COMPASS MAGZINE ISSUE 51 | SUMMER 2024 | MINDFULNESS

ISSUE 51 · MINDFULNESS · SUMMER 2024 Sharing the Direction of Vancouver Island Communities

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Direct to Kelowna New route starting June 25th

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Sharing the Direction of Vancouver Island Communities

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New Totems Stand Tall at Tyee Spit

Melanie Ritchot

GROWING UP COASTAL

The Adventurous Ann Kask Catherine M. Gilbert

ISLAND CHRONICLES

What To Do on the North Island This Summer

Melanie Ritchot

FEATURE ARTIST

Master Cedar Weaver Tiger Leonard Williams

Kealy Donaldson + K'omoks Festival

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The Second Annual The Alchemy of Gathering Event

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Camp Homewood: Miracles Do Happen

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WE ARE ART

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OFF THE BEATEN PATH

WALKING IN THEIR FOOTSTEPS

Catherine M. Gilbert

WELLNESS FEATURE

Comox Valley Writers Society Celebrates 60 Years!

Terrance James

STAY WELL

Mindfulness... the Gateway to Peace

Dana Mahon

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COMPASS MAGAZINE ISSUE 51 · SUMMER 2024

Publisher's Note Mindfulness

meditation (such as our breath). There are many ways you can meditate — such as a seated guided meditation, a visualization meditation, a walking meditation or an eating meditation.

Be where you are, otherwise you will miss your life – Buddha I don’t know about you but I have always struggled putting myself first. I rarely slow down enough to ‘stop and smell the flowers’ and I’m finding that the rate of burnout is very high with this mentality.

It really is about taking a quiet focused time out for yourself ~ try it & enjoy letting your mind softly brake each day, for your health! Wishing you a healthy and happy summer season!

Mindfulness is one way to rest yourself and bring ‘calm’ into your life. I’m working towards meditating daily – which I never thought I would do. It is truly helping, taking the time – just for me! 15 to 20 minutes in the morning to just adjust and make space for my body, health and mindset.

Gilakas’la, Emote, Marsii Kealy Donaldson

How do you accomplish this? Set your intention to spend a period of time bringing our attention back, over and over again to an anchor or object of

PUBLISHER

compassmagazine@ourmail.com www.compassmagazine.ca

MAGAZINE PUBLISHER Kealy Donaldson

COVER

DESIGN + LAYOUT Jessie Stones

PHOTO: HEIDI HENDERSON

The Compass Magazine is produced on Vancouver Island, printed on the West Coast of British Columbia and published on Vancouver Island paper by: Kiki's Communications Inc. ISSN# 2369-8063 101-1811 Comox Ave Comox, BC V9M 3L9 250.203.1880 compassmagazine@ourmail.com www.compassmagazine.ca

Kealy Donaldson

Entire magazine contents are copyright.

All rights reserved.

Cedar Hat Leonard Williams CONTRIBUTORS Catherine Marie Gilbert Heidi Henderson Terrance James Dana Mahon Melanie Ritchot Andrea Wagemaker Jenna Walker CONNECT WITH US Facebook | LinkedIn Kealy Donaldson

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06/ 21

Steeped in Tradition Come and Learn the Techniques of a Master Weaver in this Hands-On Workshop

REGISTRATION REQUIRED

KOMOKSFESTIVAL.COM

TIGER LEONARD WILLIAMS MASTER WEAVER TRADITIONAL CEDAR HAT WEAVING

WORKSHOP W W W. C O M PA S S M A G A Z I N E . C A

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WE ARE ART Doors Swing Open for Totems to Stand Tall at Tyee Spit ME LA NIE R ITC H OT A THREE-PIECE TOTEM POLE ARCHWAY now stands at

carving career and is now mentoring a new generation

ʔuxstalis (Tyee Spit) on the piece of coast traditionally

of carvers—like Everson and Puglas.

used by We Wei Kum First Nation and other Indigenous groups in the Campbell River area.

The spit is currently municipal property, although the We Wei Kum challenge the validity an early 1900’s

The erection of the arch in early June represented

land sale and have stated a hope to have ʔuxstalis re-

the start of totem poles coming back into the area for

turned to them one day. In coming years, the totems

Junior Henderson, a Kwakwaka’wakw carver who

will witness more Indigenous art, visual history, and

worked on the arch alongside K'ómoks carver, Karver

languages be embraced in the area as it gets trans-

Everson, and Kwakwaka'wakw artist, Ernest Puglas.

formed into a community outdoor space, including interpretative signs describing First Nation history in

“There's this door open now,” says Henderson.

the Liq’wala language.

The two vertical figures represent close connections

Henderson says he hopes more totem poles can go up

between the Kwakwaka’wakw and Salish Peoples, he

on the spit too, representing different families who

explains, adding that he feels another layer of personal

come from ʔuxstalis.

connection to them because of the cultural teachings he received from his father.

Next, Henderson is working on another totem arch alongside his uncle, renowned Master Carver Bill Hen-

“My father really cherished those figures when we

derson, and his cousin, Greg Henderson.

danced within the Potlatch,” he says.

The second arch will serve as an entrance to Baikie IsThe top piece of the arch, a sea worm, symbolizes the

land, or Raven Park, in Campbell River, and will depict

Lekwiltok Peoples and the origin story of the Kwak-

the pre-settlement history of the land.

waka’wakw.

“That’s another place that really belongs to us and our Henderson says the unveiling of the arch at the spit felt

people,” he says, “but I think the whole purpose is to

very full circle, as he reflected on his 25-year chainsaw

show our connections and trying to work together.”

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Much as she loves the business, you won’t always find Ann there. In fact, you will be lucky to catch her as she frequently travels and has been to Bermuda, Rome, Dublin, Amsterdam, Easter Island, Rio di Janiero, Reykjavik (Iceland), Grand Cayman Island, Barbados and Edinburgh. While Ann has derived pleasure from these trips, she travelled for the purpose of supporting those with diabetes by running marathons for Team Diabetes Canada. Ann joined the Team in 2002, inspired by her husband Lorne who has had Type One diabetes for 63 years. In addition she has taken part in significant Team Diabetes hikes at Machu Picchu in Peru, Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania and Morocco, where the participants walked through the Sahara Desert.

Ann’s love of physical activity was part of her life early on. She graduated in the late 1960s from UBC with a Bachelor of Education, that equipped her to teach at the highschool level. Her first teaching job was in Burnaby teaching Physical Education. After three years she took a leave of absence to travel in Europe and study French in Paris. She had to cut her time there short when a she became very ill after a trip to Egypt. She returned to Vancouver to join what she calls the ‘UIC’ (unemployment insurance) ski team, in other words became a ski bum for a season. Later she took courses in publishing from Simon Fraser University.

In summers she enjoyed sailing and bought her own vessel in 1973, a 24 foot wooden Marconi rigged sailAnn on top of a mountain © Kask Family Collection

boat. That same year, she was encouraged to consider applying for a position in Campbell River at Carihi. It had a reputation at that time as the most innovative highschool in the province of British Columbia under

G R O W I N G U P C O A S TA L

the unorthodox leadership of principal John Young.

Ann hitchhiked to Campbell River that June, spoke to staff at the school and was immediately hired. Her in-

The Unstoppable Ann Kask: Is Adventure Her Middle Name?

novative approach to teaching Phys Ed incorporating

CAT H ER I NE M. G I LBE RT

On her way back to Vancouver, Ann joined Lorne in

what she calls ‘Lifetime Sports’ such as cycling, tennis, yoga and dance impressed her new employers.

Nanaimo, who had sailed there from Vancouver with a lady friend who wasn’t a sailor. Ann and Lorne knew

ANN KASK HAS ALWAYS BEEN READY to take on

each other from the Lynwood Marina where they both

a challenge. She is known in the Campbell River area

kept their boats. While out on the water, they were

as the owner of Kask Graphics with her husband Lorne.

caught in a storm and managed to make it to the op-

Ann enjoys working in their shop on 16th Ave with her

posite coast to Gibsons, where they dropped off the

two youngest daughters, Shannon and Alex, as well as

young lady passenger so that she could catch a ferry

Lorne; commenting that “It’s fun to go to work every

back to Vancouver. The two then carried on spending

day and hang out with your family.”

the rest of the long weekend together out on the water.

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the doors were open when the helicopter arrived, all the pictures were blown off the walls. Nonetheless, their wide back porch served as the ideal home for the press and Kask Graphics and Ptarmigan Press were born. They soon added a darkroom and acquired a typesetting machine.

Their first job was to produce a colouring book. Then Kask Family on Gowlland Island; Ann at Mt Kilimanjaro; Ann today © Kask Family Collection

came cookbooks, which have been a staple item produced by the company. The first one, Island Cookery, produced in 1981, is a collection of local recipes and sales from the books went to support Quadra Island Child Care Society. Thirty years later, Ann produced Salmon Cookery, from the salmon capital of the world containing exceptional recipes from local chefs. This has sold over 10,000 copies, and was followed by Shellfish Cookery, Fish Cookery, Blueberry Cookery and RIPE, all with proceeds going towards diabetes research and diabetic children’s camps.

In 1981, when Ann began to feel that she was uncomfortable with staff typesetting in her bedroom, the

The next June, Ann and Lorne were married in Van-

Kasks decided to move the business to Campbell River.

couver.

By 1983, they had settled into their present location.

In keeping with her innovative approach, Ann took

work, Jennifer and Byron, the Kasks created a nap loft

advantage of the outdoor education programs offered

in the building. Shannon and Alex were born after the

at Strathcona Park Lodge and took her students there,

move. They continued living on ‘Kask’ Island until

with Lorne often coming along. She and Lorne also

2008, commuting back and forth by small boat across

enjoyed canoeing in Discovery Passage and while out

Discovery Passage to Campbell River where they kept

on the water one day, struck up a conversation with

their boat first at the Sportfish Centre then the Discov-

Bill Budge, who was measuring water turbidity in the

ery Harbour Marina.

channel between Quadra and Gowland Islands. He told them he was planning to build a house on a small island he owned off Quadra, and at the same time Ann and Lorne were looking for a larger place to live with first child Jennifer coming along, where they could also moor their sailboat. They paddled to the island and as Ann remarked, “climbed up the beach, and stood on what would be the floor of the new house and fell in

So that they could bring their two young children to

Ann recently embarked on a new venture, and joined the Campbell River Community Band playing clarinet, an instrument she had more or less abandoned for 50 years. Last year she went to Santiago de Compestela in Spain to play with other clarinet players at a clarinet festival, and will be returning this year. Other travels include visiting numerous Asian destinations, going on

love with the place.”

annual adventure trips with friends such as horse back

Once the house was complete, they rented it from the

cruise to northern Norway and to Iceland with her hus-

Budges and stayed for 32 years. The island had no reg-

band Lorne to celebrate their 50 year wedding anni-

istered name beyond #1003 and since locals associat-

versary. In October, Ann will be running in the Chicago

ed the Kasks with the island, it became known as ‘Kask

Marathon.

Island’.

riding in the BC Interior, and this summer, taking a

Although she also continues working, Ann sees no rea-

When the Kasks had an opportunity to acquire a print-

son to stop, that is, unless Lorne did. “Anyway,” she says,

ing press from Camp Homewood, one that was too

“What else would I be doing… maybe playing clarinet

large for the Camp’s needs, they hired a helicopter to

more?” Lovely and lively and in her 70s, Ann’s fearless

bring it from the Camp to their island home. Because

attitude is an inspiration and joy to all who know her.

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© Urupong

ISLAND CHRONICLES Things to do and see on the North Island this summer ME LA NIE R ITC H OT AS A YOUNG GIRL GROWING UP IN MANITOBA, THRIFT shopping and travel magazines took up a chunk of my time. I often bought old copies of National Geographic at our local second-hand store—usually on a Tuesday, when they had just put out the new items—and excitedly flip through them on the car ride home. I pictured myself as the journalist behind the stories, and once we got home, I’d cut out photos of the places I dreamt of going one day, telling myself that making lists and collages, and circling new-to-me location names in the magazines was how to make it all come true. On my running list of places to go and things to do, was “see the ocean.” It felt so far, having never really left the prairies. I first came to Vancouver Island in 2020; my partner worked at Mt. Washington, and I reported for an Arctic newspaper, going back and forth between Nunavut and the Island for a couple of years.

We couldn’t stay away, and now live in Campbell River full-time. It’s not lost on me that I now live in a place that’s featured in those travel magazines I grew up reading, and that not only have I seen the ocean, but 1 2 | C O M PA S S M A G A Z I N E | I s s u e 5 1

I can walk down to the water form my front door—I hope that novelty doesn’t wear off. As a Vancouver Island visitor-turned-resident who still has so much to explore, here are a few of my favourite stops and activities on the North Island, from Mt. Washington to Port Hardy—they should be on your list, too:

Music in the Mountains, Mt. Washington Alpine Resort I learned to ski at Mt. Washington—another item on my younger self’s list. But in the summer, there’s a ton to do at the mountain whether you’re a mountain biker or want to lounge on a patio with a view. Fly down Vancouver Island’s largest zipline, set out on a hike, or play a round of disc golf. The mountain also hosts events, like Music in the Mountains; live music by local bands and drinks from local breweries and wineries, every Saturday afternoon July through August.

Campbell River Art Gallery, Campbell River The Campbell River Art Gallery’s permanent collection and contemporary art exhibitions are a must-see.

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Until mid-July, visit the Processes of Remediation: Art, relationships, nature exhibition by artist Alana Bartol, which examines the impacts of coal mining on wildlife, watersheds, ecosystems, and plants on the North Island, with a focus on the Quinsam Coal Mine. The gallery also runs programs worth looking into, like a botanical journaling workshop.

The Narrows Floating Restaurant, Brown’s Bay Marina Just north of Campbell River, you’ll find this floating eatery on the Brown’s Bay Marina. Stop in for some fish tacos on the dock and take in the scenery (and maybe some whales passing by!).

The Whale Interpretive Centre Telegraph Cove Grab a coffee at Cove Coffee Company and walk Telegraph Cove’s historic boardwalk over to the Whale Interpretive Centre to see B.C.’s largest collections of marine mammal skeletons. You’ll learn about all the marine mammals in the area, including how orcas can be identified by their dorsal fins, saddle patches and eye patches. The Saltery Pub is conveniently next door, so enjoy some local seafood overlooking the marina after your visit, or head up the road to the Telegraph Cove Art Gallery.

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Port McNeill Farmers and Artisans Market Port McNeill Support local and browse handmade, homegrown and homemade items at this market every Saturday on Port McNeill’s waterfront. Sourdough bagels, handpoured candles, and pickled carrots are some of the goods you can pick up from these North Island farmers and makers.

Café Guido & Company, Port Hardy I’ll be driving up to Port Hardy this summer just to pay a visit to Café Guido & Co. The café, bookstore and craft shop combo is an idyllic way to spend a Sunday morning. Sip on a Port Hardy Fog at the café, then mosey on downstairs to browse their beautifully curated book selection. Pick up a copy of Island Eats: Signature Chefs’ Recipes from Vancouver Island and the Salish Sea, if you’re keen to test some local chef’s recipes using local ingredients. Third stop: Drift, a clothing boutique on the second floor. (Quick tip: Island Link Bus just expanded its route into Port Hardy, so it’s easier to pay a visit without a vehicle this summer!)

The renowned Island activities like whale watching, kayaking, and hiking are well worth the trip, of course, but while playing tourist in a place I now call home, it’s the local galleries, markets and coffee shops where I look forward to spending my time between the outdoor adventures this summer.

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FE AT U R E A RT I ST

Tiger Leonard Williams Master Cedar Weaver K EA LY D ONA LD SON + K 'OM OK S FEST IVA L 1 4 | C O M PA S S M A G A Z I N E | I s s u e 5 1

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TIGER

LEONARD

WILLIAMS,

A

MEMBER OF THE QUATSINO FIRST NATION, IS AN ACCOMPLISHED, SELF-TAUGHT CEDAR BARK ARTIST OF 25 YEARS. He was born in Alert Bay in 1960 and is of the Quatsino and Tlowitsi ancestry. Williams was raised by both his grandmother and great grandmother, who encouraged him to pursue his interests for studying the natural world. His parents were survivors from St. Michael’s Residential School in Alert Bay; in separate incidents both of Williams’ parents drowned.

Williams hasn’t had the chance to visit Turnour Island but he notes there are some residential houses still standing on the island. “My family lived close to the centre of the village in the 9th house; I hope I can return one day while the buildings still stand,” he says.

Throughout the years, he has watched addiction take over his family members. He is now the oldest member of his family. Williams battled his own issues with alcohol and was able to overcome it, with his health as his priority. He will be ten years sober as of this August and it has brought many things to light including his dedication to the art of weaving.

With a background in Culturally Modified Trees and Traditional Use Studies, Williams' opportunity to learn about the ecological growing conditions of various cedar species would eventually evolve into a harmonious relationship from start to finish of every piece of work he does. Williams shares how his rich cultural knowledge started. “An Archeologist knocked on my door in 1994 and asked me if I wanted to work. I thought ‘why not’ and asked when would we be starting. The Archeologist responded ‘in an hour’. Williams laughs a bit, and notes it must have been meant to be. Williams has visited and documented thousands of First Nations historic sites through this work and attributes his cultural knowledge to this opportunity.

His artistry with cedar bark weaving is a result of the many different perspectives from which he studies his subject.

His work is informed by his study of Quatsino ethnographic objects held in museums around the world. In learning their forms, styles and weaving patterns, he repatriates lost knowledge for return to his people. From gathering and harvesting his cedar, visualization and implementing skill and technique, W W W. C O M PA S S M A G A Z I N E . C A

every piece clearly has a song deep in traditional values and process.

Williams shares that he will go where he can to find cedar trees for bark stripping, with permissions. Sometimes the process can take days, back and forth from one or several locations in the forest. “The best time to dye cedar is when it is fresh, and you get the most vibrant colours when it's done then," he says. "It is hang-dried for five days and then stored.”

An Archeologist knocked on my door in 1994 and asked if I wanted to work.

I thought ‘why not,’ and asked when I'd start. They said, ‘in an hour’. I guess it was meant to be.

Williams is preparing for the K’omoks Festival on June 21st, joining many other upcoming workshops and conferences.

Williams has learned the fine art of peeling cedar logs through much practice via trial and error. He has gotten better at not creating waste with his cedar strips as it is such a big process prepping the cedar.

Williams also finds the time to teach in various community outlets such as Culture Saves Lives, Victoria Coalition for the Homeless, various First Nation B.C. Elementary Schools and Universities and currently offers workshops to the public at the Vancouver Community Campus, Van Dusen Botanical Garden and the Association of Neighbourhood Houses in Vancouver, British Columbia to encourage cultural appreciation for First Nation peoples. Williams shares that the opportunity to teach is wonderful and he truly enjoys engaging others. His most memorable group teaching was a conference where he taught how to weave bracelets to almost 100 people in one day; at a separate engagement, he taught a group of 67 students in a one hour session.

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F E AT U R E A R T I S T TIGER LEONARD WILLIAMS CEDAR CUFFS PHOTO © HEIDI HENDERSON

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When asked about his future endeavors and ideas, Williams shares that he would love to host a Weavers’ Conference, with Vancouver as the host destination. “There is quite a bit of interest from other neighbouring regions like Washington State," he says. "I’ve also been invited to participate in an upcoming documentary ‘Spirit of the North’ which is focused on the process of weaving.”

Williams had to travel to Rivers Inlet for an Elders’ Conference a little while ago, and brought 70 headband kits to gift all the Elders. William Wasden was drumming as the headbands were being weaved together, and Williams decided to dance. He felt called to dance, without really having the knowledge of the music or dance. Later Willliams was told that Wasden’s drumming song that he danced was known as the Spirit of the Cedar.

Williams will back be in Rivers Inlet again this July teaching and is currently booking more workshops and preparing custom orders. To connect with him and view his work, visit Facebook @TigerLeonardWilliams and check out his teaching videos on Youtube under his name.

Traditional Cedar Hat Weaving Workshop Kwakwaka'wakw Master Cedar Weaver Tiger Leonard Williams K'ómoks Festival 2024 | June 21st This will be a chance to sit with a Master Weaver with everything prepared for you to Begin, Learn, Laugh and Finish a Cedar Hat following Kwakwaka'wakw Tradition. Traditional Weavers of the Northwest Coast each have their own style, weaving techniques, designs and practice. It is a skill passed down through generations and Tiger Leonard Williams honours us with this gift.

Learn about the cultural and material significance of Cedar and learn-by-doing. It is a long workshop and runs 6 hours from 10AM to 5PM with a Lunch Break Noon to 1PM. Tiger Leonard Williams has kindly offered to give a Cedar Bracelet Weaving Workshop from Noon to 1PM for those unable to attend the Cedar Hat Weaving Workshop.

Registration is required. Find the EventBrite link at Photos, from top: © Heidi Henderson; © Tiger Leonard Williams; © Tiger Leonard Williams 1 8 | C O M PA S S M A G A Z I N E | I s s u e 5 1

KomoksFestival.com

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O F F T H E B E AT E N PAT H The Second Annual Alchemy of Gathering PLANS ARE COMPLETE for the second outdoor

Let’s face it, many people are struggling with their

Alchemy of Gathering: Wellness – Community – Creativity

mental and physical health these days. And, at the

event. Set in the beautiful and tranquil atmosphere of

same time, there are many who are finding, or re-dis-

the Kitty Coleman Woodland Gardens, this wellness

covering, natural remedies and alternative practices to

festival will focus on gathering in community to share

bring health back into their lives. In this outdoor space,

ideas on wellness, connection, identity, creativity,

there will be the prospect to bring many of these natu-

healing modalities, and more.

ral and alternative ideas and the community together.

Inspired by her book A Guide to the Collective Awakening:

Another huge focus of the outdoor Alchemy of Gath-

Advice, Tools & Art Projects, local author and artist Jenna

ering is the opportunity to immerse oneself in Nature

Walker had the idea to bring this festival to life— and it

to support and further the healing journeys we find

continues to grow. "I wanted to create an open space for

ourselves on. The Kitty Coleman Woodland Gardens

community to come together and explore wellness, di-

stretches over 24 acres of majestic forested private

versity, nature, connection and healing techniques for

property. While the main hub of the gathering takes

both mental and physical concerns,” she says.

place in the Sunset Gardens and barn located near the entrance, the rest of the gardens are left empty. At-

This outdoor gathering is a chance for community to

tendees can wander the many walking trails surround-

come explore different techniques and tools available

ed by an abundance of trees and plants. Throughout

that may offer support, guidance or relief for the human

the trails, discover fountains, ponds, rustic hand-built

journey.

seating, wildlife and the Ocean Stone Labyrinth.

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Throughout the two day gathering, live music and sound healing

performances

by local musicians will transpire on stage in the Sunset Gardens. As sound and movement can be extremely helpful in the process and flow of stagnant energy, a space will be available for dancing, as

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well as some seating provided. Local talent includes Luke Blu Guthrie & Anela Kahiamoe, The Awakeneers, Jesse Epp, Anand David, DJ Mr. Berg-E, and more.

There will also be a variety of interactive stations ar-

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ranged around the Sunset Gardens. These include access to various meditation and grounding techniques, collaborative drawing, sacred smoke clearing and more. Over 50 local business offering products and

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VANCOUVER ISLAND, BC

Finally, in the barn, near the entrance, Wellness Workshops take place both days at 12pm. Learn about various techniques and modalities to improve healing on the emotional, physical and spiritual plane. Such as releasing emotional pain through the creative process, connecting to the Elements, advice on adrenal fatigue and burnout, micro-dosing for mental health, and more.

The event takes place on Saturday, June 29th from 11 to 6 and Sunday, June 30th from 11 to 4 at the Kitty Coleman Woodland gardens in Courtenay. Tickets are $25 for day passes and $40 for weekend passes. Kids 12 and under are free with ticketed adult. Dogs welcome. 10% of ticket sales will be donated to the Wachiay Friendship Centre in Courtenay

(www.wachiay.

org). Tickets are available at tidemarktheatre.com

and

at the gate.

For more information visit: www.changesbyjenna.com/ the-outdooralchemy-of-gathering

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First Homewood VW bus, 1957 © Camp Homewood Collection

WA L K I N G I N T H E I R F O O T S T E P S Camp Homewood: Miracles Do Happen CATHE R INE M . GILB ERT

Summer camp is often a place of happy memories

and formalize their teachings in a camp atmosphere.

where new friends and adventures are found, and when

The couple’s original ministry under the auspices of the

you talk with people who have stayed at Camp Home-

Pacific Coast Children’s Mission (PCCM) took place on a

wood, they will tell you what a wonderful experience it

lovely 36 foot wooden vessel they named Goforth, that

was. The camp is located on Quadra Island in Discov-

took them along the British Columbia coast from 1944

ery Passage just a ten minute ferry ride from Campbell

to the mid 1960s, cruising as far north as Haida Gwaii.

River (Vancouver Island) and has been operational for

While their focus was on delivering Christian teachings

75 years.

to isolated communities, floating logging camps and lighthouses, as became the case with the crew members

Camp Homewood is a faith based camp that employs

of the Columbia Coast Mission vessels, their visits be-

Christian ethics as its guiding principle. Although

came important as a means of providing connectivity

campers come from a variety of faith traditions and

to the many people they encountered. In a world where

may not practise Christian teachings in their everyday

few coastal dwellers had telephone communication

lives, the good fellowship found at Camp Homewood

and prior to ferry services, were reliant on goods being

and emphasis on learning about the natural world work

delivered by Union Steamships from Vancouver, the

their magic on youth and participants of all ages.

Bayne family visits were very welcome.

The founders Alf and Margaret Bayne did not begin

In 1946, fortuitous circumstances united the Baynes

their life’s work intending to develop a camp, but a set of

with R.J. Walker, a former lay preacher and his

circumstances would eventually lead them to embody

wife Theodora, who owned a piece of property

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Margaret and Alf Bayne © Camp Homewood Collection

(Homewood) on Quadra Island that looked promising as the site for a bible camp.

“Endowed with natural beauty, with a southern exposure on the shores of a sheltered bay, and strategic in its location relative to the coast, Homewood was ideal for our purposes.” Alf wrote in his book, Candle on the Coast. Two years later, the Baynes stayed with the Walkers when they first arrived in the fall of that year or on the Goforth anchored off the coast. The first camp was held in July of 1949, and the first building, the Homestead, that housed the kitchen was built. The Goforth was frequently utilized to bring supplies and people to Homewood at a time when the ferry still did not service Quadra Island. The wharf was completed in 1956.

An exciting addition to the office arrived in 1959, when the Baynes procured a printing press so that they could print their own literature more conveniently and at a lower cost. In the 1960s, as coastal residents left small communities at remote locations and moved into towns such as Campbell River, the Goforth was used less to conduct missionary services and the focus became expanding on what programs Camp Homewood could

Aerial View of Camp Homewood circa late 1950s © Camp Homewood Collection

offer. In this decade, a sailing program, horse back riding and outdoor adventure program were added. The size of the camp expanded from the original 12 acres to 200 acres. The addition of Rivendell Lodge in 1978 and the sewage treatment plant significantly increased Homewood’s ability to accommodate larger groups.

Alf notes in his book that whenever they needed anything for the camp, and especially when funds were low, their prayers were always answered and there are many instances where the necessary article, the money and the right people would appear as needed. The structural developed and athough important, in reality has formed the backdrop for the many people who would work, volunteer and participate in programs, and experience the camp’s natural and revitalizing beauty.

In “The Short History of Camp Homewood”, the author notes that “…people and relationships are the most integral part of Camp Homewood’s history and ministry.”

Camp Homewood has played host to thousands of peo-

worked as a counsellor in 1957 and ‘58, and later had been trained as a nurse, eventually became Craft Supervisor. Her late husband Les operated the saw mill, the printing press and for years managed the bookstore. Joyce continues to live at the property and participates in activities and with guests. She feels that Camp Homewood “is a place where you can feel rejuevenated, find the meaning of life.” She witnessed many young people find something in their lives through the camp experience including stability. “Life Changes Here” is one of the camp mottoes.

The success of Camp Homewood is a testament to Alf and Margaret Bayne’s belief that they were doing the work they were intended to do, and as a result, kept faith that all would transpire as it was meant to; witnessing over the years that miracles do indeed happen.

Margaret passed away in 2013 in her 97th year and Alf lived to be 100, passing away in 2018.

ple from all over the world.

The list of activities offered over the camp’s history

Catherine Marie Gilbert is an award-winning, best selling author and Vancouver Island historian with a passion for uncovering unknown stories

includes Fireside, where campers enjoy group sing-

of British Columbia’s past. She is currently writing the life story of Eco

ing, rowing, canoeing, water skiing, kayaking, archery,

Warrior David (Walrus) Garrick from 1970s Greenpeace to his

rock climbing and many crafts. Joyce Fodor, who first

ground-breaking study of culturally modified trees on Hanson Island, BC.

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WELLNESS ARTIST

Stewart Goodings (host) and Margaret Atwood © Brie McInnes

W E L L N E S S F E AT U R E Comox Valley Writers Society Celebrates 60!

TERR A NC E JA M ES ON APRIL 8, 1964, the Recreation Director from the

In 2013 the CVWS made a decision to foster a higher

Town of Comox placed an ad in the Comox District

community profile for literary arts. Since then, the

Free Press inviting “anyone with a genuine interest in

group has sponsored publishing workshops, poetry

writing” to attend a meeting in the Municipal Hall in

contests in schools, monthly reading of prose and po-

Comox. Nine people attended that first meeting and

etry at the Courtenay library, publication of Writers

subsequently formed the Comox Valley Writers Club

& Books: Comox Valley 1865-2015, the annual North

(CVWC). The club registered under the Society Act in

Island Writers Conference, and special events.

2006 as the Comox Valley Writers Society (CVWS) and now has 107 members.

Speaking of special events, were you there? On June 2, the CVWS hosted Canadian literary icon Margaret

Through the first few decades members wrote primar-

Atwood at a sold-out special event at the Filberg Cen-

ily for newspapers and magazines. Book publishing

tre. Ms. Atwood, author of more than 60 books, has

with trade publishers was difficult then, as it is today.

received two Governor General’s Literary Awards, two

The change from manual type setting to computer

Booker Prizes, a Giller prize and numerous honours

word processing opened new opportunities for writ-

and accolades. She was enthusiastically received by

ers. Digital printing became faster and cheaper and led

valley residents and some out-of-towners who came

to the rise of self-publishing, and an array of services

for the privilege of seeing her.

to assist writers through the self-publishing process.

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On June 8 the CVWS hosted a family-friendly public 60th anniversary celebration at The Gardens on Anderton. Kay Kennedy introduced Dave Stephenson and students, who entertained with Celtic music on stage. President Sharon McInnes formally opened the event with a land acknowledgement, recognizing the privilege we have of living, recreating and writing

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Greetings were brought from Courtenay City Council, North Island College, and the Federation of BC Writers. Leslie Cox, secretary, membership liaison, and webmaster, was recognized for 25 years of membership in the CVWS. Terrance James, Past-President, honoured Phyllis Long, the last member of the original 1964 group.

Phyllis, a school librarian and member of the group for 30 years, established and maintained a scrap book of the Writers Club activities that is now in the Courtenay archives. An historical overview of the growth of the Comox Valley Writers Club and evolution to the Comox Valley Writers Society was given. An exciting part of the celebration was the launch of History of the Comox Valley Writers Society. Highlights of group activities and member successes were shared by decade. A greeting was read from Matt Hughes, a former

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President of the group, and member of the Canadian Science Fiction and Fantasy Association Hall of Fame who reminded those gathered that “the most important quality for success as a writer is persistence.”

MC Rolston (aka Fairy Dazzle) directed guests to refreshments, book tables where they could purchase CVWS member books, and to the four areas of the gardens where they could hear 20 local authors read from their works—poetry, fiction, non-fiction and children’s stories. Since the beginning of 2020, thirty member’s books have been published, both trade and self-published. However, not everyone writes books.

In the same period many short stories, magazine articles, poems, blogs and newspaper columns have also been produced.

The CVWS supports new, emerging, and established writers, particularly through small writing groups which offer critiquing, encouragement and assistance to individuals in reaching their writing goals. If you have a serious interest in writing, consider the camaraderie of fellow writers and check out our website at cvwriterssociety.ca or find us on Facebook.

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SHIFT HAPPENS Your Personal Light Show ANDREA WAGEMAKER

EVER WONDERED WHY strobing lights at concerts

just plucking strings individually, but playing together

can make you feel entranced? Enter the world of pho-

to create a harmonious symphony.

tic driving, a specific kind of BWE that leverages the power of flickering lights. Like a hypnotic strobe light

What's fascinating about this is that the relationship

on the dance floor, the brain's visual cortex syncs its

between different brain waves could be the secret con-

moves with the pulsating rhythm, altering the domi-

ductor coordinating large-scale brain networks. For

nant brain wave frequency in tune with the light.

instance, the slow-moving theta waves and the highspeed gamma waves might work in harmony during

Beyond the dance floor, photic driving can have more

cognitive tasks, like a bass line and melody creating a

serious applications. In clinical and research settings,

complex musical piece. Lucia N°03 - Inviting Coher-

it's used as a diagnostic tool in electroencephalograms

ence and Harmonics

(EEGs) to explore neurological conditions like epilepsy. But it can also serve more common purposes, like

If you're a musician, you know how everything can feel

guiding your brain into a state of relaxation or alert-

off when one note is out of key, or if the main rhythm

ness, depending on the flicker's frequency.

is not steady. The brain is like a full orchestra, each

Harmonic Brain Waves: The Full Orchestra

instrument playing an important piece. Each person's brain is incredibly complex, and the scientific community is in a continuous evolution in terms of how

In the realm of brainwaves, there's another layer of

we can understand all the intricacies.

complexity that's recently begun to intrigue neuroscientists: the idea of harmonic brain waves. Harmonic

The neurologist and inventor of the Lucia N°03,

brain waves suggest that our brain's frequencies aren't

Dr. Dirk Proeckl, designed the Lucia N°03 with the

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concept of coherence in mind. Just as pieces of music can touch many layers of our system and there-

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designed to take you on a journey toward coherence

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in your brain, a type of gentle entrainment in certain brainwave parameters, yet also the spaciousness for your brain to find it's own realignment.

EEG readings from Dr. Proeckl's practice have demonstrated waves of harmonic entrainment, where there is a beautiful synchronized dance of the brainwaves to-

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gether. A prolonged period of flickering light (photic driving) allows the body to start deeply relaxing at the same time, which provides a simultaneous stimulus and relaxation, creating a similar space in the nervous system to repattern.

Pop-science likes to focus on simplified concepts around brain-wave entrainment, and on some level it makes sense to focus on a singular brainwave. However, the approach of the Lucia N°03 is really to get the full orchestra playing, rather than ignite one player in the orchestra to solo for the entire time.

So, there you have it - our brain isn't a one-band show but a dynamic ensemble performance. We're not simply "in" a brain wave state, but rather, our brain is conducting a complex symphony of frequencies, turning up the volume on certain tunes when needed, with the potential to re-align into unique masterpieces. From the rhythm-setting techniques of brain wave entrainment and photic driving to the harmonic synchrony of multiple brainwaves, we're beginning to appreciate the complexity and beauty of this neural concert happening in our heads.

As Dr. Engelbert Winkler, one of the creators of the Lucia N°03 likes to remind everyone, the Lucia N°03 is beyond science, in the sense that our understanding of the brain is at the edge of new frontiers. What science has said from ancient times to the modern day is consistent - taking time to relax the nervous system and allow for brainwave harmonics, coherence and re-patterning is a gift that keeps on giving. Stay tuned, as this performance is ongoing and the encore promises to be even more fascinating. For more information on Lucia Light No. 3 call Andrea at 250-338-3401.

Andrea Wagemaker • Shift Happens & Lucia Light ShiftHypnotherapy.ca • 250-338-3401 W W W. C O M PA S S M A G A Z I N E . C A

A wellness event to gather, discover and shift!

June 29th & 30th

Kitty Coleman Woodland Gardens, Courtenay BC live sound healing • wellness workshops • interactive stations Visit with healers, readers, practitioners, and local artisans.

www.changesbyjenna.com/ the-outdoor-alchemy-of-gathering WELLNESS - COMMUNITY - CREATIVITY

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© Lolostock

S TAY W E L L Mindfulness, the Gateway to Peace DA NA M A H ON AWARENESS. ATTENTION. INTENTION.

Engagement.

to observe and to be in the moment, where we can

Awakeness. Presence. Non-judgment. Acceptance.

then become more aware, present and awake. The

What do all of these practices have in common? They

more often we are in a state of awareness, the more

are all integral to a mindfulness practice.

easily we can recognize when we aren’t, and then we can gently guide ourselves back. Meditation, contrary

Like most things in life, with practice comes more

to common beliefs, is not emptying the mind, but

ease, more softness, perhaps less effort or grasping.

rather taming it, quieting it enough to hear, see, feel,

The practice of mindfulness is similar to medita-

experience, the present moment. Mindfulness and

tion in that they are both rooted in awareness. They

presence are beautiful ways to draw us back to now,

are both states of being and can become the way we

again and again and again.

move through life. The main distinction between the two is that meditation is the vehicle for mind-

Life is made up of a series of “nows”, so if we ar-

fulness, it helps us achieve that state of awareness.

en’t noticing them we are essentially missing out on

By quieting the mind consistently, we create space

life! Noticing the “good” or the “bad” moments is all

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part of the practice. The tricky part comes with the non-judgment, the non-attachment to what we are noticing. It can be easy to enjoy the great moments and cling to them, or to dread the less than great moments and want them to pass or end. Our work is to notice, be present, be aware and observe it all, from somewhat of a distance.

At first this can feel overwhelming; being in the present moment ALL THE TIME!? Detaching from thought… The good news is that unless we are enlightened and are extremely devoted practitioners i.e. spend every moment of every day (aside from eating and sleeping) in meditation, we are likely not present ALL THE TIME, so don’t fret, there are breaks! But, our ultimate “goal” as humans is to experience love and to be free and liberated, something that non-attachment offers.

When we are noticing the colour of a flower, the sound of a bird chirping, the comfort of our clothing against our skin, the complex tastes of our food, the sweet smell of the air after a rainfall… these are all awareness practices in which we often engage simply by living. The difference between these and a true mindfulness practice is the intention to be aware and the continuous commitment to spend as much time there as possible, which is what makes it a practice.

What we choose to focus on becomes the meditation and the gifts of life. The beautiful thing about a mindfulness practice is that once we start to notice things in this way, there is this natural desire that arises to experience more of it. Our mind starts to yearn for

the ease that ensues.

The true magic of mindfulness is noticing all of them, and essentially treating them the same, for what they are, a series of nows.

We are so blessed here on Vancouver Island where our oceans, rivers and lakes, beaches, forests, farmlands, mountains and valleys all provide unique and exquisite backdrops and settings for a mindfulness practice. Head outside, sit with nature, listen, watch, smell, feel and taste all of her magic. This is mindfulness. As a new resident of Vancouver Island North, I am continually in awe of the raw beauty, the pristine land and the secluded sacred spots. Wherever you call home, there are sacred spots just waiting to be appreciated and honoured.

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Dr. Marni Stanley © Vancouver Island University

FOOD FOR THOUGHT VIU Library is the New Home of Large Comic Book Collection VANCOUVER ISLAND UNIVERSITY'S LIBRARY is now

Stanley, who also taught English and Studies in Wom-

home to one of the largest comic and graphic narra-

en and Gender at VIU, has researched and published

tive collections found at any university library.

on comic books, graphic novels, manga, graphic memoir and other forms of sequential art for years.

Dr. Marni Stanley, former dean of VIU's Arts and Hu-

She started getting into comics as a kid and developed

manities Faculty, has donated her collection of graph-

a passion for the genre while in grad school at Oxford

ic novels and comics, which she has been collecting for

University in the 1980s. During that time, comics such

decades, to the library. The collection can be found on

as The Dark Knight, Watchmen and Maus started ap-

the main floor of the library just past the service desk.

pearing and her interest was reignited.

"This is an important, progressive and relatively rare

"In the past, people dismissed graphic narrative as

corpus of material within the academic library context

pulp fiction for the barely literate," she says. "However,

and is one of the most valuable in-kind donations ever

in the last 30 years comic art has moved from a prob-

received by VIU library," said University Librarian Da-

lem in the critical hinterland to a major genre with

vid Alexander. "Access is fundamental to the values of

its own well-developed critical practice. It's a growing

the library, we are so grateful to Dr. Stanley for sharing

area of study and it's become very interdisciplinary."

this significant collection with students, faculty and the community."

"And there's some wonderful and weird formats," she said. "Some of them come folded up in little enve-

Stanley's collection goes well beyond the DC and Mar-

lopes. One is in a box and comes with maps and cards,

vel universes—you won't find those comics here. In her

but it's a single comic. And there's also some history

years of collecting, Stanley focused on female authors,

of comics in the collection – a history of women in

indie comics, autobiographies, graphic journalism

comics, Black women in comics – and comic theory,

and LGBTQ+ comics, all from a variety of countries.

or how to make comics."

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