COMPASS MAGAZINE VANCOUVER ISLAND | FALL 2025 ISSUE #56 CARING
Kiki's Communications and Compass Divisions recognizes and honours Residential School survivors and the children that did not make it home.
Every Child Matters is a critical point for Indigenous relations in Canada and beyond. Every Child Matters symbolizes the loss of culture, freedom, and self-esteem that many Indigenous children experienced and we, as Canadians, take accountability for the historic impacts and tolls that Residential Schools took on Indigenous communities, families and individuals. Hiy Hiy ~ we honour you ~ hands up!
Caring
Sometimes it takes only one act of kindness and caring to change a person's life ~ Jackie Chan
There are moments when judgment just drops into our heads—old programming, predisposition, or a raw reaction. When we think in negatives, our world turns negative and toxic. Good news: you can flip that script to something truly positive and CARING.
Untangling old programming is hard, but you can overcome it. Maybe you already value simple kindness; keep protecting people’s feelings. Remember “make my day”? Forget Eastwood’s version—make someone’s day by sending a kind word and reinforcing caring.
It took me time to release knee-jerk negativity. I was raised to question motives, to be suspicious. It didn’t serve me or those who cared about me. You don’t have to drop your guard; this is about caring for people around you. I started pausing: Why am I thinking this? Where did it come from?
So, train your brain. Slow down, dissect the reaction. Change the narrative! Show you CARE—and brighten someone’s day.
Imagine traveling for medical care and finding a welcoming place that feels like home the moment you walk in. That vision is becoming reality with the Just Like Home (JLH) Lodge and Healthcare Workforce Housing. On September 10th, the Strathcona Regional District (SRD), alongside the Campbell River Hospital Foundation and Seymour Pacific Homes, celebrated the official start of construction on the traditional unceded territory of the Ligwiłdaxw people. The day began with a moving ground blessing led by Shawn Decaire, hereditary chief of the We Wai Kai Nation, and his son Kye Decaire, setting the tone for a project rooted in community, care, and collaboration.
The Just Like Home Lodge will provide ten private units with washrooms, as well as shared kitchens, laundry facilities, and communal living spaces. Designed to be safe, supportive, and affordable, the Lodge gives patients and their families a comfortable “home-away-from-home” when traveling to Campbell River for medical care not available locally. Accessibility and comfort are at the core of the design, helping families focus on healing rather than travel and accommodation.
The project also includes 20 workforce housing suites, from studios to two-bedroom units, designed to attract and retain essential healthcare professionals. By addressing a regional housing shortage, these self-contained units help ensure workforce stability while supporting the broader community.
“This project is about care, community, and hope,” said SRD Board Chair Mark Baker. “The Just Like Home Lodge and Workforce Housing will directly benefit patients, families, and healthcare workers across 32 communities and improve healthcare access in our region. Today's groundbreaking is a true celebration of what collaboration and community spirit can achieve.”
The milestone also acknowledged the support of key partners, including the Campbell River Hospital Foundation and community donors, who have raised $2 million for the Lodge, and the Mailman Family and Seymour Pacific Homes, whose expertise and dedication have been crucial to bringing this project to life.
Construction is now underway, with completion expected in summer 2026. For more info, visit justlikehomecr.ca
Shawn Decaire, Hereditary Chief of the We Wai Kai Nation, together with his son, Kye Decaire opened the event with a ground blessing.
We are Art
INDIGENOUS QUEER ART EXHIBITION OPENS AT I-HOS GALLERY
Pride Society of the Comox Valley
The Pride Society of the Comox Valley, together with I-Hos Gallery and two community members who devoted their time and creativity, is excited to present an Indigenous Queer Art Exhibition this fall.
Indigenous Queer Pride showcases the work of 14 local Two-Spirit and LGBTQIA+ Indigenous artists, spanning generations and mediums. Featured artists include Cam Hautcoeur-Boyer, Charlee Staniforth, Cheri Mak'wala, Corrine Hunt, George Littlechild, Heather Curtis, Jeanette Laberge, Jenja McIntyre, Liz Brown, Maxmuwidzumga, meika johnson, Phoenix Lee-Deagle, Rachelle Antoine, and Raven Johnson. Their selected works—ranging from digital art, hand sewing, sculpture, painting, and illustration to mixed media, wire, and bead art—draw inspiration from the movement of nature, Indigenous culture, gaming, community, and storytelling.
Opening night will be held on Sunday, September 14 from 6:30–9:00 pm at I-Hos Gallery. The evening is an opportunity to celebrate Indigenous queerness in the Comox Valley, meet some of the artists, and connect with the community. Guests can enjoy light refreshments, hear opening words from Corrine Hunt, and experience live music by Raven Johnson. Admission is free, and families are welcome — a children's colouring table will be available.
The exhibition will run from September 14 to October 14 at I-Hos Gallery (3310 Comox Rd), located between Courtenay and Comox on Vancouver Island, on the site of the original K'ómoks Village. The community is encouraged to drop by during regular gallery hours to explore the show at their own pace.
ihosgallery.com
Corrine Hunt
George Littlechild
Food for Thought
LEMON PRESERVE
Josie Boulding
Lemon Preserve is like an X-ACTO knife: you can live without it, but when you have it handy you will use it all the time. The wine and salt in this recipe add a complexity that takes the already versatile and cheerful yellow fruit to another level.
Ingredients
2 large organic lemons
¼ cup lemon juice (from the fruit or store-bought juice)
¼ cup white wine (any variety will do, but we like Sauvignon Blanc)
3 teaspoons salt
Add sparkling water for a zesty mocktail. Mix with chicken stock for a lemony sauce. Or whisk into dressings for a puckering kick.
Quick and easy to make, the preserve keeps two weeks, plenty of time to discover many more uses for it.
Cooking Instructions
Wash the lemons and slice them into thin rounds. Cut the rounds in half.
Add lemon slices to a Dutch oven or heavy pan with all the other ingredients. Stir to combine.
On high heat, bring the mixture to a boil. Cover with a tight-fitting lid and turn heat down to low.
Simmer for 12 minutes or until the liquid has reduced by half.
Use it right away or store in the refrigerator for two weeks.
SERVES: 4 AS A MAIN PREP: 15 MINUTES COOKING: 25 MINUTES
This salad has a lot going for it. The mix of ingredients makes it naturally colourful and varied in flavour. Since just about any veggie will work, it’s a great way to clean out your crisper. The ingredients are generally budget friendly. And it’s satisfying. With the sweetness of the pears and umami from the tahini in the dressing, that's all five tastes: sweet, sour, bitter, salty and umami. A complete dinner, like this, feels more filling and reduces cravings for “a little something” later on.
Ingredients
Dressing:
¼ cup yogurt
¼ cup tahini
¼ cup water
1 tablespoon Lemon Preserve Base
1 tablespoon honey
Salad:
2 cups butternut squash
2 sweet potatoes
3 carrots
2 potatoes
1 onion
2 pears
2 tablespoons avocado oil
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon sriracha powder or sauce
1 orange, zested and juiced
2 tablespoons balsamic reduction
¼ cup roasted pecans
fresh parsley or basil as garnish
Check out HABIT!
Cooking Instructions
Prepare your fruit and veggies. To ensure even cooking, cut the hard ingredients (squash, potatoes, carrots) into smaller pieces and the softer ones (onion, pears) into bigger chunks.
In a big bowl mix oil, salt, sriracha, orange juice and zest, and balsamic vinegar. Add the cut vegetables and mix well. Marinate for 10 to 15 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 400F. Line a baking pan with parchment paper.
While the veggies marinate, make the dressing. Add all the dressing ingredients to a blender. For the Lemon Preserve include both the cream and lemon rind. Pulse on high until smooth and then set aside.
Spread marinated vegetables on the baking sheet. Place in the oven and roast for about 25 minutes.
Veggies are done when golden brown and everything is soft enough to poke with a fork. Remove from the oven and toss in a salad bowl with the pecans. Pour dressing over top and toss.
Wolves are among the most iconic predators of the northern hemisphere—intelligent, social, and adaptable creatures that have roamed the wilds of North America for hundreds of thousands of years.
But their story begins long before that, deep in the fossil record, when canids first began to evolve.
The ancestors of today’s wolves can be traced back more than 30 million years to the early canids of the Oligocene. One of the earliest known members of the dog family is Hesperocyon, a small, fox-like carnivore that lived in what is now North America.
Over millions of years, these early canids diversified into various forms, including the dire wolf (Aenocyon dirus) and the gray wolf (Canis lupus), which appeared around 1 to 2 million years ago.
The gray wolf evolved in Eurasia and migrated into North America via the Bering land bridge during the Pleistocene. Once here, it quickly became a dominant predator across the continent, adapting to a wide range of environments—from the Arctic tundra to the deserts of Mexico.
Today, Canis lupus is still widely distributed across North America, although its range has contracted significantly due to human expansion, habitat loss, and historical persecution. Wolves are found in:
• Alaska – home to the largest populations in North America.
• The Rocky Mountains – including parts of Montana, Idaho, and Wyoming.
• The Western Great Lakes – especially Minnesota and Wisconsin.
• Canada – particularly British Columbia, Alberta, and the boreal forests of the northern provinces.
• Vancouver Island – which hosts a distinct coastal population.
• The Pacific Coast – small populations in Washington and Oregon are making a comeback.
Wolves are apex predators and essential for maintaining healthy ecosystems. They primarily prey on large ungulates such as deer, moose, elk, and caribou.
In coastal regions, particularly on British Columbia’s Central Coast and Vancouver Island, wolves have adapted their diets to include salmon, intertidal invertebrates, and even seals. I have seen them eat their way along the tide line, scavenging whatever the sea has washed up for their breakfasts.
These wolves have been observed swimming between islands in search of food, a behavior rarely seen in inland populations. If you explore the coast by boat, kayak or other means, you can see their footprints in the sand, telling you that you are not alone as you explore the rugged coast.
Wolves help control herbivore populations, which in turn benefits vegetation and can even influence river systems, as famously demonstrated in Yellowstone National Park after wolves were reintroduced in 1995.
Wolves on Vancouver Island
Vancouver Island is home to a small but resilient population of coastal wolves, often referred to as coastal sea wolves. These wolves are genetically and behaviorally distinct from their inland counterparts. While exact numbers fluctuate, current estimates suggest approximately 350 wolves live on Vancouver Island.
They are elusive and tend to avoid human interaction, making them difficult to study and count accurately. Much of what we know comes from the work of wildlife researchers and photographers such as Ian McAllister, whose documentation of coastal wolf behavior has been instrumental in raising awareness.
If you are looking to see more of these coastal predators, search out the work of photographers like Liron Gertsman, Ian Harland, and Sandy Sharkey, who have captured stunning images and footage of these elusive creatures in their natural habitat, along our beaches and old-growth forests.
Despite their adaptability, wolves face a number of threats:
• Habitat Loss and Human Encroachment: As logging and development continue to fragment wild areas on Vancouver Island, wolves are pushed into closer proximity with humans, increasing the likelihood of conflict.
• Hunting and Trapping: Wolves are not protected under the Wildlife Act in much of British Columbia and can be hunted or trapped in many areas. Although controversial, some view wolf control as a means to support ungulate populations for hunting.
• Poisoning and Culling: In parts of Canada, wolves have been poisoned or culled in misguided efforts to protect caribou herds, despite ecological evidence showing that habitat preservation is more critical to caribou survival.
• Decline in Prey: As deer populations fluctuate due to climate change, human hunting pressure, and habitat alteration, wolves may face food scarcity.
• Public Misunderstanding: Myths and negative stereotypes about wolves still persist, sometimes fueling unnecessary fear and policy decisions not based on science.
• Wolves have been on this land longer than humans. Their long evolutionary journey has shaped them into highly specialized, intelligent animals with complex social structures. But their survival now depends on us.
On Vancouver Island and across the continent, conservation efforts, education, and science-based wildlife management are essential to ensuring wolves continue to howl in the wild for generations to come.
Vancouver Island local, Gary Allan, who runs the SWELL Wolf Education Centre in Nanaimo and is known for his extensive work in wolf advocacy and education is a good resource of upto-date information on our coastal wolves.
He has been educating the public about wolves since 2006, both through the Tundra Speaks Society and the education centre. Allan's work involves interacting with wolves, including his wolf-dog Tundra, and sharing his knowledge with schools, community groups, and First Nations organizations.
Have you seen one of our coastal wolves up close and in person? It is a rare treat and for me, generally on an early morning walk. I hope we keep the balance so that the wolves live in peace and continue to thrive.
New Book From Graeme Menzies Reveals the Twist of Fate
It’s one of those “what if” moments that could have changed our country forever: what if British Columbia had become part of the United States? Vancouver author Graeme Menzies explores this little-known episode in Trading Fate: How a Little-Known Company Stopped British Columbia from Becoming an American State, set for release on September 16, 2025, from Heritage House Publishing.
The story takes readers back to 1789, when the west coast of what is now British Columbia found itself in the crosshairs of competing empires. A political and trade dispute between the Nuu-chah-nulth Nation, imperial Spain, Great Britain, and the United States unfolded at Nootka Sound on Vancouver Island. At the center of it all was the King George’s Sound Trading Company, whose decisive actions ensured that the region remained under British—and ultimately Canadian—control. Without their intervention, Canada’s west coast might have been drawn into U.S. territory, and the young nation’s “Atlantic-to-Pacific” dream could have ended before it began.
Menzies’ book brings this history to life with clear, engaging prose, drawing on first-hand accounts and primary sources
that shed light on early European contact with coastal Indigenous peoples. The narrative is rich with overlooked characters and multiple perspectives, including British, Spanish, American, and Indigenous viewpoints, all set against the dramatic backdrop of imperial ambitions and colonial diplomacy. Maps, illustrations, historical photographs, and other ephemera deepen the experience, making history tangible for readers.
A seasoned storyteller and communications professional, Menzies is also the author of Bones: The Life and Adventures of Doctor Archibald Menzies and several 111 Places guidebooks. He has served as Director of Communications for the Vancouver 2010 Olympics and has been awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal for significant contributions to Canada.
The book launch will be held at the Billy Bishop Legion in Vancouver, with additional signings in Vancouver and Victoria. Trading Fate is a timely, thought-provoking exploration of national identity, sovereignty, and the decisions that shaped a nation, and is a must-read for history lovers and curious minds alike. Order through www.hgdistribution.com in Canada.
When I've asked you to walk by I've asked to see the greens fields swaying in the summer breeze
When I've asked you to express I've asked to listen to the choir singing inside you to the setting sun
When I've asked for your sweet lips
I've asked the sun's rays to freeze time
When I've asked for your touch
I've asked for angels to dance across my entire body
When I've asked you for your thoughts
I've asked for the gods to gather
When I've asked you to stay
I've asked you to look into the mirrors of my soul
When I've asked for your help
I've asked because I know that bee's, beetles and bugs fly too. Sometimes they need a little help getting off their backs
When I've asked the question, why?
I've asked to understand, and to not assume.
When I've asked you for your love
I've asked you whilst rolling along cresting waves approaching shore
I intend to land and ask for your hand
When I've asked you for a cuddle
I've asked you because this warrior wants to know the feeling of home. To know this moment
I asked you while dancing above the abyss three hundred lives ago. Dancing free from fear, free from what is below me, free from what is behind me, free from what is above me, free to create what is in front of me
When I've asked, I've sworn to give!
Match Energy, Frequency and Vibrations, with Positivity, Intention and Mindfulness. Vibrational Therapy/Sound Baths. Heal yourself!
James Vickers James Vickers and the James Vickers Band
REZ STAR BLUES LEGEND IN THE MAKING: JAMES VICKERS + THE JAMES VICKERS BAND
DJ Hanson
James Vickers is a 16-year-old lead singer, lead guitarist, and recording artist is of Tsimshian, Heiltsuk, and Haida Indigenous roots. This is where it all began, as a self-determined young artist. When Vickers is asked how he got started he shares that his main influences were the classic rock legends of Led Zepplin, Jimmy Page and AC/DC’s Angus Young!
Many had the pleasure of witnessing the presence and his talented performance at the 20th year celebration of the “Nanaimo Blues Festival 2025 at Maffeo Sutton Park” within the traditional territory of the Snuneymuxw people.
This is where Vickers strongly cultivates a safe space, embracing all his influences. He has an incredible songwriting formula and the freedom to express himself with one foot in the fire of the “Blues”. Vickers fully embraces the utility vibe of his fully stocked Yamaha “Rez-Star” guitar (Rev-Star) for his full live stage performance and attack.
Vickers holds his band in high regard and surrounds himself with good people! His most recent album release Last Goodbye, was this past May, collaborating with musician/ Producer, Jamie Penner, and recording engineer Gabriel Underwood.
“The James Vickers Band played the Nanaimo Blues Festival in 2022 and by January of 2024, they found themselves at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis where they received a unanimous three thumbs up from the judges.
They’ve played all over Vancouver Island, including opening for Myc Sharratt and the Alibis at Nanaimo’s Fringe Festival in 2023
and a host of other fundraisers all over the Island.” shares Vickers' father, Noel Vickers, from an earlier interview.
“I went into the music scene, I didn’t have any expectations and if you don’t have any expectations, you can’t really let yourself down,” the down to earth musician explained.
Now the James Vickers Band is playing all over the province. Places like Bella Bella, Prince Rupert and Hazelton have been highlights and truly give a taste of what’s to come once Vickers finishes high school.
When Vickers is out there on tour, he hopes other youth, with incredible talent, might catch what he’s doing on stage, get inspired and see that anything’s possible.
“I’m blessed to have wonderful people around me and wonderful musicians to work with,” Vickers noted “It’s just all excitement, especially what we’re doing and where we’re going, I’m really excited for it. It means tons. It means the world to me.”
Vickers has been building a fan base in the local Nanaimo music scene and now throughout British Columbia. At 15, he released his first album with gigs that flowed into Indigenous communities around British Columbia, including some with deep family roots.
Connect with ”James Vickers Band” on all social platforms. Upcoming January performance at the Globe LIVE Studio in Nanaimo!
Special Thank You to the Nanaimo Blues Society!
The Nanaimo Blues Society (the Society) is a BC registered non-profit society that was founded in October 2004 and is led by a committed volunteer board with a passion for Blues music and a desire to add to the culture and vitality of Nanaimo. The society enriches the culture and vibrancy of Nanaimo through the annual Nanaimo Blues Festival - a world-class blues festival that features International, National and Local blues artists. Every year, Nanaimo Blues Society presents musical events that provide enjoyment for the community, showcase Nanaimo and area musical talent, build an understanding of and appreciation for the Blues and stimulate the local economy.
➡ You can connect with the society at www.nanaimoblues.ca
TOGETHER FOR GLACIER VIEW – WE WALK, WE GIVE, WE GROW!
Glacier View Lodge Society invites the Comox Valley to join the 2025 Walk for Glacier View on Sunday, September 21, 2025 at 2450 Back Road, Courtenay.
This relaxed and family-friendly event features a 2 km parklike stroll through the scenic grounds of Glacier View Lodge. Designed for all ages and abilities, the walk can be completed in well under an hour, making it the perfect Sunday afternoon activity.
Alongside the walk, participants will enjoy the lively energy of the Dogtastic Dance Team performing mid-walk, followed by a post-walk concert by the Watershed Band. A bake sale with local treats will open at noon, offering another way for the community to gather in support of seniors. Well-behaved four-legged family members on leash are welcome too!
A Walk With Purpose
The Walk for Glacier View is more than just a fundraiser; it is a celebration of community spirit and care for seniors.
“This is a chance to come together, take a gentle stroll, and know that every step helps,” says Event Director Roz Smith. “It’s about connection with friends, neighbours and with the seniors whose lives are directly touched by the programs this event supports.”
Funds raised will help sustain music therapy and other wellness programs at Glacier View Lodge, while also strengthening the Lodge’s long-term vision for future seniors’ housing and care in the Comox Valley.
Community Impact
Walking together provides more than exercise — it offers an opportunity to experience joy, social connection, and shared purpose.
“By joining the Walk, you’re not only supporting our current residents but helping shape the kind of care we want for our community in the years to come,” adds Smith. “It’s a small step that makes a big difference.”
About Glacier View Lodge
For over 40 years, Glacier View Lodge has been a cornerstone of care in the Comox Valley. This non-profit society provides longterm care for 101 residents, along with community programs including the Adult Day Program, dementia caregiver support, and a specialized bathing program. By combining residential care with supportive services for families, Glacier View Lodge truly “Feels Like Home.”
The Lodge is the Comox Valley’s longest-operating long-term care facility, tracing its roots to a 1946 initiative by the Women’s Institute of Northern Vancouver Island. Their vision led to the original Glacier View Home, later Marsland House, welcoming 28 local pioneers. Incorporated in 1979, the Society opened a 75-bed facility in 1982 and added a 27-bed Special Care Unit in 1991 for residents with dementia.
A registered charitable association, Glacier View Lodge relies on grants and donations to enhance programs and maintain quality care, continuing a legacy of compassion and community support.
More Information: www.glacierviewlodge.ca/walk
Roz Smith, Event Coordinator, Walk for Glacier View 2025 walk4gvl@gmail.com | 250-331-1418
Event Schedule
Check-in opens 12:00 pm
Bake-Sale Opens 12:30 pm
Walk begins 1:00 pm
Mid-walk performance: Dogtastic Dance Team
Post-walk performance: The Watershed Band
Event Summary
Date: Sunday, September 21, 2025
Location: Glacier View Lodge, 2450 Back Road, Courtenay
Activities: 2 km stroll, live music, dance, bake sale, refreshments
Participation: Individuals, families, and workplace teams welcome.
Remote participation: Is also available via Race Roster
Dogs: Well-behaved, leashed companions welcome
Shift Happens
HONOURING THE CYCLES: EMBRACING FALL WITH SACRED SELF-CARE
Jenny Rachael Olsen
As August fades, we begin to feel the quiet shift from the fullness of summer into the crispness of fall. For me, summer has always held a special place in my heart—I was born on the Summer Solstice—but autumn is my second love.
The changing leaves, the cozy rain-soaked afternoons with tea and a book, the pumpkins and harvest abundance—there is a beauty in the letting go. Yet fall also carries a deeper teaching. It is the season of death and release.
Just as the trees shed their leaves, we too are invited to let go of what no longer serves us. For many women I speak with, this transition stirs up discomfort. It can bring waves of sadness, grief, or fear. But often, what feels heavy is actually resistance: resistance to change, resistance to endings. And as nature reminds us, release is always followed by renewal. Without death, there is no rebirth.
In Ayurveda, autumn marks the beginning of Vata season, a time when the air element dominates. Our bodies and spirits can feel more sensitive, more restless. We may notice dry skin, disrupted sleep, anxiety, or a tendency toward colds and coughs. Energetically, the veil between the physical and spiritual realms also thins, making this a potent time for reflection, ritual, and deeper self-tending.
This season invites us to honor both our inner and outer worlds.
A few sacred self-care practices can make all the difference:
Abhyanga (Self-Oil Massage)
This ancient Ayurvedic ritual involves massaging warm oil into the body before a hot bath or shower. It soothes dry skin, supports digestion, grounds the nervous system, and nourishes body and spirit. Think of it as wrapping yourself in a layer of love.
Hot Morning Elixirs
Before reaching for coffee or matcha, begin the day with hot water, fresh lemon juice, and a pinch of sea salt or Himalayan salt. This simple ritual warms the body, hydrates, supports digestion, and replenishes electrolytes—setting the tone for steadiness throughout the day.
Nature Connection
Even on rainy, chilly days, it’s essential to step outside. Bundle up, cover your ears, and take a 20-minute walk in nature. The fresh air clears the mind, regulates mood, and reminds us that we are part of the cycles around us.
As the leaves fall and the air cools, may we soften into the wisdom of this season: letting go is not an ending, but an opening. Release creates the space for new energy, new opportunities, and new life to enter.
Jenny Rachael Olsen Holistic Counsellor | Holistic Nutritionist | Ayurvedic Health Counsellor | Life Coach | Yoga Teacher
Ocean Chronicles
THE MARBLED MURRELET: A WEST COAST JOURNEY IN CRAFT, CONSERVATION, AND CONNECTION
David Durrant
Canada’s West Coast remains one of the most breathtaking places on Earth, a majestic confluence of rugged coastline, ancient forests, and untamed sea. Its remoteness only enhances the sense of wonder: unspoiled beaches, legendary fishing grounds, and wilderness adventures that have inspired countless tales. For many, these experiences remain out of reach, until one takes that liberating step and gets a boat.
In Comox, where I was raised, boats weren’t a luxury, they were a way of life. My grandfather and father both guided from the world-renowned Painters Lodge in Campbell River. A black-and-white photograph still hangs there: my father beside Ella Hess on July 30, 1951, proudly holding a Chinook salmon weighing over 75 pounds. Another catch, a 56-pound salmon, now mounted in the main hall of Yuculta Lodge,
stands as further tribute to their skill. Both were caught in the storied Tyee Pool, rowing classic Painter Tyee Boats, handcrafted in Campbell River by brothers Ned and Joe Painter.
The summer of 1968 marked my first real step into that tradition. After months of saving, I bought a modest fiberglass dinghy, powered by an unstoppable two-cylinder British Seagull motor from the 1940s. By the time university came around, I’d built a working knowledge of small engine repair and marine safety. Certifications followed, lifeguard, SCUBA diver, marine radio operator, and, later, training with the Canadian Coast Guard to inspect vessels, teach boating safety, and serve in search and rescue. During my off-hours, I kept a pager close and volunteered with the local Coast Guard Auxiliary, ready at a moment’s notice.
The Marbled Murrelet
That early exposure gave me a deep respect for the water, and for those who work on it. I’ve owned, operated, and repaired many vessels. But in recent years, the search began for what might be my last boat. Many name-brand models offered modern features, yet none truly aligned with my vision. So, I turned to something more intentional: a Design-Build approach, beginning with a clear picture of every need, every detail, and bringing it to life from the hull up. What I didn’t expect was how cost-effective, and deeply personal, that route could be.
One thing was non-negotiable: the boat had to be built locally, by Canadian hands. I visited boat shows, toured marine shops, spoke with builders, studied welds and layouts, and asked questions, lots of them.
That search led me back to Campbell River, and to Shadowline Boats, a company with an outstanding reputation for craftsmanship and care. Located near the historic Painters Lodge, it felt only fitting that this new chapter would begin in the very waters where my family’s story was first written.
Owners Don and Renée welcomed the project with warmth and enthusiasm. From the beginning, it was clear that this would be a collaboration, not a transaction. At our first meeting, Renée asked a question that stopped me:
“What do you want in a boat?”
I answered with a memory. As a child, when my father opened up the throttle, I would stretch my arms wide, feeling as if I were flying, weightless above the water, lifted by speed and wind. I wanted a boat that could capture that same sense of freedom and quiet exhilaration. I also shared my rough sketch of a Marbled Murrelet, a small seabird native to the Pacific Northwest. Could we design a vessel that honoured its shape, its spirit? Renée paused, thoughtful, and then said:
“This would be a first… but I’m sure Donny can build a boat around the image of a bird.” She smiled. “This is going to be fun.”
And it was.
• Shadowline brought together a remarkable team of local talent to help realize the vision, experts in aluminum, electronics, upholstery, custom fabrication, and design.
• Nicola North Art, a Comox Valley studio, interpreted the imagery and spirit of the Marbled Murrelet into the visual concept.
• Russel Metals, a leading Canadian supplier, provided the marine-grade aluminum essential to the build.
• Campbell River Boatland, a trusted B.C. outfitter, installed the motors and primary systems.
• Western Marine, among Canada’s leading suppliers, provided the electronics.
• RoadRunner Trailers in Richmond built the custom trailer, while Friendly Bear Fabricating in Campbell River, crafted the canopy and back wall.
• Cuda Girl Canvas & Upholstery delivered beautiful work on the fold-out bed and seating.
• Windows were sourced from AJR Windows in Vancouver, and the tinted glue-in windshields were installed by Rockland Glass in Campbell River.
• Ultradeck Marine Flooring, based in Vernon, supplied safety-certified non-slip decking.
• A Brutus Pot Puller by Ace Line Hauler in Nanaimo was added for utility, and of course, equipment from Scotty, the legendary Victoria-based outfitter, completed the setup.
• Shadowline hand-cut every piece of aluminum with precision, then welded with such mastery that kilometers of seams disappeared smoothed away as effortlessly as a painter’s final brushstroke. The craftsmanship is seamless, flawless, and alive with care, dedication, and mastery.
Every craftworker brought their skill, spirit, and dedication. What emerged wasn’t just a boat, it was a living, breathing expression of place, purpose, and partnership.
The vessel was rightfully named The Marbled Murrelet, not simply for aesthetic reasons, but as a quiet tribute to conservation. The Marbled Murrelet is an elusive and easily overlooked seabird, yet its role in environmental awareness, especially regarding the preservation of coastal old-growth forests, has been profound.
The boat is a testament of local boat builders’ pride, crafted with skill, heart, and deep respect for this coast.
It also recognizes the unsung heroes who quietly defend this wild, magnificent coast, environmental scientists, and organizations like the Sierra Club of BC, and BC Wildlife Federation, relentless in their fight for conservation, education, and lasting change. It pays tribute to the watchful eyes of Coast Guard and Fisheries BC crews, the dedication of RCMP officers, the sacred stewardship of Indigenous guardians, and the unwavering service of the Canadian Armed Forces. Their vigilance shields not only these rugged shores, but the very planet we all call home.
Thank you all for your service.
Off the Beaten Path
COMMUNITY IN ACTION: FROM GARDENS TO PREPAREDNESS
Pat Jackson
What Do We Mean by Community and Project?
The OED defines a community as “the state of being shared or held in common; an organised political, municipal, or social body; or a body of people living in the same locality.” Clearly, a community can encompass a continent, a nation, an urban or rural area, or simply a group of neighbours.
A project, meanwhile, is defined as “a plan, scheme, or course of action.” For the purposes of this story, I will focus on examples here in the Comox Valley.
A Garden on Beaufort Avenue
On Comox’s Beaufort Avenue, a group of neighbours recently decided to beautify the sloping, overgrown space behind their parking lot. The original landscaping was long past its best-before date. Together, they cleared the area and
commissioned a tradesman to construct wooden raised beds—one for each apartment.
Truckloads of soil were delivered, the boxes filled, and then the fun began. Each resident had their own idea of what to plant. Some grew vegetables, some mixed flowers with produce, others filled their plots with blooms. One even held a single lonely dahlia for an entire week.
The atmosphere was lively as people planted and chatted. When everything was in place, the group held a launch party in the parking lot to celebrate. What was once a drab, empty space is now full of colour, conversation, and connection— a wonderful example of neighbours working together for mutual benefit.
Neighbourhood Emergency Preparedness
“Be Prepared” is a familiar saying, courtesy of Lord Baden-Powell, founder of the Boy Scouts. With this in mind, another group of neighbours on Beaufort Avenue and Jane Place have established a Neighbourhood Emergency Preparedness Group. More than 60 households are involved.
Twice a year, they invite guest speakers with expertise in disaster scenarios to share advice and reassurance. Speakers explain that while federal, provincial, regional, and municipal master plans exist, individuals must still be ready to cope for several days on their own after a disaster, until outside help can arrive.
Guidelines emphasize common-sense steps: each household should stock food and water, keep spare shelter supplies, and prepare an accessible emergency kit. Small but critical details are also stressed—such as keeping shoes by the bed in case of a nighttime earthquake or flood, carrying an emergency kit in the car, and maintaining a contact person outside the affected area.
DON'T WANT TO MISS EVEN ONE ISSUE?
The group also tracks households with members who have serious health or mobility challenges, ensuring that help can reach those who need it most. Batteries, solar chargers, and communication tools are recommended to maintain contact until large-scale assistance arrives.
Volunteer Groups at Work
At a broader local level, many services are offered by volun teer organisations. These may be church groups, concerned citizens, or people moved by personal experience to help others. The entire community benefits from their work.
Rotary Clubs, Alcoholics Anonymous, the Food Bank, and groups that run soup kitchens out of St. George’s Church or the Blessings Boutique at St. Peter’s are all examples of vital community involvement.
Other volunteers dedicate their time to safety and rescue. The Marina Rescue team and the land-based Search and Rescue groups serve the Valley but are also available to help further afield when emergencies require specially trained manpower.
Support at the National Level
Community action extends even further through federal sup port teams who respond to large-scale Canadian emergen cies such as wildfires, earthquakes, floods, terrorist attacks, or severe weather events.
The Armed Forces represent a nationwide community service, funded by taxpayers, and always ready to mobilise. When needed, they can dispatch trained personnel and heavy-duty equipment by land, air, or sea. Once the scale of a crisis becomes clear, their efforts are often supplemented by NGOs who provide humanitarian aid on the ground.
The Ripple Effect of Community
The Comox Valley enjoys an excellent spirit of cooperation and resilience. We should count our blessings, but also remember that being prepared is essential.
The reach of community action is like throwing a pebble into a lake. The ripples spread far and wide, starting from a single gesture and touching lives well beyond its source.
Wellness Artist
QUADRA CONCERTS 2025/26
World-Class Music, Island Magic
On Quadra Island, music has always been more than performance— it is communion, wellness, and a reminder that beauty thrives when community comes together. This year, Quadra Concerts launches its 2025/26 season with a lineup that feels as restorative as it is exhilarating, welcoming world-renowned artists to the island and inviting audiences into an experience both global in scope and deeply local in spirit. Music is good for the soul, and there is a lot of goodness in this series. What makes this season truly special is its breadth of artistry. Jeremy Dutcher, the Wolastoqiyik tenor and Polaris Prize–winning composer, will grace the Quadra stage with music that fuses classical training with Indigenous tradition, weaving healing and history into every
note. Elisapie, the celebrated Inuk singer-songwriter and activist, will bring her luminous interpretations of pop classics sung in Inuktitut, a performance both tender and transcendent. The JUNO-winning quartet The Fretless transforms Celtic folk into lush chamber music, while Van Django, Vancouver’s acclaimed gypsy jazz ensemble, fills the room with joyful improvisation and foot-tapping swing.
Audiences will also encounter Gordon Grdina’s Haram, a tenpiece Arabic jazz ensemble, and the African Chamber Music Ensemble, whose fusion of African rhythms and Western textures promises a performance as vibrant as it is moving. Add to this the introspective folk of Montreal’s Joe Grass, and the program reads like a journey across cultures, traditions, and emotional landscapes, all without leaving the island.
Gordon Grdina’s Haram
Bringing world-class performances to a small Gulf Island is no small feat. Quadra Concerts is a volunteer-run organization that has been presenting extraordinary live music for nearly fifty years, thriving on the passion and dedication of its community. Volunteers contribute their time and skills: technical crews manage sound and lighting, treasurers balance budgets, hospitality teams prepare meals and arrange billets, front-of-house staff welcome audiences, and neighbours staff concessions. It is this generosity that makes the series feel less like a formal concert hall and more like a living room large enough to hold an entire island.
For the artists who make the journey, that intimacy is unforgettable. As artistic director Jason Sharp explains, “The artists in this season are mostly coming to Quadra for the first time,” and what makes the experience unique is that “the island audience offers a built-in trust, and a courageous kind of listening.” It is that sense of being truly heard—of finding an audience both attentive and open—that draws performers back and spreads the island’s reputation worldwide.
The 2025/26 season also represents a renewal. A newly formed board has stepped forward to carry the vision, embracing the challenge of sustaining and expanding a legacy built over decades. Their leadership reflects the resilience of small communities: when people believe in the value of art, they find ways to make it flourish. In an era when live music is often concentrated in urban centers, Quadra Concerts demonstrates how world-class culture can thrive in rural places, nurtured by a shared sense of purpose.
To sit in the audience at a Quadra Concerts event is to feel the island itself—its forests, waters, and open skies—woven into the music. The setting invites stillness, reflection, and the kind of collective experience that feels restorative long after the last note fades. Whether it is the fiery rhythms of gypsy jazz, the soaring voice of an Indigenous tenor, or the soulful reinterpretation of a familiar song in a new language, the effect is the same: music heals, connects, and strengthens both body and spirit.
As this new season begins, Quadra Island once again offers itself as a gathering place for art and wellness, for world-renowned performance and grassroots dedication. Neighbours become collaborators, visiting artists find a second home, and audiences leave lighter, inspired, and reminded of the goodness that music brings. For anyone seeking proof that music truly is good for the soul, Quadra Concerts 2025/26 offers seven radiant evenings that promise to linger in memory and heart alike.
Tickets are available now through the Tidemark Theatre and www.quadraconcerts.ca—an open invitation to be part of the island’s most inspiring season yet.
Jeremy Dutcher Elsapie
Stay Well
TAKE CARING TO THE NEXT LEVEL WITH THOUGHTFUL ACTION
Dana Mahon
When someone we love, adore or even “just” like, is in need of some care, it is often pretty easy to offer it… right?
They have a cold, we offer to bring soup; their pet needs a sitter, we offer to pop in and check on him or her; our family member is struggling, be it emotionally, physically or even financially, we extend our empathy or sympathy and the question comes, ‘how can I help?’ It may even be a stranger who needs help on the side of the road, and there we are, extending help of some kind.
Not necessarily every time, but a lot of the time, when someone is in need, there is an automatic desire to want to support, help and to be there… why? Because we care and we want them to know it and feel it.
Sometimes we care but if we aren’t practiced at it, expressing it in words may feel unnatural, and may require a bit of
effort or creativity. I find when I dig deep and put in that extra effort, not from a place of guilt, obligation or pressure, but from a place of - I think it would mean a lot to someone, something bigger takes over and what was once effort now becomes ease.
Small gestures show you care, and help to remind people they are not alone.
As the sayings go, “a little goes a long way”, and “it’s the thought that counts”. Not to be confused with doing the bare minimum and calling it thoughtfulness or caring because intention AND impact are both important, but for the most part, if we want to show someone we care, it can be as simple as “I’m thinking about you today and I care about you”. If you care, show it, and watch someone’s face light up!
Now, how about taking the feeling of caring a step further, into thoughtful action? It’s one thing to feel care in your heart, but another to show it in ways that make someone’s day a little brighter. Even simple gestures—a note, a favorite treat, a quick message, or a small act of help—can turn that feeling into something tangible and meaningful. Here are some easy ways to do just that:
• Make a special dinner or treat you know they love.
• Drop off their favourite dark chocolate bar (projecting my taste here! or another sweet treat).
• Clean a shared space, like the kitchen.
• Send sappy snail mail, like a cheerful handwritten note or card.
• Leave a thoughtful voice message.
• Send a brief text with a heart, sparkle, or kind emoji.
• If geography allows, stop in for a 60 second hug!
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
