Tax 2022

Municipal Tax 2023

Other Tax 2023

n/a

n/a

n/a

$5,400

$7,100

$5,600

$7,400

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

$7,200

$9,500

$7,500

$9,900

4187210

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

$7,600

$10,000

$7,900

$10,400

10112

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

$600

$1,600

$600

$1,700

$20,800

$28,200

$21,600

$29,400

Owner/Occupier

Roll #

Bowen Island Conservancy

4187200

n/a

Bowen Island Conservancy

4187205

Bowen Island Conservancy Island Pacific School TOTAL

Wear a mask in indoor public spaces

Questions? Please contact Sheila McCutcheon, Chief Financial Officer at smccutcheon@bimbc.ca or 604-947-4255 ext. 256.

Contact Bowen Island Municipality PAID ADVERTISEMENT October 7, 2021

Phone: Fax: Email: Website:

604-947-4255 604-947-0193 bim@bimbc.ca

Bowen Island Municipal Hall 981 Artisan Lane Bowen Island, BC V0N 1G2

www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca

Hours: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm Monday to Friday Closed statutory holidays

Find us on Facebook Bowen Island Municipality

Subscribe to our mailing list bowenislandmunicipality.ca/subscribe

bowenislandundercurrent.com

Thursday, October 7, 2021 • A3

BOWEN ISLAND FOODRESILIENCE SOCIETY

How to put your garden to bed for the winter JACKIE BRADLEY & MEMBERS OF B.I. FOOD RESILIENCE

Contributor

Ready to hang up your rake?

Before you walk away from your vegetable garden this year, we have outlined some steps for putting your ‘beds to bed’ that will make your garden a lot healthier and more resilient.

The tips we share here, and with volunteers at Grafton Agricultural Commons, come from the emerging field of regenerative agriculture. This approach is promoted by researchers and organic farmers as the best method for restoring healthy soil and sequestering carbon.

The five principles of regenerative agriculture are: 1. Limit disturbances to the soil 2. Keep the soil covered - with mulch or cover crops 3. Build and support biodiversity 4. Keep living roots in the soil as long as possible 5. Integrate animals Cover crops add much-needed diversity to the soil, which improves soil fertility and makes

your food crops more nutritious and abundant. Seeding them at the end of the season to create a living mulch will keep the plant and microbe relationships going over the winter. This activity helps to maintain soil structure and store carbon.

Steps for putting your garden to bed

Pull back any mulch that is on top of the soil (wood chips, straw, leaves, etc.).

Leave any green plants or cover crops that are still growing (e.g., hairy vetch, radish, kale) in the ground. All living plants feed the microbes in the soil. Nasturtiums and other plants that you want to self-seed can be left in place.

Remove plant material that has finished producing and you don’t want (weeds, seeds, stalks, and leaves).

• Cut all your finished veggies at the soil level, leaving the root of the plant in place.

• Pull out all the weeds that will grow back from their roots (grass, dandelions, dock, blackberry). If you are in doubt about what type

Decals will be available for sale at the Snug Cove General Store from October 10th to October 19th ONLY.

Drop off will be done by appointment ONLY. Once you have picked up your decal, you can call Bowen Waste Solutions @ 604-947-2255 to book an appointment.

The final day for booking appointments will be Friday, October 22nd at 3:00 PM.

the weed plant is, take it all out, including the roots.

• Set weed roots aside (you can dry them thoroughly then add them to your compost, or put them into a compostable weed bag for municipal pick up).

Cut the above ground parts of weeds and vegetable stalks and leaves into one-to-two-inch lengths and reserve them in a bucket for later. You may also chop up the growing tips of plants like squash, leaving the older, larger fruits to mature.

Scatter a diversity of winter cover crop seeds over the bed: barley, winter wheat, field peas, and fava beans, for instance. The larger beans and peas can be pushed into the soil just a bit. Hairy vetch and alyssum can also be planted at the ends or the middle of long beds, and “scratched” into the soil using your fingers. (They both easily self-seed.) Another option is corn salad, which makes a great winter cover crop and is also edible.

Mustard and daikon radish can be sown in late fall too -- if planted sparingly -- one or two in a small box garden, no more. Both grow into large plants. Daikon sends a tap root that can break up com-

QUESTIONS? Check out

www.bowenislandmunicipality.ca Wastte Solluttions www.bowenwastesolutions.com

Hazardous Waste NOT Accepted:

November 6th, 2021 • 9:30 am – 3:00 pm

Small Load: $25

@ Bowen Island Recycling Depot No fees to drop off hazardous waste or paint.

Limit for all products is 10 containers per visit.

Paints and stains

Approximately 5 garbage bags

Medium Load: $50

Flammable Liquids Or container says

Approximately 10 garbage bags

Large LEVEL Load: $100

Keep Away From Open Flame or Spark

• •

Note: 1 decal per household only

ABSOLUTELY NO Paint, Hazardous Waste or Drywall

PHOTO COURTESY OF BIFS

Hazardous Waste and Paint Recycling

Fall Clean-up Days Fees

If needed, you can water your beds before (or after) placing seeds on the soil. Spread your cut-up plants on top of the soil and seeds.

They will decompose over the winter and feed the soil. Finally, cover the bed with at least a couple of inches of straw, or use leaves and then straw, so that the leaves don’t blow away before the cover crops grow.

For future reference, Bowen Island Food Resilience Society (BIFS) has just launched a website where you can find useful information like this throughout the year: bowenfoodresilience.ca To reach us directly, please email us at bowenfoodresilience@gmail. com.

Jackie Bradley working with mulch in Grafton Agricultural Commons.

FALL CLEAN-UP 2021

A limited number of appointments will be made available.

Drop off of materials will be inside the BIRD yard from Monday, October 25th to Saturday, October 30th ONLY.

pacted soil and mustard attracts pollinators, suppresses weeds, and kills unwanted nematodes, but too much can hinder the growth of other crops.

We have learned that mustard contains glucosinolate, which can be toxic to other plants if it is present in sufficient quantity.

If mustard is planted too densely along with other cover crops, it can inhibit their growth.

If you have plants, such as tomatoes, that are still producing, pull away the mulch or straw and seed cover crops under the bushes.

Later, after you have harvested all the tomatoes, the plants can be cut back at the level of the soil, leaving their roots in the ground.

Liquids only Paint thinners, other solvents, camp fuels or liquid adhesives with the flammable symbol Max container size: Kerosene 9L Other liquids 10L

Pesticides The contents of a levelpick-up truck load

Mattress or Appliance: $35

Per mattress or appliance PLEASE NOTE: Non-complying loads are subject to refusal.

•

Consumer pesticides with the poisonous (skull & crossbones) symbol AND “Pest Control Product” registration number (REG #12345 PCP ACT) Max container size: 10L

Gasoline

•

Products that cannot be identified

•

Products that are leaking or improperly sealed

•

Empty containers

•

Commercial, industrial, or agricultural products

•

Cosmetics, health and beauty aids

•

Insect repellants, disinfectants, and pet products

•

Diesel, propane, and butane fuels

•

Caulking tubes

•

Fertilizer Used oil & automotive products Burnaby Ecco Center 4855 Still Creek Drive 604-294-7972

• In approved ULC containers only Max container size: 20L

P.O. Box 202, Bowen Island, BC V0N 1G0

604-947-2255

For items not found on this list, please call: BC Recycling Hotline 604-732-9253

A4 • Thursday, October 7, 2021

bowenislandundercurrent.com

VIEWPOINTS

OPINION: NATIONAL NEWSPAPER WEEK

Get a second source, different perspective TIM SHOULTS

Operations Manager, Aberdeen Publishing

The following opinion piece is part of National Newspaper Week, which celebrates the role of newspapers in communities – providing Canadians with trusted, credible, local information.

United States Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan famously wrote in the Washington Post in 1983: “Everyone is entitled to his own opinion, but not his own facts.”

Moynihan died in 2003 — the year before the launch of a little company called Facebook.

I try not to read too much into that, but there are days when it’s hard not to.

People may not be entitled to their own facts, but thanks to the rise of the interconnected worlds of online search and social media, they certainly have access to their own facts more than ever before.

The algorithms that power search, and especially social media, reinforce our preconceived notions and opinions by showing us content similar to that which we already consume and by connecting us to more people who think the same way.

Ironically, that ability to connect people of similar interests is what makes social media such a powerful force for good.

But that sense of belonging to a group of like-minded people makes it easier to become attached to our views and the sources than underpin them — and makes it harder for us to change our minds when presented with new information.

Then, when we do encounter people of different viewpoints, they can sound either hopelessly ignorant or actively trying to subvert the truth for some malevolent reason — and guess what? You sound the same to them.

All that makes civil discourse far more challenging than ever before. Arguing whether two and two make four doesn’t sound hard, but try doing it with someone who doesn’t seem to admit to the concept of addition, let alone the existence of the number two, and thinks you’re trying to foist an evil numerist agenda on them.

So what’s the solution? There isn’t one — not a big overarching one that can be imposed from outside.

Rather, there are millions of small solutions — one for each of us. It starts with being aware where the information we consume comes from, and actively seeking to broaden our sources.

That doesn’t mean switching off social media. It’s here to stay — even for community news sources online like the ones I work with. More than a quarter of our audience online comes from social sources.

Rather, a simple solution to start is: when you find a piece of information that triggers a strong emotion — anger, surprise, fear — look for a second source. Putting a few search terms into Google might just show you a different perspective on the same issue.

Is that more work? Absolutely. But it’s worth it.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

AThanksgiving note from the Bowen Barber

DEAR EDITOR: Happy Thanksgiving Bowen.

It’s been two months now since I reopened the Barber Shop, and with Thanksgiving around the corner, it only seems right for me to reach out and extend my gratitude to everyone who helped me get ready for my opening on July 29, including local trades workers, business owners, family and friends.

A huge thanks as well, to the remarkable customers who have supported me from the start, both new ones and old ones.

Bowen is such an amazing community. It has been so inspiring and motivating to get the Barber Shop back up and running, and while it will

be another week until I’ve finished the decorating, the place feels welcoming and positive.

Positivity is so important to everyone right now, as everything seems gloomy with COVID-19 still on the horizon. People need good vibes and a place to feel comfortable and safe, and that’s been one of my goals from the start.

I’m not on Facebook, and don’t have online bookings, so a number of walk-by customers have asked to have the blackboard back so they can write in their preferred appointment times rather than texting me. I love suggestions like this. It’s more personal, and I’m happy to say I’ve just added that blackboard option back to

THE WRITE STUFF. The Undercurrent encourages reader participation in your community newspaper. You must include your full name and a daytime phone number (for verification only). The editor reserves the right to edit for clarity, legality, brevity and taste. Please limit to under 500 words. HERE’S HOW: To submit a letter to the editor, fax 604-947-0148 or mail it to #102, 495 Government Rd., PO Box 130, Bowen Island, BC V0N 1G0 or email editor@bowenislandundercurrent.com.

All Advertising and news copy content are copyright of the Undercurrent Newspaper. All editorial content submitted to the Undercurrent becomes the property of the publication.

The Undercurrent is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts, art work and photographs.

#102–495 Bowen Trunk Road, PO Box 130, Bowen Island BC, V0N 1G0 Phone: 604.947.2442 Fax: 604.947.0148 bowenislandundercurrent.com DEADLINE for advertising Monday, 4 p.m. DEADLINE for editorial Tuesday 5 p.m.

Bowen Island Undercurrent Subscription Rates: Mailed 1 year subscription on Bowen Island: $55, including GST. Within Canada: $85 including GST Newsstand (Single Copy) $1.50 per copy, including GST

ISSN 7819-5040

the wall in the alcove.

I may be a small business, but the cove is a neighbourhood, and to me my customers are all neighbours, no matter where they live, and their voices count.

That’s why I am trying to promote shopping local as well. It seems cliché to say “support local,” but with tourist season ending, we are mostly all locals now.

So, to all my old-timer customers, and to all the new customers who have taken the time and effort to pop in for a cut, or to bring their kids in for a cut, thank you so much! Your feedback and support are invaluable.

Happy Thanksgiving Bowen.

Sheila Hunter Tubic

National NewsMedia Council.

EDITOR Bronwyn Beairsto editor@bowenisland undercurrent.com

ADVERTISING Tracey Wait ads@bowenisland undercurrent.com

CARTOONIST Ron Woodall

PUBLISHER Peter Kvarnstrom publisher@bowenisland undercurrent.com 2011 CCNA

CANADIAN COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER AWARD 2011

SPECIAL THANK-YOU Audrey Grescoe

The Undercurrent is a member of the National NewsMedia Council of Canada, which is an independent organization established to deal with acceptable journalistic practices and ethical behaviour. If you have concerns about editorial content, please email editor@bowenislandundercurrent. com or call 604-947-2442.

If you are not satisfied with the response and wish to file a formal complaint, visit the website at mediacouncil.ca or call toll-free 1-844-877-1163 for additional information.

bowenislandundercurrent.com

Thursday, October 7, 2021 • A5

Message from your local NERPs Winter is Coming! Make sure you keep at least half a tank of fuel in your vehicle in preparation for extreme weather.

It’s winter tire season. Winter tires are required on many routes in B.C. – including the Sea to Sky Highway – starting Oct. 1.

On the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Bowen Islanders gathered at a Hummingbird Lane home to make orange flags emblazoned with Dukdukdiya, the little hummingbird. Islanders were invited to read the 94 Calls to Action of the Truth & Reconciliation Commission and to commit to one Call to Action – posting their chosen action on one of the posters.

MERIBETH DEEN PHOTO

Franklin, Louie and Zac hold up their hummingbird flags.

Many thanks from Project Hummingbird In 2015 Justice Murray Sinclair ushered in a new era for Canada: one that would be shaped – day into day, month into month, year into year – by Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples stepping into the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s

“Those [94] actions are not boxes to be checked, but rather, the holding of space for our collective imagination and action to be realized – a space that requires deep listening, thought, creativity, and love.”

94 Calls to Action. Those actions are not boxes to be checked, but rather, the holding of space for our collective imagination and action to be realized – a space that requires deep listening, thought, creativity, and love.

When September 30 was declared a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, that space, that day away from work and school, was ours to fill. A day on, not a day off.

At 828 Hummingbird Lane, we took inspiration from The Little Hummingbird to connect over the calls to action and commit to them; and also to create something that would remind us of our commitments. To chose one and do what we can, as the little hummingbird – Dukdukdiya – invites us to do.

We are grateful to the many individuals who stepped into the space of reconciliation and helped make “Project

Hummingbird,” happen.

Thank you, to Michael Nicoll Yagulaanas, for your work, for your way of expressing the possibilities held by the spaces between us and for reminding us that it is our job to fill them. Also, of course, thank you for gifting us the use of Dukdukdiya’s image, she is flying on orange flags, in more than 94 homes across Nexwlélexwm. She reminds us work towards reconciliation each and every day.

Thank you to Simon Windazi James, who took time out of his moving day to bravely share his story and poem. Your presence opened our hearts and our minds. Your courage to step into the space became ours.

Thank you to all of our volunteers. Thank you to Andre Bussanich, Georgina Farah, and your daughters, for creating the space for the calls to action to be realized. Thank you to Krista Hennenbury for sew-

PHOTO & CAPTION COURTESY OF JACKIE BRADLEY

Jen Zdril along with her Island Discovery Learning Community (IDLC) students and their families helped in a short ceremony at the Grafton Agricultural Commons by hanging prayer flags. Shasta Martinuk had already organized this project and gathered flags. The students contributed their own beautiful flags to the collection. They were created in remembrance of the first 215 Indigenous children found. As part of the ceremony the participants went into the garden and collected flowers and hung them up with the flags. The ceremony was led by Rabia Wilcox and ended with the singing of a song written by Brian Hoover. It begins with the line “If ever there was a time to sing together, Now Is The Time.”

COVID-19 cases on Bowen

BC CDC data shows that for the 5,000odd people of the Bowen Island-Lions Bay community health service area: The average daily case rate per 100,000 was 5 between Sept. 28 and Oct. 4. (Keep

in mind this rate not an actual number, the actual number is closer to two cases over that entire period).

As of Oct. 4, 85 per cent of people 12 and over are fully vaccinated.

ing flags on her beautiful machine, to Gail Lotenberg for creating and operating the ironing station to set our hummingbirds into action, to Circular Bowen for your financial and emotional support, and to many others: those who brought their kids, their voices, brought us sustenance. Each of you brought your hearts and you opened so many more.

Let’s take this journey together, and hold one another to our commitments.

Chenchénstway.

Brenda Morrison Meribeth Deen

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A6 • Thursday, October 7, 2021

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PHOTO COURTESY OF BICS

Squamish artist Xwalacktun, Rick Harry, designed the new BICS logo with input from students and staff and support from the BICS logo committee and Austin Harry. “The whale logo represents our school’s commitment to place based learning. It depicts a yew yew (orca) swimming in the Salish Sea with Bowen Island on the ocean waves. This logo marks the 10th year of hosting Whale Day at BICS; an event that is created with thanks to our Squamish host nation,” writes BICS community coordinator Sarah Haxby.

SARAH HAXBY PHOTO

Skwxwú7mesh Nation cultural worker Bob Baker led the Whale Day festivities.

BICS celebrates its 10thWhale Day AND THE SCHOOL UNVEILS ITS NEW SCHOOL LOGO

SARAH HAXBY

BICS Community Coordinator

Bowen Island Community School held its 10th annual Whale Day on Oct. 1. The day is a celebration of the return of yew yews (orca whales) to the waters around Nexwlélexwm, Bowen Island.

Whale Day is about sharing, learning, connecting, understanding and celebrating both the place we live and the Squamish Host Nation. Whale Day 2021 was a beautiful event that included an outdoor wholeschool assembly with Skwxwú7mesh Nation Cultural Worker Bob Baker, held in the festival field in Crippen Park, looking out at Howe Sound and the mountains.

It is hard to encapsulate the heartfelt feeling of being all together on a beautiful sunny autumn day, gathering and witnessing the beauty of our island and feeling connected to the present, the past and future as we listened to language and stories shared by an honoured Squamish Elder, who is not just an educator and knowledge keeper who has visited our school for over a decade, but who has also become a respected and appreciated friend of the school who has taught us many things.

After the whole-school Whale Day assembly, we moved Whale Day up to the BICS Outdoor Learning (OLC) classroom without walls and beside the Welcome Pole, which

Get to know your neighbour

MEET: AMBER SPITKOVSKI

When did you come to Bowen?

2002 How did you come to be on Bowen?

My mom had a friend here.

What’s attractive about living on Bowen?

Definitely the community. The people – they’ve half-raised me. I came here at 20 years old, and now I have a career. There

had many Truth and Reconciliation Day and Orange Shirt Day painted rocks BICS families had thoughtfully placed at the base of the carving. Bob Baker presented to preschool early-learners and a third presentation that was open to the community and families at no charge after school.

A huge thank you to Bob Baker for sharing stories and songs so we could all celebrate the return of the whales to Howe Sound, as well as deepen our connections to place and our Squamish Host Nation.

Whale Day this year is part of the events that were held for the Sept. 30 National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day. We also celebrate the school’s new logo: a yew yew (whale) that was created by Squamish, Skwxwú7mesh artist Xwalacktun, Rick Harry, as well as the fact that the Átl’ka7tsem / Howe Sound area, has become the 19th UNESCO Biosphere Region.

Whale Day is just one part of the rich and ongoing ways in which BICS is learning about and celebrating our island. This event was made possible thanks to the BICS Indigenous Education Committee, West Vancouver School staff, as well as the Literacy Task Group and community partners such as Bowen Island Community Recreation and Services and the Bowen Island Public Library. are so many people here who are important to me.

And your career is diving?

Yes. And music now. I was doing open mics until COVID. I’m a certified music therapist and I’m thinking of doing private music therapy, but haven’t totally started.

Where on Bowen do you live?

Hummingbird Lane What’s your favourite part of Bowen?

Under Onion Island.

What’s your favourite fact or story?

There’s a lovely woman that I do work for – my landlord – and her family. I like the story that her grandfather at Dorman Point,

Skwxwú7mesh Nation cultural worker Bob Baker led BICS students through singing and dancing in the Bowfest Field Oct. 1 for the school’s 10th annual Whale Day. The event was also the first full-school assembly since COVID-19 took hold in March 2020.

PHOTOS: BRONWYN BEAIRSTO / UNDERCURRENT

stopped a ship from hitting the shore.

How? I would imagine something with light.

What’s something Bowen Islanders have in common?

The ferry. Or artists – usually everybody’s got a job but they’re usually an artist of sorts. I know a plumber and he plays a flute.

What are you doing for fun these days?

I’m learning Spanish on Duolingo and learning underwater photography. It’s really hard so I don’t know how fun it is all the time.

When you’re going around Killarney Lake, do you go left or right?

Absolutely right. Do the hard part first.

bowenislandundercurrent.com

Thursday, October 7, 2021 • A7

It’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month and I’m reminded to remember MARY LETSON REFLECTS ON THE LESSONS AND PEOPLE WHO GOT HER THROUGH CANCER TREATMENT

MARY LETSON

Founder of Positively Fit & SwimBowen Society

It’s a time in my life that’s hard to forget, but every year when October rolls around I am reminded to remember breast cancer. With each passing year, my memory of that time shifts and sloughs away like a changing shoreline. What remains clearly defined are the foundations that just happened to be fully formed in my life, the gamechangers that ensured I had the best possible outcome despite a cancer diagnosis.

I’m grateful for the now well-established mammography screening – and that I took the time to follow through on these. We are beyond fortunate to have at our finger tips free, regular medical screenings for all sorts of ailments. I can’t fathom why we would choose to skip these lifesaving procedures. With both my mom and her sister/my aunt having had breast cancer, I was flagged to receive an annual mammogram. I took that seriously, and that’s exactly how it was found. The tumours were too small to feel, but were already nesting cozily in my breast tissue with a few nasty bits sliding into my lymph nodes. If I had skipped that screening it’s possible I wouldn’t be here writing this.

I’m grateful for my husband, my advocate and bedrock of a partner who, along with a thousand other things, spoke for me when I couldn’t. Despite our extraordinary medical system and everything that comes along with it, when your world is imploding and you can’t find the words or the will to move forward, having an advocate can be as life-saving as the actual treatment. I remember vividly the first time my voice failed. My husband and I met with the surgeon for our pre-surgery chat. A friend warned me that although this surgeon was a leader in her field (she literally wrote the book on breast cancer), her bedside manner was less than stellar. I remember thinking “that’s ok, I don’t need bedside manner, I just need the tumours out please.” I should have known myself better. I should have been better prepared. You see, losing my breast terrified me. Scientifically speaking, this makes no sense. It’s not like losing a foot or a lung. It’s just flesh really, isn’t it? However, for me – my breasts are tied to my sense of womanhood, motherhood (being a mother and having a mother), my sexuality, my identity. As a child when I fell down or something went sideways and my world shattered, my mother would scoop me up in her arms, I would lay my head against the warmth and softness of her “front porch” and somehow the world was made right again. So that day, in that tiny office when the surgeon bluntly asked “What shall it be? Lumpectomy or mastectomy?” I lost my voice. Thankfully, my husband piped up and spoke for the team, that we were all for saving the breast if it was medically feasible and medically recommended (which in the end it was – hurray). This was one of many times throughout the treatment when my husband spoke when I could not. I am forever grateful for that.

I am grateful for my physical fitness going into treatment, (conveniently health and wellness is what I do for a living) and the yoga teacher training that I serendipitously completed the year before I was diagnosed. Although I didn’t feel it at the time, I was better prepared to weather the medical maelstrom of prolonged treatment with a strong body, a relatively robust immune system and a solid yoga practice (in particular the physical asanas and the breathing practices of pranayama). My established wellness habits had me scratching out some sort of body movement in whatever way I could tolerate depending on the day. Mostly I walked.

When the body was unwilling and I yearned for some relief from the discomfort, I could always find my “way home” with various breathing practices. In fact, the breathing practices proved to be my most consistent, powerful tool.

I am grateful for all the family, friendships and community in my life that together created bridges between the good, the bad and the ugly patches, stepping stones across rivers I thought I could not ford. And all the actions that came with the relationships - the meals, the flowers, the walks, the cards, the phone calls - formed a gentle wave that lifted and floated me along to the finish line.

I’m grateful for my penchant for goal setting and planning fun things to look forward to so the work at hand is more tolerable. It’s the old chestnut of delayed gratification – get the job done and then you get a treat. As children, our mother drove this home to us in spades, something I found infernally annoying as a child – why can’t I have the treat now and then do my chores? Alas, this life lesson has proven to be gold, and I’m grateful to Mom’s perseverance in driving it home. Who knew that Mom was preparing me for the ultimate chore of enduring cancer treatment. My husband would gently remind me of our future planned treats together. Like how, once my chemo was finished, we would head to the calm, warm waters of Desolation Sound, and how the sun would warm my shoulders as I dangled my toes in the crystal-clear water of Pendrell Sound. Even though it was

still months away, I went there in my mind and it helped me feel better. We planned a trip to Hawaii after radiation – the final stage of treatment. It was another amazing mental goal post to work toward and dream about. Practising this delayed gratification process was a crash course on how powerful indeed our minds can be when we make the choice to change our minds.

Looking back, I realize none of these gamechangers are breast cancer specific. Having an eye on one’s overall health, nurturing relationships, building goals and dreams to keep the future fertile – all these strategies translate to helping one navigate life’s hurdles whether medical or otherwise. It just happened that all these foundations were in place for me, that I was in the right place at the right time in my life to handle cancer knocking at my door.

The Pier on Bowen

You are invited to a public information and dialogue session about the Pier Saturday October 23, 2021 10:00am to Noon at the Pier Soon after the new and current owners bought the Pier (which includes the Marina, the adjacent residence, as well as the small buildings on the Pier itself) from Norma Dallas, the municipality advised there are a few things that don’t currently comply with the municipality’s zoning requirements: • The secondary suites in the house right above the Pier • The gift shop attached to Branch Taco Shop • The washroom next to Tell Your Friends Also, the zoning currently does not permit outdoor seating for patrons of these shops.

The owners are applying for re-zoning to make sure everything currently in use complies with the muni’s requirements.

They would also like to use this re-zoning application process as an opportunity to see if there is anything else the community would like to see at the Pier.

Are there other uses the owners should consider for the future? What do you like about Pier as it is now? What suggestions do you have for improving or adding to this special spot on Bowen? What concerns, hopes, or issues would you like them to know about?

We’d love your input. You can contact either Jonathan Grimble, Bowen Island Marina / Pier Ph: 604 453-4834 Email: jong@carreramc.com jong@carreramc.com c/o 375 Cardena Road, Bowen Island BC, V0N 1G0

Dan Parke, Architect Salal Architecture Ph: 604 947-0537 Email: info@salalarchitecture.com 485 Village Drive, Bowen Island BC V0N 1G1

We look to hearing from you anytime.

And if you can make to the in-person event on Saturday October 23rd we’ll look forward to seeing you there. We will meet rain or shine on the Pier.

A8 • Thursday, October 7, 2021

bowenislandundercurrent.com

Celebrating the first NERP neighbourhood kiosks BRONWYN BEAIRSTO

Editor

The social media mega empire of Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram crashing for more than five hours Monday was just a small taste of the communication nightmare that could happen in the event of a disaster on Bowen. If internet and cell service stopped working, where would we get information?

Thanks to the Neighbourhood Emergency Response Program (NERP), we’d go old school.

NERP is building neighbourhood information kiosks, ultimately envisioned as emergency hubs, around the island. They’re starting with five kiosks but NERP coordinator Edward Wachtman ultimately hopes to see 10 to 12 kiosks strategically placed around the island.

“We live on an island and if something serious happens, the shit hits the fan,” said Wachtman.

NERP is a municipally run program of volunteers dedicated to increasing individuals’ and neighbourhoods’ preparedness for emergencies (wildfire, earthquake, extended power outage, pandemic). In 2020, the program had just begun to rebuild momentum after a few years of dormancy when COVID-19 hit and regular Bowen activity was thrown off-kilter. NERP volunteers realized that there were a number of islanders who stayed at home – because of mobility challenges or other reasons – and who didn’t use social media or even necessarily have an email address. “For some, we didn’t even know who they were in the neighbourhoods,” said Wachtman.

NERPers took a page from the past and posted physical notes about town – if you’re in need of help, call so-and-so and if you can offer help, call so-and-so. The problem was,

where to post. Temporary bulletin boards were erected in Tunstall Bay next to mailboxes and in Eagle Cliff, Melissa Crenshaw (the area’s NERP zone coordinator) started posting information in the neighbourhood’s decaying shelter.

“Melissa saw an opportunity to do two things: to replace the shelter because it wasn’t going to be standing very much longer and to set it up so eventually it could turn into an emergency hub,” explained Wachtman. “And she inspired us to do the same.”

Crenshaw spurred the Eagle Cliff Neighbourhood Association into entering into a collaborative services agreement with the municipality to rebuild the shelter.

In the meantime, NERPers started contemplating their own kiosk project. Architect Robyn Fenton of Tectonic Architecture, designed a structure and Doug Nash built the prototype. Daron Jennings of Bowen Properties meanwhile contributed background guidance.

Through a $15,000 Bowen Island Community Foundation Resiliency Fund grant, NERP bought enough supplies for five kiosks, managing to purchase the supplies before lumber prices skyrocketed. The cost of each kiosk came out to between $3,500 and $4,500, including materials and labour.

(Milcon Construction took on the job for a nominal fee.) Eagle Cliff wound up merging its project with NERP’s – the neighbourhood contributing a couple thousand dollars to the project.

Four out of the first five kiosks are now built (Cates Hill, Eagle Cliff, Miller’s Landing and Bowen Bay) with one more coming in the Mount Gardner area.

The idea is to get people to regularly stop and look at the kiosks, so Wachtman encourages people to post neighbourhood

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information – garage sales, local notices and such. “They are set up to be information centres, where people can post and look for information.”

The vision is to have emergency equipment at the kiosks: pop up tents, first aid kits, solar panels for charging phones and the like.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Cates Hill kiosk Saturday morning brought together some of the movers and shakers who got the project off of the ground – including NERP’s Judi Gedye, the community foundation’s Holly Graff, Mayor Gary Ander, fire chief Aaron Hanen, Cates Hill Community Association’s Phil Adkins, current BIM emergency coordinator Christie Stashyn and former BIM emergency program coordinator Jennifer McGowan. “It’s not the end of the journey, it’s a milestone and we wanted to take time to pause, reflect and acknowledge the people who got us here,” said Wachtman.

It wasn’t an easy project to get this far.

“We thought we were putting four posts in

the ground with a roof,” he remembered.

But riparian zone assessments, structural engineering reports and the like created a few hurdles.

“We have a design concept. We have a list of materials. We know how to do it. And that’s the important part,” said Wachtman.

Now, they just need to find more money for more kiosks.

NERP now boasts about 90 volunteers, but they’re always looking for more. If interested in contributing toward neighbourhood preparedness, email edward@bimbc.ca.

BRONWYN BEAIRSTO PHOTO

The NERP kiosks are to be strategically placed around the island as information hubs.

SHEREE JOHNSON PHOTO

BIM emeregency program coordinator Christie Stashyn, NERP’s Judi Gedye, BICF’s Holly Graff, NERP’s Robyn Fenton, NERP’s Doug Nash, NERP’s Rebecca Hurst, former emergency program coordinator Jennifer McGowan and NERP’s Edward Wachtman participate in the NERP kiosk ribbon cutting on Cates Hill, Oct. 2.

Queen of Capilano Ferry Schedule September 7 to October 11 2021

DEPART BOWEN ISLAND

DEPART HORSESHOE BAY

5:20 am except Sundays & Oct 11 5:50 am 6:20 am 6:50 am 7:30 am 8:00 am 8:35 am 9:05 am except Wednesdays 9:40 am 10:15 am m 10:50 am 11:25 am 12:00 pm m 12:35 pm 1:10 pm 2:35 pm 3:10 pm 3:45 pm 4:15 pm except Wednesdays 4:50 pm 5:20 pm 5:55 pm 6:30 pm 7:10 pm 7:45 pm except Saturdays 8:20 pm except Saturdays 8:50 pm 9:20 pm 9:50 pm 10:20 pm 10:50 pm Note: Schedules subject to change without notice: Please check BCFERRIES.COM Schedule changes on statutory holidays

bowenislandundercurrent.com

Thursday, October 7, 2021 • A9

Help clean up Deep Bay VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR THE FIRST DIVE AGAINST DEBRIS OCEAN CLEANUP IN FIVE YEARS

AMBER SPITKOVSKI

Contributor

LISA BROUGHAM PHOTO

It’s a sunset paddle Lisa Brougham will never forget. The Bowen Islander was out on her paddle board Sunday evening, headed on her usual paddle out from Tunstall Bay, when she stopped to take a photo of the stunning sunset. But instead of focusing in on the golden clouds around Worlcombe Island, Brougham found herself filming a humpback whale that had come up alongside her.

“It was a surprise — exhilarating, humbling and got my heart rate up for sure!” Said Brougham in an email. “I found out after, all my neighbours were watching me from their decks in awe and worried about me — it got so close to me!”

The local gymnastics coach was also on a really tippy race paddle board — “So I was happy I stayed on my board and didn’t drop my phone!” (Though she has lost a phone or two to the ocean in the past.)

After taking her video, Brougham decided to head back to land. “The whale kept following me as I paddled back and also a school of dolphins went zooming right beside me, just to add to the excitement!”

Humpbacks elicit particular delight on Bowen Island as for many years, the baleen whales didn’t visit Átl’ka7tsem / Howe Sound. Following restoration efforts in the sound, they returned in 2008. Ever since, islanders and sounders have tracked their regular return to these waters.

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Sign up to keep up with Bowen Island news and events – the things you may have missed and the things not to miss! bowenislandundercurrent.com/account/mailinglist

It is time to get ready for another Dive Against Debris ocean cleanup!

This is an event where divers, boaters, kayakers and shore support come together to remove garbage from our local ocean and shoreline.

Over five consecutive years, ending in 2015, volunteers removed 6,051 pounds of garbage from the bottom of Mannion Bay. The initiative then went on hiatus to allow time for the municipality to regulate and manage the area, as well as to allow time to analyze and differentiate the types of garbage collected.

This year the event is being held in conjunction with “Diving In: The Art of Cleaning Lakes and Oceans,” an environmental art campaign that aims to raise awareness of the waste in our lakes and oceans by transforming collected trash into beautiful and relevant art.

The campaign is a collaboration of the Sea to Sky Arts Council Alliance (Pemberton Arts Council, Arts Whistler, the Squamish Arts Council, Lions Bay Arts, The Hearth Arts on Bowen), West Vancouver Arts Council and North Van Arts. The art council collective will be working with volunteer divers from Divers for Cleaner Lakes and Oceans (DCLO), Return-It, local artists, and school

groups.

The Dive Against Debris is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 16 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.

Volunteers will initially meet at the Bowen Island Marina for orientation. From there, the participants will disperse by boat or foot and gather at Sandy Beach.

While shoreline volunteers enjoy refreshments on the beach and wait for the divers and boaters to clean the depths of Mannion Bay, local artists will showcase their ocean-inspired images, stories or live performances in celebration of ocean conservation and preservation.

Once the debris is returned to the shore, it will be sorted, weighed and disposed of in municipal bins by volunteers. The grand total of trash collected will be announced by local guest speakers at 2 p.m. and a raffle will be held.

The event is supported by the Bowen Island Municipality, The Hearth, and Diving In: The Art of Cleaning Lakes and Oceans as well as and most importantly, the Bowen Island community.

If you are interested in participating or know someone else who may be, please contact me at underwaterangel@hotmail.com.

We are looking for divers, free divers, boaters, kayakers, and shore crew. Come make new friends, have fun, and celebrate your love for the ocean and its inhabitants by being a part of this collaborative environmental event!

Patient of the Week AGATHA Meet Agatha, Aggie came to us after she had been throwing up and feeling quite lethargic. After taking X-rays and sending them to the radiologist, it turned out she had a foreign body. Dr. Midge performed surgery on her and removed a large sock from her intestines. Aggie is recovering well but a good reminder to all owners to be extra cautious when doing laundry!

REGULAR HOURS Tuesday to Friday 9- 5 Saturday 9- 1 Closed Sunday and Monday

To schedule appointments, please call

604.947.9247

or email reception@bowenvet.com

A10 • Thursday, October 7, 2021

bowenislandundercurrent.com

Your Community

MARKETPLACE bowenislandundercurrent.com

Call or email to place your ad, Monday through Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm

604-444-3000 • 604-653-7851 classifieds@van.net

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at the entrance to Artisan Square Suite 597 7

FLU SHOTS FOR OUR PATIENTS

Book online at bowenislandwellnesscentre.ca

To advertise please call 604-947-2442 or email ads@bowenislandundercurrent.com

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CALENDAR SEPT. 30  OCT. 18

At the Hearth Gallery: Mending Cracks Artist: Raghavendra Rao Karkala

MONTH OF OCTOBER

October StoryWalk® Bowen Island Public Library; A free self-guided family activity! Read pages of a story as you stroll around the library grounds, use your

imagination to complete the activities and search for the next page in the story. Find the first page outside the front of the library. October’s book is At The Old Haunted House by Helen Ketteman

THURSDAY OCT. 7

Paint It Forward - In the Style of Lawren Harris Zoom 9:30-11:30 am; Recieve the class and materials for free with the intent to donate funds towards the next group of

budding artists. New artists and those that want to refresh skills are welcome.

Register: marieneys.com

Book Sale of fiction/ biography/history books Bowen Library Annex. 10 am-12 pm

SATURDAY OCT 9

SUNDAY OCT. 10

Last BAA Farmers' Market of the season BICS 10 am - noon Instead of Applefest, all things apple and pie will be celebrated.

Also things made, grown, baked on Bowen. Bring a mask and cash and please follow the signs

Yoga on the Pier 10-11 am More info: nectaryoga.ca/ yogaonthepier

WEDNESDAY OCT. 13

Paint It Forward - In the Style of Tom Thomson Zoom 9:30-11:30 am; Recieve the class and

Window Blinds On Bowen 778-995-1902 Now serving Bowen Island Free estimates nelcan.ca 604.428.1119

Certified electricians Service calls, renovations, new construction

materials for free with the intent to donate funds towards the next group of Budding Artists”. New artists and those that want to refresh skills are welcome.

Register: marieneys.com

THURSDAY OCT. 14

Rotary talk: Cathy Peters talks Human Sex Trafficking in B.C. Artisan Eats 7:30 pm Masks please!

Paint It Forward - In the

Style of Lawren Harris Zoom 9:30-11:30 am Register: marieneys.com

SATURDAY OCT 16

Bring Your Own Book Club Bowen Island Public Library; Noon-1 pm; For Bowen Islanders 18-35 years old. Drop-in group where you can rave (or rant!) about a book you’ve read and find your next great read. We also meet Sat. Nov. 20. Questions? info@ bowenlibrary.ca.

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A12 • Thursday, October 7, 2021

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The planting of Bouche de Bétizac DAVIES ORCHARD CHESTNUT TREE PROJECT RECOGNIZES TREES AS KIN

MERIBETH DEEN

Contributor

We had a dream a magnificent dream For a chestnut in her prime.

A mate she was needing And now we have found him - just in time That’s the opening to Pauline Le Bel’s poem about Bouche de Bétizac, Davies Orchard’s newest resident. On September 22, the Autumn Equinox, I joined Pauline and members of the Bowen Island Heritage Preservation Association (BIHPA) to witness the planting of the six-foot-tall French chestnut cultivar.

There was digging – much digging - and the addition of rich layers of soil, courtesy of Metro Parks staff. After Pauline added a few leaves from the 150-year-old Castanea Sativa who stands nearby, Erik Hunter-James and Guthrie Gloag placed Bouche de Bétizak gently into the ground and Pauline offered the tree an official, poetic welcome.

Sound anthropomorphic? That’s what we were going for!

The latest scientific discoveries now tell us that trees actually share quite a lot in common with us humans. Trees are social beings, who exist within constantly evolving communities. They communicate, exchange nutrients, and help one another. They also have memory. Trees are beings, each of them unique, each with their own stories, and each of them

connected to us in ways that we might not have previously bothered to imagine. Pauline and I have embraced that and we hope others will too.

Now is the time to shift away from the worldview which sees nature existing to serve us.

We can start by deepening our respect and reverence for the beings with whom we co-exist, and have co-evolved. It’s time to embrace trees as more than just resources and givers of oxygen: they are kin.

We had hoped to celebrate the new tree in person with all of you, but alas, the global pandemic rages on and the Bowen Island Heritage Preservation Association (BHIPA) has decided Applefest is safest as a virtual event this year.

Instead, you can view a three minute video of Bouche de Bétizac’s planting, and Pauline’s poem, as part of the larger online celebration. We’ll release the video to the wider public afterward.

Thank you so much to all those who made this project and the planting of Bouche de Bétizac possible including: the Bowen Island Community Foundation, the Bowen Island Municipality, Metro Parks, and BIHPA. In conclusion, I urge you all to take some time to stroll down to the orchard and visit the trees. Look up and marvel at all those half formed chestnuts on Castanea Sativa. With a little luck (I mean pollination) we’ll be rich in chestnuts by next autumn.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SARAH HAXBY

Sarah Haxby, Meribeth Deen, Helen Wallwork, Pauline Le Bel and Deb Donnelly at the planting of Davies Orchard’s newest resident, Bouche de Bétizac.

Thanksgiving pies and macramé apples at the last Farmers’Market of the season, this weekend at BICS CONTINUED FROM P. 1

There are greens, succulent plants, hazelnut plants, bacon, sausage, beets, squash, greens, carrots, tomatoes, herbs, potatoes, greens, eggs, macramé, jams, Bowen honey, crocheted booties, blankets, cozy gifts (get

ready for Christmas!) as well as a special sale of heritage apples, pies, hot mulled, spiced mulled apple cider (and spice sachets to take home), Thanksgiving pies and macramé apples.

The Bowen soccer kids have also let me know that their cookie flavours for the week will be: pumpkin harvest, toffee, chocolate chunk, double chocolate and special for Applefest – apple oatmeal cookies!

If you are interested in the next heritage apple tree sale, or volunteering with BIHPA or the BAA Farmers’ Market, please reach out to shaxby@hotmail.com and put APPLE in the subject line.

Truth be told.

Our communities are powered by local newspapers.

Celebrate how trusted journalism sparks important conversations at nationalnewspaperweek.ca.

This artwork was created by Canadian artist Ola Volo in celebration of National Newspaper Week from October 3-9, 2021.

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