6 8 10 14 22 30
We Are Art Comox Valley Gallery Hop Kristina Campbell
Stay Well Commitment: Liberating or Restricting? Dana Mahon 6 8 22 14
Food for Thought Fried Herring Roe on Kelp Indigenous Cooking
Island Chronicles Bears: Harbingers of Spring The Fossil Huntress
Artist Feature Gus Cook's Precise Repoussé Kealy Donaldson
Walking in their Footsteps Qwalayu House: Supporting Families, Strengthening Care
Turning Promise into Reality
Beginnings are fun – there is excitement, optimism, the promise of something new. Successful endings are great, too, as you watch your idea bear fruit. The hardest part comes in the middle. It’s the part that involves effort and sacrifice. This is where focus can challenge you and you’ll know if you can gut it out and stick with it.
If you want to stick with something, to see it through to the finish, start with an understanding of your “why.” When you can clearly articulate why you are doing something, it is easier to make those daily choices that keep you on the path. Change is never easy but it is doable.
Committing is a daily choice to keep going, say no to distractions and temptations, and decide you will remain focused on your goal and do what it takes to get there. Unless you plan on winning the lottery, recognize that the dream takes time, effort, and discipline to form into a reality. Progress is usually measured in inches, not miles, but know that every inch is a success and keep moving forward!
KEALY DONALDSON
Publisher compassmagazine.ca
PUBLISHER
Kealy Donaldson
DESIGN + LAYOUT
Jessie Stones
COVER
Moon Pendant
Gus Cooke
CONTRIBUTORS
The Office of MP Rachel Blaney
Kristina Campbell
Children's Health Foundation
Kealy Donaldson
Fossil Huntress Blog ©
Shaun Koopman, SRD
Dana Mahon
Jenny Rachael Olsen
Vancouver Island University
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March 7, 1-3 p.m. Political Roundtable Discussion with MLA Brennan Day at Chamber Business Hub
March 20, 7:30-9 a.m. Bites and Insights
Simplify work with AI with Hufnagel Consulting at Chamber Business Hub
March 20, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Art Exhibition Opening with I-Hos Gallery at Chamber Business Hub
March 27, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Business After Business at Nufloors Comox Valley Floor Centre
April 17, 7:30-9 a.m. Bites and Insights
Cybersecurity with Nick Holyome at Chamber Business Hub
April 24, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Business After Business at First Credit Union
May 15, 7:30-9 a.m. BItes and Insights
Optimizing Digital Strategies with MNP’s Ryan Clarke at Chamber Business Hub
May 29, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Business After Business at Coastal Community Credit Union
Building good business and great community, TOGETHER. for events, connections and success!
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Crown Isle is your destination for any event, business or social.
Full Service Resort & Community in the heart of the Comox Valley SPECIAL RATES FOR GROUPS
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Susan Sarada, co-chair of ‘the Pearl’ in Comox, conceived of a collaborative, multiple venue exhibition and set out to bring it to fruition. With nine participating galleries, the Comox Vallery Gallery Hop introduces ‘Waterways’, a thematically united series of exhibitions spanning Cumberland to Comox.
In Comox, Pearl Ellis Gallery presents ‘Ebb & Flow’, a juried exhibition of local artists celebrating the movement and ever-changing nature of water, to encourage visitors to explore the rhythm, power and beauty of water through art. The collaboration of YQQ + CVA Arts and Culture Program showcases 30 regional artists whose work embodies renewal, transformation and resurgence in ‘Regeneration’ at YQQ – the Comox Valley Airport.
Overlooking the estuary at the site of the original K’ómoks Village, I’Hos will host ‘Water Back’ a community-created installation that responds to themes of water stewardship and reciprocity through an Indigenous lens.
In Courtenay, ‘Immersed / Return to Water 2025’ offers visitors to Comox Valley Art Gallery sensorial storytelling using time-capture imagery, animation, video and sound design, and 3D/VR to explore the region’s enduring watery ecology.
Artful : The Gallery’s invitational exhibition ‘H20’, will feature waterworks from the gallery’s roster of Comox Valley artists. April at Artful is showered with events: poetry readings, workshops and Kim June Johnson’s CD pre-release.
At ARTWRX, the 7 artists who call the shared working studio and gallery home, present ‘Acqua’ and invite you to visit to visit with the artists at work and see artwork both being created and exhibited in their space.
The brand new Studio 211 is a group of 5 local artists who have come together to create art, enthusing and inspiring each other in the process. Their exhibition ‘Spring Tide’ focuses on their explorations of the region’s waterways.
At The Gallery @ Weird Church, ‘Water is Life’ is the collaborative, artist centered opportunity for sharing in the midst of a bustling community space, bringing art to life in Cumberland’s iconic red-roofed Weird Church.
The Worthy Room, the offering of community realtors Catherine Worthy and Katherine Miller to the much-needed artistic venues in the Comox Valley, exhibits an eclectic variety of local artists and presents ‘Water, Water, Everywhere’, an open group exhibition.
Together, these exhibitions aim to explore the profound connection between humanity and the waters that sustain us. Watch for the calendar of events to plan your visits to each of the exhibitions, and their events and openings. Get your stamp card, available at all exhibition venues and Compass Gallery + Gifts at YQQ, through the month of April to enter to win artistic door prizes from the participating artists and venues.
Each spring, herring return to the deep blue waters and inlets of British Columbia in tremendous numbers. During this time, they spawn along the coastal shores with female herring laying upwards of 20,000 eggs each. Male herring fertilize the eggs soon after, turning the ocean into a unique light turquoise color, reminiscent of Caribbean waters. The roe is sticky and quickly attaches to seaweed, sea grass, rocks and other substrates. This spawning event typically lasts for a few days and attracts thousands of marine species including birds, fish, and marine mammals who all come to feast on the nutritious offering.
In addition to attracting an abundance of marine life, herring roe is also a staple to the diets of coastal Indigenous people. While it is a significant source of food, the roe has been used as bait, a commodity for trade, and a necessary component
for ceremonial traditions. Many Indigenous communities along the Pacific Coast harvest herring roe on submerged vegetation during the spring. For Haida communities, the roe is typically collected three days after the spawning event occurs. This period of time is regarded as respectful to herring, and is known as Yahguudang (Xaayda kil Skidegate Haida Dialect) or Yakguudang (Xaad kil Massett Haida Dialect). This term translates to respect and is a wonderful representation of Indigenous management for marine resources. Additional substrates, such as tree branches, would often be introduced to the marine environment during this spawning period to attract additional herring eggs. Through collecting only some herring roe, and ensuring the survival of other roe and adult herring, this practice allows for herring to persist at sustainable levels for many years to come.
Ingredients
2 cups herring roe on kelp cut into 1-2 inch pieces
1-2 eggs
1-2 tsp soy sauce
1 tbsp olive oil
Prep & Cooking Instructions
Run it under cold water to remove the salty brine. You can keep tasting the roe to see if it is too salty. Alternatively, you can soak it for about 2-4 hours, changing the water once. The thicker the roe on the kelp, the longer you will need to soak it.
Cut the herring roe into 1 to 2-inch pieces. Set aside.
Whisk the egg with the soy sauce. Start with less soy sauce to start so it is not too salty.
Heat a frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the oil and let the oil heat. Dip the herring roe pieces into the egg mixture and then add to the frying pan in a single layer. You may need to do 2-3 batches. Cook for about 2-3 minutes.
Flip the roe over and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes on the other side. Check to see that the roe is cooked through – the roe should turn white and not be translucent. Serve with more soy sauce on the side.
Sodium: 110 mg | Calcium: 12 mg | Potassium: 34 mg | Calories: 240 kcal | Monounsaturated Fat: 3.4 g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.8 g | Saturated Fat: 2.1 g | Fat: 13.8 g | Protein: 31 g | Iron: 0.8 mg
The Fossil Huntress
Some of Vancouver Island’s many bears take a stroll through the wilds in the Comox Valley. While stumbling upon them may cause us surprise, they have heard us (and smelled us) coming for miles. If you work or play in the woods of British Columbia, both grizzly and black bear sightings are common.
As Spring arrives with warmer weather and growing daylight, bears begin awakening in the Comox Valley, across Vancouver Island and around the rest of the province, they wake up thirsty and often quench their thirst, then head back to their dens for more sleep.
As well as parched, some have such powerful hunger they choose to forgo more sleep in favour of beginning the welcome task of searching for food.They snack on plant roots, grasses, berries, insects, the shellfish on our coastlines and small mammals—all to replace the many calories they burned off over their winter hibernation.
Nearly half the world’s population, some 26,000 grizzly bears and 380,000 black bears, roam the Canadian wilderness — of those, 14,000 grizzlies and around 140,000-ish black bears call British Columbia home. These highly intelligent omnivores lumber along our coastlines, mountains and forests. It is hard to confirm how many live on Vancouver Island, but estimates range from 7,000 to 12,000.
Both bear families descend from a common ancestor, Ursavus, a bear-dog the size of a raccoon who lived more than 20 million years ago. Seems an implausible lineage given the size of their enormous descendants. Our Island black bears are a little larger than their mainland counterparts. Females can weigh up to almost 400 lbs or (180 kg), and our males get up to 600 lbs or (275 kg) in weight.
Their beefy cousins get even bigger. An average grizzly weighs in around 800 lbs (363 kg), but a recent find in Alaska tops the charts at 1600 lbs (726 kg). This mighty beast stood 12’ 6’ high at the shoulder, 14’ to the top of his head and is one of the largest grizzlies ever recorded — a nandzi. Adult bears tend to live solo except during mating season.
Those looking for love congregate from May to July hoping to find a mate. Through adaptation to shifting seasons, the females’ reproductive system delays the implantation of fertilized eggs — blastocysts —until November or December to ensure her healthy pups arrive during hibernation. If food resources are slim, the newly formed embryo does not catch or attach to her uterine wall, and she would try again next year.
Female grizzly bears reach mating maturity at 4-5 years of age. They give birth to a single or up to four cubs (though usually just two) in January or February. The newborn cubs are cute little nuggets, tiny, hairless, and helpless, weighing in at 2-3 kg.
They feast on their mother’s nutrient-dense milk for the first two months of life then stay with their mother for another 16 months or more. Once fully grown, they can run 56 km an hour, are good at climbing trees, swimming, and live 20-25 years in the wild.
Bear encounters bring a humbling appreciation of how remarkable these massive beasts are. Knowing their level of intelligence, keen memory, and bite force of over 8,000,000 pascals — enough to crush a bowling ball — inspires awe and caution, in equal measure.
They have an indescribable presence. It is likely because of this that these majestic bears show up often in the superb carvings and work of First Nations artists. In the Kwak’wala language of the Kwakwaka’wakw —speakers of Kwak’wala— a grizzly bear is known as nan. Should you encounter a black bear and wish to greet them in Kwak’wala, you would call them t’ła’yi. Kwakiutl First Nations, Smoke of the World, count Grizzly Bears as an ancestor — along with Seagull, Sun and Thunderbird. To tell stories of the ancestors is nawiła.
Each of these ancestors took off their masks to become human and founded the many groups now bound together by language and culture as Kwakwaka’wakw. Not all Kwakwaka’wakw dance the Gagalalał, but their ancestors likely attended feasts where the great bear was celebrated. To speak or tell stories of the ancestors is nawiła — and Grizzly bear as an ancestor is Nan Helus.
Whether ancestor or neighbour, these beautiful creatures live all around us. We may see them moving through our neighbourhoods for food or returning to their habitat. It is vital for all of us to be mindful of how our actions impact them and to keep attractants — delicious, smelly garbage and open food — in sealed garbage cans and not outside in open containers. We share this world with them and it is our responsibility to help keep them — and us — safe.
If you encounter wildlife that is aggressive or causing property damage, call the BC Conservation Officer Service at 1-877-9527277 (RAPP). Bear Aware: BearWise offers great advice helping people live responsibly with bears. You can visit them online at bearwise.org
Strathcona Regional District
The Strathcona Regional District (SRD) encourages community members to take part in Emergency Preparedness Week from May 4 to 10, 2025. Emergency Preparedness Week is a national awareness initiative and an opportunity for you to take action to ensure you're prepared to protect yourself, your family and your community during an emergency. This year, the SRD is offering community free first aid certification courses to provide residents in the regional district with the knowledge and skills in order to better offer immediate care to someone who is injured or ill.
"When faced with a sudden medical emergency or accident, people with first aid training are better equipped to take charge of a situation to help prevent a deterioration in the condition of the person affected. First aid training makes everyone more confident and comfortable during an unfortunate situation" said SRD Chair Mark Baker.
A Disaster Preparedness Expo will be hosted on Quadra Island. The Disaster Preparedness Expo is a fun way to build community resilience and get your family better prepared for a disaster. Attendees can connect with a variety of different organizations involved in disaster preparedness and response.
REVIVING REPOUSSÉ WITH CULTURAL PRECISION
Gus Denny Cook, born on February 28, 1982, in ‘Yalis (Alert Bay), is an artist whose metalwork has been gaining quiet yet significant attention. The son of Samuel and Charlene Cook (née Wadhams), Gus became drawn to the art and history of his people through early cultural education in school. Mentorship played a central role in his artistic development. He credits Rande Cook, Richard Sumner, Frank Nelson, and William Cook as influential figures.
Since 2011, Gus Cook has trained under renowned Kwakwaka’wakw artist Rande Cook, who had previously studied repoussé in Italy with master Valentin Yotkov. “I started as a labourer for Rande and then was introduced to repoussé, and learned the structure of designing through Rande. I studied older arts, and practiced to find [my] own style,” says Cook. He continues to refine his practice through ongoing experimentation.
Repoussé is a specialized metalworking technique where the surface is raised from behind using shaped punches to create a three-dimensional design. Chasing, a complementary process, refines the surface by pressing down from the front. Together, these techniques give metal pieces an intricate sculptural quality. “Repoussé is almost like a lost art, learned from YouTube and social media,” Cook says.
In 2011, Cook was featured in Chasing Form: New Directions in Repoussé at Alcheringa Gallery in Victoria, BC. A year later, he was commissioned through Lattimer Gallery to create a large repoussé copper panel for an international mining firm. His first solo show followed in 2017 at Seattle’s Steinbrueck Gallery. In 2019, he was profiled in Alex Dawkins’ Understanding Northwest Coast Indigenous Jewelry, and the same year, he received the BC Achievement Foundation’s First Nations’ Art Award.
Cook’s current portfolio includes detailed pendants, bracelets, rattles, and full-sized frontlets. His pieces often sell before they reach a wider audience. Custom jewelry is now his core focus.
“I’m into general production at the moment; good thing about COVID was online shopping, and people wanted to shop or buy direct,” he says. Self-promotion through social media has helped him reach collectors and educate audiences on the difference between repoussé and carving.
Sculptural work is one possible direction for the future. Teaching is another, potentially in the Victoria region. Cook holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, earned through studies at Camosun College and the University of Victoria.
His Squid Pendant demonstrates the complexity of his process. The metal must be annealed—heated and cooled—before each stage. As the metal hardens during work, it must be reheated repeatedly to remain malleable.
One of Cook’s standout works, Makwala, draws on the symbolism of the Moon. “Moon symbolizes transform ratio, strength, empowerment and wholeness,” he explains. “The Native Moon Symbol is the protector and guardian of the earth. Moon has great power and illuminates the dark. Its spirit watches over us and can change tides (transformation).” In many West Coast traditions, the Moon is male, the Sun female, and their union brings balance and abundance. “We believe that there many opposite traits – duality – in every person. Different traits can be useful with different situations. It is all about the finding the right balance and recognizing what a situation really needs from you.”
For more information or to inquire about custom pieces, reach out to guscook1982@gmail.com.
Jenny Rachael Olsen
For the Woman who knows she’s meant for more—but feels held back by unseen wounds, patterns, or fears—Feminine Rebirth is a sacred nine-month journey designed to help you reclaim your power, embody your truth, and elevate every area of your life. This is for female entrepreneurs, creatives, and leaders who are ready to step into their next level—not just in business, but in their relationships, self-expression, well-being and health. You are not here to play small. You are here to heal, rise, and create a life that reflects your deepest desires.
Healing & Releasing (Months 1-3) • Trauma work, inner child healing, and subconscious reprogramming • Somatic practices to release stored emotions and nervous system regulation • Traditional talk therapy inside of holistic counselling • Clearing limiting beliefs and cycles keeping you stuck
Rebuilding & Reclaiming (Months 4-6) • Life coaching and personal transformation work • Redefining self-worth, confidence, and feminine leadership • Creating sustainable rituals for mind, body, and soul alignment • Shifting into abundance and magnetism in business, love, and life
Vision & Embodiment (Months 7-9) • Mentorship & consultation to bring your vision to life • Strategy and energetic alignment for business, relationships, and personal growth • Feminine embodiment practices for deeper ease, intuition, and flow • Stepping into the highest version of yourself with clarity and purpose.
By the end of this journey, you will feel more embodied, radiant, and in control of your life than ever before. You’ll heal emotional wounds, elevate your business with confidence, attract aligned relationships, and cultivate a deep connection to your body, mind, and soul. This is alternative, holistic healing for the modern woman—rooted in ancient wisdom, somatic work, and soul-aligned strategy.
Your Feminine Rebirth begins here.
Jenny Rachael Olsen
CERTIFIED Holistic Counsellor | Holistic Nutritionist
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.
jennyrachaelosen@hotmail.com
250 204 1768
wellnesswithJenny.ca
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HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE 2025 WEST COAST ELDERS’ CONFERENCE Q U E N E E S H . C O M E T H N O B O T A N Y F O O D A S M E D I C I N E T R A D I T I O N A L F O O D S F O R A G I N G W E L L N E S S
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2 0 2 5 W e s t C o a s t I n d i g e n o u s E l d e r s ’ C o n f e r e n c e t h e
c o n f e r e n c e t h e m e i s , T e a c h i n g s f r o m t h e P a s t , S h a p i n g
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Children’s Health Foundation of Vancouver Island
Imagine you’re an expectant parent living in a community where the closest hospital is hours away. At least several weeks before your due date, you must temporarily relocate, often at great expense – leaving your home and your support network behind.
This is the reality for many families across Vancouver Island, especially in the northern communities.
When Children’s Health Foundation of Vancouver Island (CHFVI) learned of the challenges families were going through, they knew they could help.
For nearly a century, the charity has been responding to the health care needs of Island families. Inspired by the success of their Home Away From Home in Victoria, Jeneece Place, the team had a vision to build a second home in Campbell River with a focus on prenatal and maternal care.
“We saw the relief on the faces of tired parents when they realized they had a place to stay just steps from their child in hospital. We knew that if we could replicate that model for
North Island communities, we could make things better for so many more families,” explained Veronica Carroll, CEO of CHFVI.
Since Qwalayu House opened its doors just steps from Campbell River’s North Island Hospital in summer 2021, it has become more than a place to stay; it’s a place where families can focus on their health journeys without the added burden of financial or logistical stress.
This past year alone, Qwalayu House welcomed 174 families, the majority of whom travelled from the northern Gulf Islands and northwestern Vancouver Island. 89 per cent of these families came for perinatal care, seeking an affordable, comfortable place to stay while they prepare to welcome their newborns.
In 2023-24, 52 babies were born to families staying at Qwalayu House, highlighting the essential role the home plays in bridging the gap for expectant parents living in remote communities.
As well, 98 per cent of families reported that having access to the home decreased their financial stress, and 97 per cent felt less anxious due to their proximity to the hospital.
Beyond these measurable benefits, families also report feeling a sense of community, which is invaluable during challenging times.
Qwalayu House was designed to provide a sense of peace and calm for families during times of uncertainty. Nestled among trees and offering glimpses of the ocean, the setting is a comforting reminder of home for Island families.
Each guest room is named after local animals, connecting families to the land and culture of the region. The communal kitchen encourages shared meals and connection among guests, while the Wellness Room offers a dedicated space for cultural practices, including smudging ceremonies.
Qwalayu House Manager Kirsten Zaleschuk was drawn to her role by a deep commitment to helping families in need. With seven years of experience in social services, she understands the severe stress a person faces when their housing situation is uncertain.
“This experience has reinforced my belief in the critical role of safe housing as a social determinant of health and well-being,” she says.
It’s all possible thanks to people who care about Island kids
Kirsten shares that when families at Qwalayu House learn that the doors opened just three years ago, they often ask what parents did before. “That question lingers in the air, and it makes you wonder—did expectant parents sleep in their cars, or did whole families cram into hotel rooms? Did relatives have to doze beside hospital beds when their children were admitted?”
On a personal note, she adds: “I was floored when I first learned that Qwalayu House relies 100 per cent on donor funds to support it. Knowing that the home is fully supported by donors sends a powerful message to these families: that other families, perhaps not so different from theirs, care deeply about their children and recognize that their health care journey and needs are valid. The spirit of being a home supported by the community, for
the community, truly lies at the heart of Qwalayu House. It helps families hold onto a shred of normalcy in a time that feels anything but.”
The Foundation is grateful for the donors whose support makes it possible for Qwalayu House to be there for Island families all year round. You can join this generous community of supporters. Give today at islandkidsfirst.com/donate
Compass Magazine Vancouver Island acknowledges these incredible local super heroes whose dedication to their community and interests go above and beyond! Congratulations to all and thank you for your service to our Island Communities— we salute you!
The Emergency Management Exemplary Service Award is a prestigious recognition for exceptional service and achievement. This award, a partnership between federal, provincial, and territorial governments, recognizes recipients who have achieved excellence in their respective fields.
DYLAN BAKER has made an exceptional contribution to the field of search and rescue (SAR) with the creation of the SAR Command Assist (SCA), a groundbreaking tool that significantly enhances the efficiency and accuracy of the Incident Command System (ICS) paperwork during SAR operations. SCA was designed to meet the time-essential needs of SAR responders. One of the many features of this software is the ability to link multiple computers together, even while offline, which is crucial when SAR teams are operating in remote areas. Dylan’s dedication and generosity to the SAR field was demonstrated with him sharing this tool on a national and global scale at no charge.
The Coronation Medal was created to mark the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III, which took place on May 6, 2023. It is the first Canadian commemorative medal to mark a coronation.
The Office of the Secretary to the Governor General is responsible for administering the King Charles III Coronation Medal program here in Canada. The medal will be awarded to 30,000 deserving individuals. Partner organizations will nominate and present medals to individuals who meet the medal’s eligibility criteria. The list of partners was developed by the Government of Canada. These awards were presented by MP Rachel Blaney late February to mid March this year.
Patti leads the Indigenous Women’s Sharing Society, Unbroken Chain program in the Comox Valley. In doing so, she is making significant contributions to her community. IWSS provides community programming including cross-cultural learning, leads the Comox Valley Substance Use Strategy Collaborative and provides specialized culturally-safe programming for those living with multiple challenges, including but not limited to, homelessness, substance use, intimate partner violence and trauma as a result from the harms of colonization.
Camille has made significant contributions that have brought credit to her community and Canada. Currently, she serves as the manager of the Totem Times newspaper at 19 Wing Comox and is committed to the morale and well-being of our military community. In addition to being recognized as one of Comox Valley’s Top 40 Under 40 in 2012, and receiving a 19 Wing Commander’s Commendation recently, Camille has dedicated many hours of volunteer service in community building, and in celebration of the arts, sport, and agriculture.
As President of the Comox Valley Ukrainian Cultural Society, Janette has led the efforts of the Society in preserving, practicing and promoting Ukrainian traditions and cultural interests. But especially over the last three years, she has secured collaborations with an incredible and diverse group of community volunteers and organizations to assist the Society to focus their efforts in supporting Ukrainian newcomers.
Dave’s devotion to country, community and economic development in the Comox Valley speaks volumes. In the past, his contributions have included being the Manager for Comox Valley Search and Rescue, Committee member for the BC Games, BC Seniors Games, the CV Charity Golf Classic, Comox Air Force Museum, Boomer’s Legacy, CV Commercial Hockey League, Mt Washington Volunteer Ski Patrol, BC Aux RCMP Advisory Board, Courtenay Airpark Association,1st Chairman of the Comox Valley Airport Commission, Forbidden Plateau Reclamation, CV Gateway sign, and the Snowbird on a pedestal at the Visitors Centre and many more.
When Sgt. Nina Usherwood, who came from a military family, joined the Canadian Armed Forces in 1979 and served our country for over 42 years, she went by a different name and gender. She transitioned and legally changed her name. While the military policy on transgender members changed in 1999,
Nina could still see that transgender service members suffered extreme hostility. As a result, Nina stayed hidden until 2009, with 30 years service at that time. Based on her own traumatic experience with the Canadians Armed Forces and Veteran Affairs, Nina has become a strong and persistent voice, fighting for a more organized and inclusive process to assist veterans retiring from the Armed Forces and to access VAC services.
Sgt. William Webb, a veteran of the Afghanistan war as part of the Artillery Training Team on Operation Attention, suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder. He advocates for national standards for service dogs to help trauma survivors. Service dogs aid veterans with PTSD and others with mental health conditions by reducing symptoms, improving sleep, and increasing social integration. Sgt. Webb contributed to “Leave the Streets Behind,” a Royal Canadian Legion program for homeless veterans, helping over 20 veterans in the Comox Valley.
Kent has said that he has an enduring interest in continuous learning, interculturalism, peace and social justice and whenever he is not taking direct action on these, he is likely in his kayak contemplating steps to move these priorities forward. While Kent’s career spanned across a number of years and roles in adult education and in political and administrative branches of government, his volunteerism has been ongoing in different capacities including serving as a Member of the National Board for Oxfam Canada with a focus on poverty alleviation and gender equality.
Rosaline is a hard-working seniors wellness advocate who has lived in Port Hardy for over 40 years and has been involved in the North Island community forever! Rosaline and her co-volunteers are interested in keeping the sense of community among the group, to eliminate social isolation and make sure the 'seniors’ voice’ is heard. She has been recognized by all levels of government for her work, including Chair of the award-winning Hardy Bay Senior Citizens Society where she spearheaded the Seniors’ Centre food delivery program to isolated seniors during the pandemic and was the Senior Hero of the Year in 2018.
Jackie is based out of Port McNeill, living and learning in the Territories of the Kwakwala-speaking Peoples. She has served as an exemplary and inspiring ambassador for the importance of the ocean and undertaking action for the good of future generations. She returned to British Columbia after teaching in the Netherlands, wanting to find a more effective way to enable
people to know their connection to the ocean. Her greatest aim is to educate about the importance of the life hidden in the plankton-rich waters off our coast - that it is in the cold ocean that there is greater biodiversity and productivity than in the warm ocean and is the founder of MERS.
Every summer, the Mowachaht/Muchalaht First Nation hosts the Annual Yuquot Spirit Summerfest, a one-day commemoration event that celebrates the history and spirituality of Yuquot. During year 30 of this event, as President of the Land of Maquinna Cultural Society. Yuquot has greatly benefitted from Margaretta’s service to her community, her passion, and dedication to spreading awareness of Yuquot’s cultural makeup.
Sadly, Kyle who served as sheriff, enthusiastic community member with a heroic generosity of spirit left a huge hole in our community when he passed away in April 2024 after a short and courageous battle with cancer. Anyone who knew him would agree he deserved this posthumous award. It is hoped this award provides comfort to his wife Kerry and their daughters, Kyle’s parents and family and that they are reminded of the pride that they had in him for his efforts and that this will never go away.
It takes a village but Shelagh has certainly raised awareness with The Women For Women 5k, 10k & 15km Fundraising Event which has always been about inclusion. The idea started more than 25 years ago as a fundraising event called Kids For Kids. With the theme in mind, women for women came true. This Fundraiser initially came together to assist women in education. A fundraising motto was born, called,” It’s not about the race, it’s about the cause”.
Ian has been instrumental in getting the food program for street people running. He got the kitchen certified coordinated the program and it is now run successfully by community partners. While Ian began as a volunteer firefighter in Campbell River in 1985, he went on to become Fire Chief, a position he retired from in June 2018. Between his long career in the Fire Department, his extensive volunteer efforts as a board member with the Rotary Club, the Maritime Heritage Centre and Grass Roots Kind Hearts Society and team member of the Hem?aelas Kitchen.
Judy has well represented the Rotary term “Service Above Self” in her community in many roles, whether it be supporting “in the background” or in lead roles. Those who know Judy, are well aware that If she can help, she will. And she does not seem to slow down even at a more advanced age. She has been instrumental in helping countless organizations with fundraising events, served in different roles with the Rotary Club, the Crime Stoppers Board, the Salvation Army, the Campbell River Hospital Foundation Board, the Community Foundation Board.
As an experienced social worker, Kristi is diligent in fighting on behalf of those she serves. In her role as the former facilitator with the “Better at Home” program, which helps seniors living independently in their own homes with daily tasks, Kristi had a key role in moving this program forward. As the current Housing Manager with the Vancouver Island Mental Health Society, Kristi does not hold back. For example, standing up to the municipality upon learning they wanted safe injection sites to be declared as public nuisances.
Khammy immigrated to Canada from Lao shortly after the country came under communist rule. Her story of escaping to a refugee camp in Thailand is harrowing and will make you laugh and cry. Her gratitude in surviving has motivated Khammy to spend the last 40+ years volunteering with the Immigration Welcome Centre, with Women’s and Seniors’ groups to make newcomers to Campbell River and the North Island feel welcome.
Born on Vancouver Island, Tom Hall has lived most of his adult life in Campbell River. He is an avid volunteer, including formerly over 12 years with the Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary as a Rescue Specialist aboard the Point Race. This reflects Tom’s respect for the Canadian Coast Guard and the many lives saved by the proud crews of the Point Race and Point Race 1. On the west coast they were very well respected and one year responded to 250 incidents. Over the past 5 ½ years though, his focus has been the environmental stewardship of the Willow Creek Estuary spending over 2,350 volunteer hours on it so far.
Jane has worked tirelessly to provide restorative justice services to the Qathet region since 2004. She was integral player in starting the Texada Island Restorative Justice Program and has been volunteering for 20 years as a caseworker, coordinator and Board Chair. Her colleagues see Jane as an unbelievable advocate for community building and justice, who leads from behind with strength, perseverance and humility.
ELSIE PAUL Powell River
Elsie Paul, whose traditional name is Qazustala’s, which translates to, “a welcoming person with a wealth of knowledge, someone who shares her culture” is an Elder and knowledge keeper for the Tla’amin (Sliammon) Nation. She is a residential school survivor and one of the few living people to speak the Tla’amin language fluently. She holds an honorary Doctorate degree from Vancouver Island University and has co-authored a book, Written as I Remember it: Teachings From the Life of a Sliammon Elder.
In 2016, Lieutenant Kenneth Stewart became the commander for the Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corps in Powell River where, still today, he has taught and engaged young cadets with a focus on developing the attributes of good citizenship and leadership, promoting physical fitness and stimulating an interest in the Canadian Armed Forces. He has certainly proven his dedication in teaching young cadets about social responsibilities, cultural influences, anti-drug use, anti-bullying and positive lifestyles.
Elder Doreen Point, whose traditional name is Les.Pet is a residential school survivor. Doreen worked as a teacher’s aide in Powell River for 15 years. Through the mid 1980s to early 2000s, Doreen attended the Native Education Centre. Upon graduation she worked at the Social Planning and Research Council of BC. During this time, she and her husband were the first Aboriginal Foster Parents in the province, fostered children for 20 years and adopted four of these children.
K’odi, from Alert Bay is a Hereditary chief, adventure guide, language and internationally renowned cultural teacher and steward of the Kwakwaka’wakw. And a former pro-soccer player! Most notably in recent years, K’odi had a vision and founded Nawalakw. Envisioned as a dual-purpose, world-class eco-tourism lodge on the Hada River estuary during the summer, the project will deliver traditional healing programs and teachings in all aspects of the Kwakwaka’wakw language and culture for the balance of the year. The first phase, the Nawalakw Culture Camp opened in July 2022 and has bee incredibly successful. The 2400 sq. ft solar-powered camp has capacity for 24 students, teachers, and support staff for year-round cultural and language revitalization programs, while protecting the biodiversity of this sacred place, and ensuring its legacy lives on for generations to come.
Tristen Dieleman follows his passion for fish into local waters
Clad in hip waders, the weight of the cool river flow buffeting the protective layer keeping him dry while immersed in the science of salmon enhancement is exactly where Tristen Dieleman wants to be.
Tristen is a second-year diploma student in the VIU Fisheries and Aquaculture program. He came to the university as a mature student, knowing that a career in fisheries was where he wanted to be.
“If you’re passionate about whales, wolves, bears or trees, you have to get passionate about salmon because the nutrients from salmon feed that entire ecosystem,” says Tristen. “All of it depends on the salmon that head into a great big ocean when they are only inches long. They feed other creatures, feed us, the ones that survive come back to the river, feed more animals, spawn, die and nourish the environment. It’s an amazing process.”
His experience working in a local river this past fall is helping Tristen define his career path.
Under the direction of Professor Duane Barker, Tristen participated in a chum and coho salmon counting assessment on the Chase River in south Nanaimo that yielded startling results.
Four teams of students collected data from specific sections of the river. They measured the velocity and discharge of their section of the stream, assessed overhead foliage and counted the number of salmon swimming upriver to spawning grounds.
“Something spectacular happened last year,” says Tristen. “2024 was a record-breaking chum salmon return. We estimated the escapement for chum salmon to be 5,624, while for coho salmon, it was 1,136. The fact we’re getting returns such as this in a system suffering from anthropogenic effects from human development is huge.”
The estimated escapement returns for chum salmon in 2024 were 5 to 7 times higher than the last decade since monitoring by VIU students began in 2011, and the coho salmon returns observed were 3 to 7 times higher than the past two decades since monitoring began in the 1990s.
All data collected by the four teams at the end of the salmon run was collated and analyzed by the students to determine the environmental conditions that triggered the salmon migration.
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“Tristen was a true leader. He helped train new students on all sampling procedures, was responsible for compiling all field data and served as liaison between his team and I,” says Duane. “This was a great training opportunity for Tristen to further develop skills in leadership, organization and communication and he excelled.”
Duane shares the data with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO).
“Last semester, the returns were so good that our results were published in the DFO salmon escapement bulletins to showcase how well our rivers do,” says Tristen. “DFO uses that data for management plans.”
Duane says this field training helps develop a sense of habitat stewardship among students. They learn the importance of monitoring and maintaining critical physical features of an urbanized stream.
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“Many students are surprised that an urbanized stream could contain different species of spawning salmon,” he says. “They soon understand the importance of conserving such habitats. They understand the importance of the types and amount of vegetation around a stream and in-stream features like logs, pools and riffles.”
Tristen says the fieldwork helped him develop competence as a leader managing a team as well as skills in data computation such as estimating discharge and flow levels and how that affects rivers, all applicable to working in the sector after graduation.
“Where do I want to go after graduation is a great question,” says Tristen. “There are opportunities for a career in fisheries and aquaculture around the world.”
Originally, Tristen thought working with freshwater trout was where he would end up, but that changed as he journeyed through the diploma program.
“As I’ve gone through the program and learned what I’ve learned, I’ve realized what I don’t know is even greater; you realize you don’t know 10 other things,” he explains. “One thing for certain is regardless of where I end up, I’m going to enjoy it. Because I’ve enjoyed the entirety of the program since I have been here. Every course has information relevant to what I enjoy in life and my passion. As long as there are fish, that is where I will be.”
Dana Mahon
If commitment means following through on something, does that necessarily mean if we don’t follow through that we are flaky, unreliable or that we lack integrity?
When I was 29 I called off a wedding, four weeks before the big day. Every last detail was in place, people’s flights were booked, gifts (including monetary) had been long received and put to use. Each day that passed was a day I got closer to making a commitment I knew I could not keep! Finally, I cancelled the wedding. What a relief.
Now, my decision caused all sorts of grief, anger, resentment, not to mention a logistical nightmare. Do I regret that decision? Absolutely not. Could everyone’s lives have been made easier had I just not committed to something I knew wasn’t right for me? Quite likely. Although we know life isn’t always about what is easy.
Why might we commit to something when we know something isn’t right?
Fear. Pressure. People pleasing. A genuine desire to help someone. Not being taught that it is ok to say no. So many reasons.
So, how do you know when a commitment is “right”?
Feeling.
How do you feel when you make it?
Relieved. Happy. Excited. Eager.
Anxious. Distraught. Dreadful. Reluctance.
Life is short, and our well-being is everything. Why take on things that feel misaligned or stressful, which in the end contribute to mental or emotional distress. Imagine how much healthier we would be if we invested our time and energy into
commitments that feel easeful and gratifying. Before committing to something you’re unsure of, or that feels somewhat off, spend some time with your feelings.
Sure, one could argue that there are times we have to do things we don’t want to. Fair. But for the most part, we have choices.
When we commit to something that is “right for us”, it can evoke feelings of excitement, elation, happiness, even giddiness or relief. We may still experience nervousness or fear depending on the size or scope of the commitment, but for the most part we are in a place of eager anticipation! In the moments, days, weeks or months BEFORE we commit to something, in other words during times of wavering, fluctuation, contemplation or oscillation, we might feel anxious, uncentred or torn.
Once we make a commitment (in fact even when we DON’T love the commitment we are making) there is often a weight that lifts. We have clarity, we have direction, and some certainty. We no longer have to weigh options, pro or cons (if you do this), we can rest our minds, and we begin to focus on the journey ahead, this new commitment and ultimately, the promise of its completion. We can project into the future and imagine when our commitment transpires into something tangible, or at least into something we can check off and say “I finished that!”
The other side of commitment can be confining or restricting. We may agree to something, put our stamp on something along with our name and reputation, and then may have moments of “why did I say yes”, or “there is no way I can finish this”, or “I am not smart or capable enough to complete this”, or, “I don’t want to do this anymore”, or, another version of doubt, anxiety, resentment or uncertainty. This usually stems from committing to something that does not align.
Breaking commitments doesn’t feel especially good because as humans we like to feel productive, helpful, and in integrity, and following through on our commitments facilitates this. Yet, sometimes breaking a commitment is the only way to learn a particular lesson, and in many cases will help us return to our inner knowing of what is in alignment for us and what is not.
When I make commitments now, I make them with deep contemplation and intention, and I don’t take them lightly.
For me, the key is knowing myself, being selective with my commitments and doing the “front end work” of making them based on feeling. When I do this, I find less and less that I commit to anything anymore that doesn’t align with who I am, and who I want to become.
2 0 2 5 W e s t C o a s t I n d i g e n o u s E l d e r s ’ C o n f e r e n c e t h e
c o n f e r e n c e t h e m e i s , T e a c h i n g s f r o m t h e P a s t , S h a p i n g
O u r F u t u r e
W i t h t h a t v i s i o n i n m i n d , w e w i l l c o m e t o g e t h e r t o s h a r e ,
t e a c h , l e a r n , c r e a t e a n d c e l e b r a t e o u r r i c h d i v e r s i t y o f
I n d i g e n o u s c u l t u r e .
E t h n o b o t a n i s t D r N a n c y T u r n e r o n F i r s t N a t i o n
T r a d i t i o n a l P l a n t & L a n d T e n d i n g
N e w P o s s i b i l i t i e s f o r H e a l t h i n F o o d a s M e d i c i n e w i t h
D r D o n W i l s o n , H e i l t s u k P h y s i c i a n
L o v e i s M e d i c i n e , M o n i q u e G r a y S m i t h , a u t h o r o f
B r a i d i n g S w e e t g r a s s f o r Y o u n g A d u l t s a n d S p e a k i n g
o u r T r u t h : A J o u r n e y o f R e c o n c i l i a t i o n
W o r k s h o p s o n D e v i l ’ s C l u b , R e g a l i a M a k i n g , C e d a r
W e a v i n g , F o r m l i n e & B e n t w o o d B o x M a k i n g
T r a d i t i o n a l P l a n t s f o r F o o d & M e d i c i n e
N e ' n a g w a ' n a k w a l a P r o j e c t o n t h e f o r m e r S t M i c h a e l ’ s
R e s i d e n t i a l S c h o o l
W e l c o m e R e c e p t i o n & C a s i n o N i g h t
Q u e n e e s h R e g a l i a W a l k & I n d i g e n o u s F a s h i o n S h o w
G a l a
T h e Q u e n e e s h I n d i g e n o u s C o m m u n i t y S o c i e t y i n v i t e s F i r s t
N a t i o n , I n u i t a n d M
