We Are Art Three Eyed Seeing: Indigenous Futurisms
Stay Well Step by Step Dana Mahon 6 8 24 14
Campbell River Art Gallery
Food for Thought Thai Barbecue Chicken
Josie Boulding
Island Chronicles
The Gull
The Fossil Huntress
Artist Feature Threads of Resilience
Ansnaq
Walking in their Footsteps Summer Museum Tours
Kealy Donaldson
Journey
Do something today that your future self will thank you for. Our actions and decisions today will shape the way we will be living in the future.
How true!! Do you make time for yourself daily? It can be a challenge in today’s busy world. What would it look like to take 30 minutes or 1 hour, just for you? These are personal choices we make along the way. Maybe it’s finishing one small chore at night so your morning runs smoother, or maybe it’s giving attention to something important at home or work. Every day is a balancing act.
Life isn’t easy. There are setbacks and hard days, and yet we keep going. One piece of advice: every day is a gift. Gratitude for even the smallest good moments can shift how you feel, even on dark days. This perspective has helped me through times when the way forward felt impossible.
Your journey is yours. Are you living freely, or feeling chained by responsibility? If you’re unhappy, you have the power to make a change. Change is risky, but with risk comes reward. Ask yourself: is this journey mine? You are in control.
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We are Art
CAMPBELL RIVER ART GALLERY’S NEWEST EXHIBITION THREE EYED SEEING: INDIGENOUS FUTURISMS BRINGS NINE ARTISTS TOGETHER TO CREATE A THOUGHT-PROVOKING EXHIBITION
Three Eyed Seeing: Indigenous Futurisms now on at the Campbell River Art Gallery is a new group exhibition of nine artists from across Turtle Island: Melcolm Beaulieu (Metepenagiag Mi’kmaq Nation), Mimi Gellman, (Red River Metis/Ashkenazi), Shawn Hunt (Heiltsuk), Casey Koyczan (Dene), Nadya Kwandibens (Anishinaabe/Ojibwe), Levi Nelson (Lil’wat Nation), Krystle Silverfox (Selkirk First Nation), Carrielynn Victor (Sto:lo), Eliot White-Hill, Kwulasultun (Coast Salish/Nuu-chal-nulth).
Indigenous Futurisms promote healing, resilience, and self-rule by bringing Traditional Knowledge practices into the present, envisioning the future through an Indigenous perspective.
Three-Eyed Seeing
Krystle Silverfox, Mimi Gelman, Carrielyn Victor, Levi Nelson
Carrielyn Victor
Shawn Hunt
The exhibition, co-curated by Sonny Assu and Jenelle Pasiechnik, is presented to deepen our understanding of Indigenous Futurisms, which has evolved over the last 20 years. They offer multiple visions for the future, influenced by diverse cultural perspectives and artistic lenses. Viewers will see a range of media from traditional beading practices, to virtual reality, garments made of medicine, contemporary approaches to traditional storytelling, sculpture, painting, animation, and photography.
The exciting array of artworks demonstrates how varied and rich Indigenous perspectives on the past, present, and future are, and how much resilience and creativity artists have to share and contribute to the ongoing legacy of Indigenous culture.
At the exhibition’s opening reception, the CRAG hosted 5 exhibiting artists: Dr. Mimi Gellman, Krystle Silverfox, Carrielynn Victor, Levi Nelson and Eliot White-Hill, Kwulasultun. Will Henderson, Wei Wai Kum Nation, welcomed the artists to the territory and opened the exhibition in a good way. Sonny Assu,
Wei Wai Kai Nation, spoke passionately about the exhibition and how Indigenous futurism is linked to the past, how artists bring Traditional Knowledge into their present work, and how that impacts future generations of artists, demonstrating to them the many possibilities for expressing themselves from an Indigenous perspective. Cultural insights guide artists, as they see connection with the past, seek support from the ancestors, and create work that reflects the present moment. Through art and knowledge, artists connect ongoing activism, and demonstrate the resilience and endurance of Indigenous culture.
Jenelle Pasiechnik, Curator of Contemporary Art and Interim Executive Director at the CRAG, is excited about the way the artists’ work is so varied yet harmonious: “Bringing these nine artists together has created such a diverse and impressive perspective on what Indigenous Futurisms can look like. The artists utilize a wide range of media to speak to the importance of Traditional Knowledge, Indigenous joy and resilience, creation stories, and the impacts
of colonization. Although they are so different, their work creates a resonant dialogue. We are so thrilled to have been able to work with such a fantastic group, and hope that lots of folks will come out to experience all the show has to offer, as well as the great programs we have planned.”
The show celebrates a view of time that is cyclical and interconnected. Here, past, present, and future are linked and simultaneous. This approach is vital for applying Traditional Knowledge today. It demonstrates that Indigenous practices are crucial for the future.
This exhibition features a variety of barrier-free and by donation programming including a: Beading Workshop with Metis beader Carly Nabess on July 27th and July 28th at the Campbell River Art Gallery’s Studio. See our website to register at www.crartgallery.ca/events
Three Eyed Seeing: Indigenous Futurisms will run from June 5th to August 23rd in the CRAG’s Main and Satellite Gallery.
Melcolm Beaulieu
Levi Nelson
Food for Thought
SAVOURING THE JOURNEY
Josie Boulding
One of the things that excites us the most about traveling is the food. Mexican beach vacation: we dream of tacos. Paris in the fall? Forget museums and the tower, it’s all about the baked goods.
When I trace the origin of our epicurious wanderings I end up on a beach in Thailand with the smell of flame-grilled chicken wafting from a street-side vendor. It was early in our relationship; our first international trip as a couple. Sharing chicken satay–as it’s often called in Thai restaurants–in the tropical heat was formative and an enduring ingredient in our wanderlust.
That might be why Thai-flavoured barbecue chicken remains one of our favourite recipes, especially on warm summer nights.
It’s also delicious. We can never make enough, especially when we serve it with the quick and easy peanut sauce in our cookbook HABIT. Like all the recipes in the book, it starts with a versatile base sauce–this time our Miso Base. Add a few ingredients and it’s suddenly the perfect accompaniment to a Thai-inspired chicken and a side of rice. We’ve adapted the peanut sauce recipe here so it’s one simple step. (We think the one in our cookbook is even better: follow the QR code to check it out.)
Best of all, if you make the base and marinate the chicken ahead of time, this meal comes together quickly. We’ll be using the free time to dream of eating spicy Szechuan veggies at the foot of the Tibetan plateau.
SERVES 4 PREP: 10 MINS COOKING TIME: 20 MINS
Ingredients
4 tablespoons canned coconut milk (mix of liquid and solids)
3 tablespoons fresh basil or cilantro
1 clove garlic
½ small Thai chile chopped up (omit for mild spiciness)
4 kaffir lime leaves or the zest of one lime (about a 1 tablespoon)
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
2 teaspoons red curry paste
2 teaspoon white sugar or xylitol
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1 teaspoon salt
4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
Cooking Instructions
Combine all ingredients, except the chicken, in a blender or food processor. Puree until smooth.
Pour marinade over chicken in a bowl or ziplock bag. Stir to cover breasts completely. Marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes and up to 24 hours. (The longer the better.)
Let the chicken come to room temperature, while you preheat a barbecue to 400 degrees. Reserve marinade. Cook breasts for five minutes, flip and continue cooking until cooked through.
Heat leftover marinade in a saucepan or microwave until it boils. It’s great over rice.
MAKES: 1.5 CUPS PREP: 10 MINUTES
Ingredients
1 small garlic clove
½ teaspoon fresh ginger
¾ cup peanut butter
2 tablespoons of tamari or soy sauce
2 tablespoon fresh lime juice (about one lime)
2 tablespoon coconut cream
2 tablespoons water
1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
Cooking Instructions
Skin and mash the garlic clove. Skin and zest the ginger.
Add both to a blender or food processor.
Add all the other ingredients.
Blend on high until smooth and creamy, about one minute.
Miso Peanut Sauce
PEANUT SAUCE
The Fossil Huntress
THE GULL
Three gull-like species were described by Alphonse Milne-Edwards from the early Miocene of Saint-Gérand-le-Puy, France.
Another fossil gull from the Middle to Late Miocene of Cherry County, Nebraska, USA, has been placed in the prehistoric genus Gaviota
These fossil gulls, along with undescribed Early Oligocene fossils are all tentatively assigned to the modern genus Larus Among those of them that have been confirmed as gulls, Milne-Edwards' "Larus" elegans and "L." totanoides from the Late Oligocene/Early Miocene of southeast France have since been separated in Laricola.
Gulls are most closely related to the terns in the family Sternidae and only distantly related to auks, skimmers and distantly to waders.
A historical name for gulls is mews, which is cognate with the German möwe, Danish måge, Swedish mås, Dutch meeuw, Norwegian måke/måse and French mouette. We still see mews blended into the lexicon of some regional dialects.
In the Kwak'wala language of the Kwakwaka'wakw, speakers of Kwak'wala, of the Pacific Northwest, gulls are known as t'sik'wi Most folk refer to gulls from any number of species as seagulls.
This name is a local custom and does not exist in the scientific literature for their official naming. Even so, it is highly probable that it was the name you learned for them growing up.
If you have been to a coastal area nearly everywhere on the planet, you have likely encountered gulls. They are the elegantly plumed but rather noisy bunch on any beach. You will recognize them both by their size and colouring.
Gulls are typically medium to large birds, usually grey or white, often with black markings on the head or wings. They typically have harsh shrill cries and long, yellow, curved bills. Their webbed feet are perfect for navigating the uneven landscape of the foreshore when they take most of their meals.
Most gulls are ground-nesting carnivores that take live food or scavenge opportunistically, particularly the Larus species. Live food often includes crab, clams (which they pick up, fly high and drop to crack open), fish and small birds. Gulls have unhinging jaws which allow them to consume large prey which they do with gusto.
Their preference is to generally live along the bountiful coastal regions where they can find food with relative ease. Some prefer to live more inland and all rarely venture far out to sea, except for the kittiwakes.
The larger species take up to four years to attain full adult plumage, but two years is typical for small gulls. Large white-headed gulls are typically long-lived birds, with a maximum age of 49 years recorded for the herring gull.
Gulls nest in large, densely packed, noisy colonies. They lay two or three speckled eggs in nests composed of vegetation. The young are precocial, born with dark mottled down and mobile upon hatching. Gulls are resourceful, inquisitive, and intelligent, the larger species in particular, demonstrating complex methods of communication and a highly developed social structure. Many gull colonies display mobbing behaviour, attacking and harassing predators and other intruders.
Certain species have exhibited tool-use behaviour, such as the herring gull, using pieces of bread as bait with which to catch goldfish. Many species of gulls have learned to coexist successfully with humans and have thrived in human habitats. Others rely on kleptoparasitism to get their food. Gulls have been observed preying on live whales, landing on the whale as it surfaces to peck out pieces of flesh. They are keen, clever and always hungry.
fossilhuntress.blogspot.com
Community News
WORLD'S LARGEST NANAIMO BAR AT VIU!
The Culinary Arts and Professional Baking and Pastry Arts programs reclaimed a sweet world record
On May 17, 2025, Vancouver Island University students made history with the world’s largest Nanaimo bar! Layers of crunchy, creamy, chocolatey goodness, made by our baking and culinary students! It was more than 70 feet long, 1,100 pounds and packed a whopping 2.4 million calories, which were consumed collectively by the 4000+ people who came out to taste test.
In an epically sweet challenge, Vancouver Island University (VIU) students and faculty created the world's largest Nanaimo bar using their own special recipe.
Aron Weber, Chair of the Professional Baking and Pastry Arts program, said students whipped up the idea a few years ago
when they were brainstorming ways to bring publicity to a business.
"We started looking at different ways to do that including a world record and obviously, being in Nanaimo, we decided to look up what was the world record Nanaimo bar," said Weber. He added they were surprised to learn the title belongs to people in Ontario. "Right there, it kind of lit a fire in us that we needed to bring that record back to Nanaimo."
The Nanaimo bar, a sweet no-bake confection consisting of three layers, is a fundamental offering throughout city restaurants and bakeries. The dessert is world renowned. In 2006, the
Nanaimo bar was declared Canada's favourite confection by a reader's poll in the National Post. There is a write up about it in the Canadian Encyclopedia. Wikipedia states a US state dinner held in 2016 in honour of then Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau featured Nanaimo bars as the main dessert. It was even made into a stamp by Canada Post in 2019.
"This is big news, literally! The Nanaimo bar is much more than a sweet, mouth-watering dessert; it's an icon of our great city," said Mayor Leonard Krog. "It only makes sense that the largest Nanaimo bar ever made is put together here. Many thanks to these talented VIU students for beating the record right here at home!"
Weber says preparation to create the record-breaking 1,100-pound bar started a week before. Carpentry students made the frame for the bar. The base of graham-cracker crumbs, cocoa powder, nuts and coconut, and the middle layer of custard-powder-flavoured buttercream was prepared ahead of the event and spread out on the forms while the chocolate topping was poured last.
While the attempt throws another spotlight on the internationally recognized culinary and baking programs, it was also staged to encourage donations towards the purchase of new equipment to better train students and ensure the programs remain on the cutting edge of the industry.
"Our current ovens are decades old and nearing the end of their lifespan," said Buddy Wolfe, Chair of VIU's Culinary Arts program. "Through event sponsorship we are raising money to buy
new ovens which will help students prepare for their exciting and challenging careers in the food industry."
Baking alum Hannah Palmer is coming all the way from Scotland for the big event. Palmer is currently working at Monachyle Mhor, a boutique hotel in the Scottish Highlands. She was one of the students who came up with the initial idea.
"When we realized the world record for the largest bar belonged to someone in Ontario, it just didn't seem right to us," said Palmer. "It's been amazing to see Chef Weber run with the idea. It's such a spectacular way of bringing attention back to VIU and boosting a program that we all loved so much."
"Few things say 'Nanaimo' quite like the Nanaimo bar, and there's no better place for this record than right here at home," said Carly Pereboom, Executive Director of Tourism Nanaimo. "It's a fun, meaningful way to celebrate our city's identity, support local talent and share a taste of Nanaimo with the world."
The record was certified by two national organizations that represent VIU trades students: the Baking Association of Canada and the Culinary Federation of Canada. The national organizations provided official oversight free of charge so that all funds raised can go towards the purchase of new ovens.
To learn more, visit: tradesappliedtech.viu.ca/worlds-largest-nanaimo-bar
THREADS OF RESILIENCE INDIGENOUS DESIGNERS SHINE AT QUENEESH FASHION GALA
Ansnaq
The Native Sons Hall in Courtenay pulsed with pride, power, and polished runway struts on the evening of the West Coast Elders' Conference Fashion Gala.
Produced by the legendary Kim Coltman of Fashion Speaks International, this unforgettable night of fashion brought together Indigenous designers, models, and community members in a celebration of strength, culture, and creativity.
The Fashion Gala, a marquee event of the 2025 West Coast Elders' Conference, shimmered with significance. It wasn't just about couture—it was about community, identity, and the stories woven into every garment. Under the grand archways of the Native Sons Hall, a space rich with history and resonance, guests gathered to witness a runway showcase that honoured the past while looking fiercely toward the future.
At the heart of the show was Kim Coltman, a living legend in the fashion world. As founder and creative force behind Fashion Speaks International, Coltman brought more than half a century of experience to the production. Her journey began in 1972 when she first stepped onto a runway. Since then, she has become a force of transformation—not just as a model, but as a mentor and advocate, opening doors for Indigenous youth and pushing for deeper representation in the global fashion industry.
Coltman's selection as producer was no coincidence. The show's lead coordinator, the formidable designer known as Ansnaq, first encountered Coltman at Paris Indigenous Fashion Week in 2022. "What I saw in Kim that day was more than fashion," said Ansnaq. "It was a heartfelt uplifting of community and culture."
It was a clear vision for Indigenous excellence on a global stage. That meeting laid the foundation for this collaboration, with Coltman partnering with Ansnaq to guide a new generation down the runway.
The night featured an inspiring roster of designers—Oceann, Amanda Crocker's Day Dreamer Designs, Chelsea Nokusis' Chelsea's Cree-ations, Ansnaq, and the duo behind 4 My Ancestors, Megan Isaac and Pewi Alfred, whose striking collection moved the audience to tears. Each brought their own voice and vision to the runway, blending contemporary fashion with deep cultural roots. Whether through vibrant textiles, beaded regalia, or flowing silhouettes, every piece held a story—of heritage, survival, and resurgence.
From the first step onto the runway to the last, the models carried more than garments; they carried legacies. Fashion Speaks International's Signature models walked alongside new faces, many gracing the runway for the first time. The lineup included Ashley Clearsky, Janet Johnson, Janine Peigan, Joey Roo, Cheryl Borgfjord, Kobi Narcisse, Natalie Whitford, Oceann Elise, Mishell Bell, and Ava Crocker. Their presence was powerful, their confidence magnetic.
Each model brought something unique to the catwalk. There was pride in their movements, a sense of honour in representing their cultures and communities. Ava Crocker, the youngest and new to the runway, moved with grace beyond her years—each of them embodying poise and power. Beyond the runway, the team included those working in film, hair and makeup, interior design, and more. For some, this was a milestone. For others, a homecoming. ➡
A special thank you for the beautiful work to Kristen Rowan of Rowan Photography @_rowanphotography_ who captures timeless moments in Edmonton, Alberta and the surrounding provinces
⬅ The audience responded with whoops, cheers, and tears, especially during the poignant finale—a breathtaking Red Dress segment honouring Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit people (MMIWG2S). Models draped in crimson moved solemnly and defiantly, a powerful tribute that silenced the room and left a lasting impact. This finale underscored the gala’s deeper mission: to raise voices, reclaim narratives, and assert presence in a world too often marked by absence.
Off the runway, Fashion Speaks International extended its vision into the surrounding Comox Valley with a series of outdoor photoshoots. Partnering with Kristen Rowan of Rowan Photography, Coltman led creative sessions in nature, capturing striking images that celebrated both the land and the models rooted in it. "There's power in being photographed on your own territory, in your regalia, surrounded by your ancestors' landscapes," said Rowan. "Kim brings that out in people—she sees their strength and knows how to frame it."
These images, both raw and radiant, are destined for exhibitions and future campaigns, amplifying the visual narrative of Indigenous resurgence.
At the core of it all is Coltman's legacy—not just as a producer or fashion icon, but as a mentor. Her role with Fashion Speaks International is as much about teaching as it is about showcasing. She guides emerging Indigenous models, offering training in everything from runway technique and editorial posing to building inner confidence. "It's not just about the clothes," she said backstage. "It's about walking proud. It's about knowing who you are and showing the world."
That ethos was woven into every detail of the Fashion Gala— from the designs, to the music, to the community that filled the hall with warmth and wonder. The evening was a celebration, yes, but also a call to action: to support Indigenous artists, to create space, and to recognise the immense beauty and talent that has always been here.
As the final model stepped off the runway and the lights dimmed, the crowd rose in a standing ovation—not just for the show, but for the spirit behind it. For the resurgence. For the ancestors. For the future.
KING CHARLES III CORONATION MEDAL CEREMONY: MÉTIS RECIPIENTS
In April, Métis Nation British Columbia (MNBC) hosted a King Charles III Coronation Medal Ceremony to honor the remarkable contributions of Métis Citizens to their communities, province, and country.
As noted in Compass Issue 54: Spring 2025, the medal was created to commemorate King Charles III's coronation on May 6, 2023 and recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exceptional service, dedication, and leadership.
“Our people are the heart of our Nation and we were so pleased to be able to honor these recipients who exemplify the spirit and values of the Métis community” notes an MNBC spokesperson. Congratulations! Compass honours the recipients and raises our hands to the incredible community contributions you all have made! môcikihtâwin!
CORONATION MEDAL RECIPIENTS
Alan Thomas Edkins
Phillip Gladue
Elizabeth Hoogendoorn
Arnold Lucier
Gerald Pope
John Sayers
Tom Adams, CD
David Armitt
Eleanor Creighton, CD
Barb Hulme, CD
Richard Johnstone
Kevin Murray
Joe Smith
Anna Marlene Beattie
Mark Carlson
Dr. Kate Elliott
Betty Ann McDonnel
Bryce Mercredi
Dr. Ry Moran
Valerie Paice
Joy Sundin
Eldon Clairmont
Earl Henderson
For details on the individual recipients, head to www.mnbc.ca/news/coronation-medal-ceremony
Shift Happens
THE SACRED NATURE OF SHIFT
Jenny Rachael Olsen
Shift doesn't always announce itself with fireworks or fanfare. Sometimes, it arrives quietly... like a whisper from the soul, nudging us gently toward the unknown.
Other times, it crashes in unexpectedly — like a storm rolling through our carefully laid plans, scattering the familiar and demanding we reorient ourselves. Whether it's soft or sudden, painful or liberating... one truth remains: shift happens.
We don't always get to choose when it arrives. But we do get to choose how we meet it.
Some shifts are born from choice. A decision to care for our health more deeply. A brave step into new work. A heartfelt boundary in a relationship that no longer nourishes us. Other shifts come without warning - illness, endings, moments when life doesn't unfold the way we'd hoped or imagined.
In these times, we're often told to "keep going" or "push through," but I've found the real medicine lies in doing the opposite.
Because not every shift is about forward motion. Sometimes, we're called to step back. Take space. Let things breathe.
Sometimes, we're asked to sit still - to not rush into the next chapter, but instead pause and truly feel what's present.
And sometimes, we're invited to simply hold the void. That strange, sacred space in between what was and what's yet to come.
The void is typically veryuncomfortable. It's rarely glamorous. It's where uncertainty and fear lingers.. clarity feels far away. But it's also deeply necessary. It's where integration happens. It's where we begin to digest all that life has been teaching us beneath the surface. It's the cocoon between the caterpillar and the butterfly.
We often glorify beginnings and celebrate endings, but the space between? That's where the real transformation is happening if we can hold it.
Shift can show up in our personal relationships... in how we care for our bodies... in the work we offer the world... and in the dreams that no longer fit quite right. Sometimes it's subtle. Sometimes it's seismic. Either way, every shift carries the potential to awaken something deeper in us.
We are not here to stay the same. We are here to grow. To evolve. To let go of what no longer serves so that we can make space for what's true.
If you find yourself in the midst of change, uncertain, in-between, or quietly unravelling - just know you are not broken. You are becoming. You are not lost. You are being rerouted.
And even if you can't see the path yet, trust that it's unfolding beneath your feet.
One breath, one choice, one sacred pause at a time. Because shift isn't just happening to you... It's happening for you.
And the more we soften into that truth, the more we discover just how held we really are.
Ayurvedic Health Counsellor | Life Coach | Yoga Teacher
Greetings from the serene shores of Vancouver Island. My journey in holistic health and wellness began as a personal quest for balance and self-discovery inside of my own deep mental, emotional and physical struggles. Through years of dedicated study and practice, I’ve acquired ancient knowledge and personal expertise in guiding Women on their personal journeys of Transformation.
Back in June 2024, Project Watershed staff and volunteers got their feet wet increasing habitat connectivity in Baynes Sound. As part of their multi-year Aquatic Ecosystems Restoration Fund project, they conducted an eelgrass transplant off the coast of Gartley Point near Royston. Three eelgrass beds were planted with nearly 6,000 eelgrass shoots creating 750m2 of new eelgrass habitat near Gartley Point.
The Gartley Point area has experienced anthropogenically induced stress in the form of reduced water quality, shoreline modification, invasive species introduction, and climate change. This eelgrass restoration is a component of an initiative designed to enhance coastal habitat in conjunction with saltmarsh, kelp, and marine riparian restoration along the coast of the Comox Valley.
Eelgrass acts as a cornerstone species in British Columbia’s coastal ecosystems and serves as vital habitat for a diverse array of marine life, including salmonids, crabs, bivalves, and moon snails. Eelgrass is a blue carbon plant meaning that it grows in the ocean and takes up carbon, helping to mitigate climate change.
Eelgrass also acts as a natural barrier against shoreline erosion, enhancing sediment stability along the coastline.
This past fall, Project Watershed’s restoration team was in the field surveying the three eelgrass beds which were planted in June. While eelgrass beds typically lose a portion of their blades over the winter months, the team was happy to report that all three of the new beds are establishing well and looking healthy!
While swimming through the eelgrass, the team noticed that plenty of wildlife has already begun to move into the new habitat including Dungeness crabs, buried anemones, giant and hooded nudibranchs, and a host of fish species.
This spring, Project Watershed did another eelgrass plant in the Fanny Bay area. The team planted two 360 m2 eelgrass beds with support from volunteers. To prep for the planting, volunteers attached twist ties to over 7,400 iron washers in April. In May, another set of volunteers tied eelgrass shoots to those washers, which were then transplanted into new homes by professional scuba divers. The shoots are now hard at work growing new roots and rhizomes to anchor themselves into the sediment before next winter’s storms.
More updates to come, so keep an eye out for upcoming opportunities to get involved!
EXPLORE VANCOUVER ISLAND’S RICH AND COMPLEX PAST WITH THESE MUST-SEE MUSEUM TOURS THIS SUMMER
History in the North Island is bountiful; there is much richness balanced with tradgedy and sadness. From the beginnings of time, to the gorgeous coastal offerings, all highlighting the immigrant settlers that made our communities what they are today, local museums stack up incredible tour opportunities for all to enjoy and experience. Here are Compass Magazine recommendations for this summer’s museum tour highlights.
FROM THE MUSEUM AT CAMPBELL RIVER
Sutil Channel & Cortes Island
Explore the nooks and crannies of the bays, inlets and coastline of the Sutil Channel and Cortes Island with a look at Squirrel Cove, the primary village site of the Klahoose First Nation. Hear stories of the intriguing history of logging, float home communities, stump farms, and the devastating whaling industry of 1860s. You’ll weave through Lewis Channel, cruise past Twin Islands and its royal connections, past the sandy beaches of Hernando and Marina Islands. BYO snacks.
Tour Date: August 24
Romance on the Rapids: Love, Lust, and Heartbreak
Set sail on a journey through Desolation Sound, where stunning views meet unforgettable stories of passion and intrigue. Our evening tour takes you on a scenic adventure through hidden bays, serene coves, and tiny islands, all set against the backdrop of the rugged coastal mountains. Along the way, we’ll share tales of love, lust, and heartbreak from the coast’s rich history—because, as we all know, love is never simple. With every twist and turn of the boat, you’ll feel the echoes of the past and be swept up in the dramatic stories that have shaped this stunning landscape. Please note, love is a messy business, and this trip is recommended for passengers 18+. A catered meal is included to enjoy onboard.
Tour Dates: July 20 & August 6
Desolation Sound & Homfray Channel
Set sail through a maze of bays and secluded coves between the small, picturesque islands of Desolation Sound. Imagine each bay, now tranquil and serene, once alive with families thriving off land and sea, forming vibrant coastal communities. As you pass rugged coastlines and towering mountains, you’ll follow the routes charted by Captain Vancouver of England, and Captains Galiano and Valdez of Spain, back in 1792. Our guides will share the area’s history, from Indigenous peoples to the impact of industries like logging and commercial fishing, revealing how the land and its resources shaped life on the coast. A catered boxed meal is included to enjoy onboard.
Tour Date: August 10
For more information about registration, please contact Lorna or Edna at Visitor Services at the Campbell River Museum at 250-287-3103.
FROM THE CUMBERLAND MUSEUM & ARCHIVES
Japanese Canadians in Cumberland Guided Walking Tour
Led by Dawn Copeman, leaves from Coal Creek Historic Park No.1 Town parking lot, next left past Jumbo’s Cabin on Comox Lake Rd. Allow for 1.5 hours
Thirty-one cherry trees commemorate the last families to live at No.1 Town. Some old cement pillars are all that is left of this once bustling Japanese Canadian community. They came with their families to settle and work in the Dunsmuir coal mines, but unsafe working conditions and poor pay created challenges and opportunities to thrive. Forcible removal in 1942 changed the fabric of Cumberland forever.
Tour Date:
Sunday, August 17 at 11:00 AM
Cumberland Chinatown Guided Walking Tour
Old Townsite Guided Walking Tour
Led by Dawn Copeman. Leaves from Jumbo’s Cabin at Coal Creek Historic Park on Comox Lake Rd. Allow for 1.5 to 2 hours
Explore the rich history of Cumberland’s Japanese and Chinese Communities. This special tour was guided by local historian Dawn Copeman whom combined the poignant stories of two once-thriving neighbourhoods.
Tour Dates: Saturday, July 19 at 11:00 AM + Saturday, October 11 at 1:00 PM
To book your Cumberland Museum tickets in advance: cumberland-museum-archives.tickit.ca/events/30130
FROM THE COURTENAY DISTRICT MUSEUM
Fossil Tours:
Your adventure begins in the Courtenay and District Museum and Palaeontology Center where an informative guide will give a brief lecture about the famous discoveries made in the local area. Then, it’s a tour of the exhibit galleries to see the actual specimens and reconstructed casts of the Puntledge elasmosaur, the tylosaurus and other discoveries from local rivers and shorelines. Other vertebrate fossils, such as mosasaurs, turtles, and fish; along with the invertebrate fossils of shelled animals that lived in the warm, shallow ocean surrounding Vancouver Island 80 million years ago are also on display.
Led by Dawn Copeman, leaves from Jumbo’s Cabin at Coal Creek Historic Park on Comox Lake Rd. Allow for 1.5 hours
A quest for a better life. Loneliness. Isolation. Racism. Physical danger in the mines. Jumbo’s cabin is all that is left standing from Cumberland’s once-bustling Chinatown, but the wetlands hold tales of community, intrigue and triumph. Learn the fascinating history of the Chinese people who came to work in the Dunsmuir coal mines and left a lasting legacy.
This walk will have an emphasis on the lives of Chinese miners and their struggles within the labour movement in B.C.
Tour Date: Saturday, September 13 at 1:00 PM
A short 10 minute drive and an easy 5 minute forested walk brings you to one of the many beautiful fossil sites along local rivers. Here, you’ll experience the thrill of hands-on discovery. After a brief discussion about the history of the site and proper collection techniques, participants will have a chance to find a fossil of their very own. Hammers, chisels and goggles will be supplied. You can keep any fossils that you find on the tour. If the species is of scientific value, you may be asked to donate the fossil to the museum collection, with the finder’s name attached. Due to the popularity of the tour, pre-bookings needed for the fossil tours. You will require your own transportation to the fossil site.
Tour Dates: Morning tours start at the museum at 9am and end at 12:00 at the river. Afternoon tours begin at 1:00 at the museum and end at 4:00 at the river. Tours run Tuesday to Saturday. This is a family friendly adventure and private group bookings are available.
Pre-registration is required. Call 250-334-0686 ext 2 or email to gmiller@courtenaymuseum.ca.
From Stealing to Healing
GROUNDBREAKING B.C. FIRST NATIONS–LED RESEARCH REVEALS THE HISTORY OF REPATRIATION IN B.C.
And the path to bring thousands of Ancestors and Belongings home
Two new reports commissioned by the First Peoples’ Cultural Council (FPCC) offer a historic, community-led look at the scope of work needed to bring home the Ancestors and cultural Belongings taken from First Nations in British Columbia. The findings make it clear: the path to healing and cultural revitalization requires long-term investment and support for Indigenous-led repatriation.
The reports—From Stealing to Healing: Repatriation and B.C. First Nations and Repatriation Cost Analysis: A Framework and Model were created with the leadership of B.C. First Nations communities. They provide not only crucial research and cost modelling, but also powerful insight into the ongoing impacts of cultural loss and the urgent work needed to return these treasures home.
“This research illustrates the scope of repatriation and the incredible amount of work still left to do,” said Karen Aird, Heritage Manager at FPCC. “The reports demonstrate the perseverance of B.C. First Nations despite decades of cultural
destruction and suppression. Self-determined repatriation of lost Belongings and Ancestors is crucial for cultural revitalization. This is an opportunity for everyone to recognize the reality of repatriation and what is required for communities to start the path to healing.”
The From Stealing to Healing report identifies more than 2,500 Ancestors and 100,000 cultural Belongings from B.C. that are currently held in 229 institutions across the globe. These items—removed over more than a century—carry deep cultural, spiritual, and historical significance. The report includes case studies from 16 Nations, documenting the powerful impacts of repatriation when it occurs and the long-standing efforts required to make it happen.
One such story comes from Gitxaała Nation. In April 2023, the Nation completed its first repatriation, returning a sacred totem pole and other Ancestral Treasures. “The return... brought people together in a way not seen in years and rekindled a profound connection to cultural laws and traditions,” said Dustin
Johnson, Manager of the Gitxaała Nation’s Language & Culture Department. “Most significantly, [we were able to] lay two repatriated Ancestral Remains to rest with dignity according to traditional protocols.”
The companion report, Repatriation Cost Analysis, presents a cost model based on real community budgets. It details the steps—from early planning to long-term caretaking—that First Nations take when leading their own repatriation work. The framework accounts for differences in readiness, community size, and project scope. It is designed to help Nations and partner organizations estimate their needs and secure resources to move forward.
FPCC CEO Tracey Herbert praised the community knowledge behind the reports. “This groundbreaking research reveals that First Nations–led repatriation is a moral and ethical imperative to mitigate historical and ongoing cultural appropriation,” she said. “The reports create an opportunity to work together and invest in British Columbia’s collective heritage.”
The research underscores that repatriation cannot be achieved through short-term or one-time grants. Policy change, sustainable funding, infrastructure, and long-term planning are all necessary. The tools developed in these reports are intended to address ongoing barriers and support communities in reclaiming what was unjustly taken.
For small and remote communities, the challenge can be even greater. Lindsey Willie, General Manager of the Nunwakola Cultural Society, spoke about the experience of the Dzawada’enuxw First Nation. Their project, Tłuma’eła – A Long Time to Wait, highlights the burden placed on communities with limited resources. “There are so many places out there that have our stuff... across Canada, the U.S. and Europe. We have to use these smaller grants... to piecemeal the work,” Willie said. “The work is urgent as well, because we have Elders who are aging.
Those Elders currently help us connect the dots between the knowledge that’s in those museums and now.”
Community voices throughout the reports echo a common theme: while the emotional and spiritual impact of repatriation is profound, the process is resource-intensive and slow. Without sustained funding and government support, the return of Belongings and Ancestors risks being delayed for generations.
Málágius Gerald Lawson, Board Chair of the First Peoples’ Cultural Foundation, emphasized the need for lasting commitment. “Communities reclaiming their cultural heritage on their own terms strengthens cultural, spiritual, physical and economic well-being,” he said. “To support this important work, long-term, reliable funding and strategic support are urgently needed.”
The work of repatriation is not just about returning physical items. It is about healing relationships, restoring identity, and honouring the Ancestors who were taken. It is also about ensuring future generations can access the knowledge and cultural teachings embedded in these sacred items.
With support from the Province of British Columbia through the First Peoples’ Cultural Foundation, and with community leadership at the forefront, From Stealing to Healing and Repatriation Cost Analysis mark a turning point in the broader understanding of what repatriation requires, and what it can achieve.
For information, visit www.fpcc.ca or www.firstvoices.com
Cedar bark and wool textiles from various BC First Nations held at the Ethnological Museum of Berlin
New Online Course Helps Vancouver Island Boaters Stay Whale-Safe on the Water
Whether you’re cruising in a powerboat, paddling a kayak, or casting off in a sailboat, staying safe on the water now includes being whale-wise. A new free online course from the Marine Education and Research Society (MERS) is aiming to make British Columbia’s coastal waters safer, both for boaters and the whales and other marine mammals that call these waters home.
The Whale-Safe Boating course officially launched this week and is already turning heads in boating communities across Vancouver Island and the BC coast. Designed for both motorized and non-motorized boaters, the course is easy to access, comprehensive, and practical. It fills a crucial gap in public education by helping people better understand marine mammal laws, safety risks, and conservation practices.
MERS, a non-profit organization based in Port McNeill, has been studying and educating about whales in BC for more than a decade. Their researchers and educators have seen firsthand how dangerous it can be when boaters and whales accidentally cross paths. The risk is real not only to the animals, but to people as well.
“There have been serious incidents,” says Caitlin Birdsall, Executive Director of MERS. “Boaters have been injured, kayaks have been flipped, and boats disabled. And whales are put at risk every time someone doesn’t know the rules or how to spot them.”
The course builds on MERS’ earlier campaign, “See a Blow? Go Slow!”, launched in 2014 in response to the growing number of humpback whales off BC’s coast. That campaign
encouraged slower speeds and greater caution when whales were in the area. Now, with whale populations continuing to grow and more people heading out on the water each year, MERS felt the time was right for a more in-depth, structured approach to education.
The idea for the course was strengthened by the results of a recent poll of 4,000 BC recreational boaters. More than half of respondents couldn’t correctly identify the legal distance they must keep from whales in different situations. The most common reason? Confusion over rules that change depending on the species, type of vessel, and geographic area.
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The Whale-Safe Boating course directly addresses these gaps. Through clear narration, animations, and downloadable resources, it breaks down what boaters need to know, not just to avoid fines, but to keep everyone safe. The course includes an optional module with information on local marine species like humpbacks, orcas, porpoises, sea lions, as well as rare species like basking sharks and leatherback turtles.
“This is about building a culture of care on the water,” says Jackie Hildering, MERS’ Director of Education and Communication. “When boaters know what to look for and what to do, they can model those behaviours, talk to other boaters, and help protect whales simply by doing the right thing.”
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In fact, the course encourages exactly that. One of the tools promoted is the Whale Warning Flag—a bright, visible signal that can be raised when whales are in the area. The first 100 people to complete the course will receive one for free. These flags alert nearby vessels to slow down, stay alert, and change course if needed.
The course takes about 90 minutes to complete and is designed to be flexible. It’s narrated with optional closed captions, and learners can pause and return to it at any time. A certificate of completion is issued at the end, and boaters can revisit the content as often as they like.
Support for the course came from Transport Canada’s Boating Safety Contribution Program, and the curriculum was developed in collaboration with an expert advisory committee. Members included representatives from Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Parks Canada, Boating BC, Sea Kayak Alliance of BC, Ocean Wise, CanBoat, Cetus Research and Conservation, Georgia Strait Alliance, and more.
While the course is especially relevant for Vancouver Island communities, where marine wildlife is never far offshore, it’s designed for anyone boating anywhere along BC’s coast. “Whether you’ve been on the water for years or just bought your first kayak, this course will help you boat smarter,” says Birdsall. “We all have a role to play in keeping these waters safe for whales—and for ourselves.”
To take the free course, visit www.WhaleSafeBoating.org
Stay Well
STEP BY STEP Dana Mahon
Three months ago I lost my beloved dad.
Some of you may have read my article back in December when I was on my way to see him after he suffered a traumatic fall which left him immobile. A once fully independent man; a traveler, a caregiver, husband, dad and grandfather extraordinaire, he was now unable to do anything for himself; it was devastating.
The reason I share this here in this publication is because this summer issue is all about the journey, and what a journey it has been. I could never do justice to the experience of those four months in such a short article but I can say this; self-care is a non-negotiable ongoing commitment; one to be safeguarded and fiercely protected. It is what sustains us
Following the experience of caregiving, worrying, advocating, travelling back and forth all winter, only to see someone I love
more than anything succumb to what seemed at first to be surmountable, despite the enormity of the challenge, I felt exhausted, drained, and depleted. I had maintained a pretty good routine throughout, including abstaining from sugar, practicing sleep hygiene, and maintaining high level nutrition.I am grateful for my well established wellness lifestyle which I leaned on heavily but let’s face it, stress of this nature is a powerful force. You know that experience where you can go go go, and then once you take your foot off the gas and step back, you can’t even fathom how you moved through those challenges, and with that degree of energy to boot. Endurance at its core.
Following such times, sickness can set in, perhaps a bad cold creeps in, or even some sort of physical pain can take over.
Before reaching that point, I decided prior to my return to the Island, to rent a little cabin at the beach for three months;
a place where I could land, begin to process my deep grief, calibrate, breathe deeply, nourish my heart and my body, rest, rest, rest, swim in the ocean, feel the sun and the breeze on my skin, write, cry, whatever I needed to do.
As summer approached and the temperature rose, and as rose bushes bloomed and the days got longer, I found myself stepping out into the world again, one foot in front of the other. Having humble beach fires, watching moonrises, sunrises, and everything in between, these were all self-care practices that cumulatively contributed to a healing journey that has only just begun, but one that is rooted in ease, patience, self-love and trust.
As I write this I am approaching the final two weeks of my stay and preparing to head back to the North Island to reunite with my beloved crew (my partner and our hounds). I am returning
hOMe a much different person than the one who arrived here in March, and I am so grateful to have had this time and opportunity to practice this level of self-care.
For anyone moving through an especially challenging time, may this be your gentle invitation or reminder to give yourself permission to take the time you need. It isn’t always easy to put ourselves first, I get that, but it is (always) worth it when we do, not only for us, but for our loved ones and for the world around us. Self-care comes in many forms, and once we recognize the “type” we need at any given time, and we prioritize that over anything, we can then be well on our way to becoming our best, healthiest selves.
One wellness practice a time, one moment of clarity at a time, one step at a time, we can walk the journey of Self-care and Well Being, and what a gift that is.
Dana Mahon is a yoga teacher, wellness educator, and author based on Vancouver Island, where she lives on the traditional territory of the Laich-kwil-tach and Kwakwaka'wakw Peoples. A lifelong advocate for natural, holistic self-care, Dana draws from over two decades of experience in the wellness field, blending formal education with deep personal practice. She’s the founder of Wild Pose Yoga and author of Release Your Inner Wild, a guide for modern women reconnecting with their true selves. Dana’s work empowers women to embrace their inner and outer wild: gathering, growing, and healing through retreats, yoga, and soulful, everyday rituals. www.danamahon.com
