Melanistic Magazine Vol. 15

MELANISTIC LIF E I N B L A C K

2023

GLOBAL TRAVEL GUIDE

GLAMPING

TASTE OF THE SOFT LIFE

MELANISTIC ADVENTURES IN PRINCE GEORGE

VOL.XV · SUMMER 2023

DUE NORTH

Lands occupied, travelled, and cared for by many Indigenous peoples.

This place, amiskwacîwâskahikan, Edmonton is a traditional meeting ground, gathering place, and travelling route of the Nêhiyawak (Cree), Anishinaabe (Saulteaux), Niitsitapi (Blackfoot), Métis, Dene, and Nakota Sioux.

We thank the creator for providing to us this place upon which to share our experiences, languages, culture, heritage and stories.

-All my relations.

2 MELANISTIC

MELANISTIC TABLE OF CONTENTS

5 6 8 10

E D I TO R'S W ELC O ME I N T HE KNOW

TOP 5 GRAP HI C N OVE L S

BY BLAC K C REATOR S A RT S AND C U LT UR E

11

F OR U S, BY U S : A LBER TA F A M I LY-YO U TH ALLI A NCE

13

ME L ANI STI C S I PS

14-21

GLO BA L TR AV EL GU I DE

14-21

GLO BA L TR AV EL GU I DE

24-35

PR I NCE GEO RGE: CO NNECTI NG NATU R E, CU LTU R E AND CO M M U NI TY

ME LAN IST IC M A GA Z I N E VOL.14 Publisher Greg Davis Editor Taneya Rogers Media/Sales Director Nigel Williams Artistic Director JoAnne Pearce Graphic Design Tinu Olabimtan Marketing Director NiLo

C ON TRI BU T O RS

Merlin Uwalaka, Josiah Aaron NiLo, Kyle Smith, Nigel Williams Special Thanks to Prince George Tourism Cover photo: NiLo melanisticmagazine@gmail.com www.melanisticmagazine.com

36-39

GLA M PI NG: THE SO FT LI FE

REIKI REMINDER

Vibes are REAL Intuition is REAL

Book your healing session

ED IT O R ’S W E L C O ME

Taneya Rogers I feel most alive during the summer months. Summer 2023 however, has also been one of losses for some of our Melanistic team. Saying farewell to loved ones gives reason to pause and reflect. In the midst of the hurt is a gentle reminder that our tomorrows are not promised. We owe it to ourselves and to our loved ones to liberally fill our time with joy and memories that are worth clinging to.

Melanistic Adventures is about expanding our community and forging new connections with others, with our history, and even with ourselves. Through each experience we honour those who have transitioned. Discovering the rich history hidden at our glamping location and connecting with the land, roaming through Prince George are just some of the ways we have filled our cups and made lasting memories.Our Melanistic Global Travel guide also provides colourful options to break the monotony of work life. Take That Vacation!

Whether you plunge into a Melanistic adventure or you find simpler ways to regularly amplify your happiness, our team is cheering you on!

The Emcee

A dynamic host for all of your events, Live & Digital N.J. Williams Nigeljosephwilliams@gmail.com Nigeltheemc

5

In the Know 2k23

BE IN THE KNOW

Spring has sprung! And as the weather gets hotter, so does the tea! Here’s what you should know, to be in the know:

5 4

Bubba Wallace became the first Black man to win a Nascar cup since 1963.

Venus and Serena Williams became the first minority owners of a sports team in 2009 for 1 billion dollars.

That stake is now worth 4.6 million dollars.

3

Anthea-Grace Patricia Dennis from Ottawa, has become the youngest Canadian person to graduate college at 12 years old.

2

Raptors president Masai Nujiri is now a member of the Order of Canada, one of Canada’s highest honors for a civilian.

1

Legacy Awards, created by Black canadian actor Shamier Anderson (John Wick 4) returns with Stephan James to bring The Legacy Awards, hosted by Keisha Chant.

Bubba Wallace, NASCAR Racer

6 MELANISTIC

N

GE

RS

c hi ap ls gr v e

no

W ll u I

w TS rtin aog IS a w N M N O F. hi G le r lec TA y Ke N T y A by b E te n te d T H ri t s t r a

ug

wu

3

ay

p

5

u lo w ad al

to

1

RA

2

ST

4

ER TH O e D or N m A a ss S P D en N B I E by F R te d a C K tr A lus B L Il R & U te n YO rit

W

W ll u I

p IC A m a G . m SMA.J Em KO y y I b db M te n te K I ri t s t r a

or e f hic tim ap or at g r f ! re 5 ors bag a g op at h is e T cre eac er ar k b m e ac r m e r B l yo u Su g, h s by in l ad ve re no

5

8 MELANISTIC

T M he A ar a w e f De rt nt th hen orce stru in): ago ei r s d c t S n i fa ini out us upe sts ge m st o an rv (T i l y er f r d on ntr ill yl Kw U . e fo ti lt ian er str lin if ic rc re i m s C i o T h i e zi e e a r e m e s a fe et a dat tion en w ty f a s is (L t h r ( en rt, ing , t re t di ith Joh yo a c oys at ce an , g he sc hi a un om io en s. d ro pr ov s nn g M i o ku ss is er w e s m n g k K sp s h n bu an o iz ng pu on i co ace (A mi Yo is ins rg ou f a e): f u n k sys l .

J p K l g o po e c ) d t ec i r . A o Ot ur es m s, b tem f o sh h w t a u str e io te m sm ov a h er rit eali f G tor r p n lig ort Pas er Blac ie d , a he n ga o liv a ic . ies ng old y d ht co sm St k g r f l i h u e a n a a h r en m o a Fr sh w er a alf r un xy, ste g h ): K s h ics re) ng ie e w ith nd hu vei unt roid app im ea B : In er nd hi m he m ls il s il i i v y en a s ( a le on r an th a at y i s a to Pa se Ben nd th st ga h e my th n pi ss rie e y er n g er m s t e a cs m s C tr s a in itag yst eri edg hi lik ore of c G y t nd to e er ou e o ld er o m , y o G ds re i ac sa spa adv plu of s o n n la r d g e, v c e en n g (K o e s o an ge tr f y f t h cr t u i n e g e a re g co d f fam ugg age le S Re a la t u r s ac nsp ind ily lin abo m be tu ir in o g w u ith l x y es a l ac g f d i t a ) : . ly y ou e th D A b e m t a m l i em ig fe t r ig h od in iue t s a !

S D it h O m G eS l L y E K

B y RE b F a te d

O r N lu st R E Il & D L

I te n C H ri t W

I & E Z en t K W ri t

W

lu Il

st

ra

t

ed

by

Lo

y

o is

M

ki

ze

MEET THE EXPERTS

THE PERFECT PITCH

witness groundbreaking business ideas

businesses compete for cash and prizes

THE GALA

NETWORKING with over 300 attendees

with awards, dinners & dancing

INVESTORS & FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS

"Stay ahead of competition!

Expore the latest business technologies and products from insightful keynote speakers and panels, uncover new business ideas, and expand your network."

connect, invest, succeed

REGISTER NOW

LIVE IN EDMONTON

(780) 217 - 5185 | info@bcwinaction.ca

Artist Profile

Mouraine

by Merlin Uwalaka

Mouraine is a local music artist whose music tells authentic stories of finding genuine happiness. He is inspired by artists like Akin and 50cents, and his experience as a first generation Canadian of Sudanese descent.

His creativity is driven by a passion for entertaining and sharing.

For him, nothing beats the feeling of connecting to an audience; transforming their energy, seeing them dance and smile.

His music reminds the audience that working and getting caught up in the grind is not healthy. True wealth is not just material success. The ‘gold’ is in living a healthy life with loved ones, pursuing your purpose and living out your dreams.

His intention is to create music that supports listeners in their journey of self-discovery. As he continues to share and grow, he hopes that the “quality of [his] music continues to improve.” His album “ In Search of Gold” is available on all streaming platforms.

10 MELANISTIC

FOR BY

US

A LB E R TA FA M I LY-YO U TH A LLI A N C E JOSIAH A ARON

T

he Alberta Family-Youth Alliance

AJFAS is dedicated to helping people in

(AJFAS), founded on December 22

the community. They pride themselves

1999, is a non-profit organization that

on inclusion, harmony and building a

provides support and resources to families

connection between young Francophone

and youth in Alberta. Their mission is

families and ethnocultural backgrounds.

to help families and youth build strong

One of their most popular programs

relationships and navigate any challenges

is the Family Support Network, which is a

they might face, by offering a wide range

network of families who have experienced

of programs and services, including

similar challenges and want to support

counseling, education, and advocacy.

each other. They have regular meetings and events where families can connect and share resources and advice. They have a team of trained professionals who collaborate with

government,

volunteers and community stakeholders of the Francophone, and international organizations. They offer a safe and supportive environment where families and youth can get the help they need to thrive.

Whether you are dealing with a difficult situation or just need someone to talk to, the Alberta Family-Youth Alliance is there to help. Be sure to check them out at https://ajfas.ca/en/

11

Thank You Heritage Festival thanks you all for celebrating

YEARS WITH US See you in 2024!!!

12 MELANISTIC

GLOBAL TRAVEL GUIDE

Flight routes are increasing, trip bookings and hotel stays are on the rise, and the globe is once again becoming accessible for exploration. Yes, travel is back! But which of the multitude of destinations should you take advantage of? Selecting an adventure travel tour can be exhausting if you are not familiar with the destinations, so we have put together some trip ideas either offered by Black owned agents and operators or to Melanistic destinations.

BY: GREG DAVIS

14 MELANISTIC

MYSTICAL EGYPT This magical tour will guide you through the ancient temples and World Wonders of Egypt. Embark on a relaxing four-night cruise up the Nile River. You will discover the ancient temples of Luxor and Karnak,. Uncover the fascinating historical sights of Kom Ombo, The Temple of Edfu Travel to Aswan and admire the Phile Temple, Cairo, where you will admire the magnificence of the Great Pyramids of Egypt and Sphinx.

Operator: Indus Travel -c/o Real Canadian Travel Duration: 7 nights Cost: $2,621.00 CAD pp Activities: History / Culture Contact: thalia@rctravelstore.com

15

12-DAY THRILLING ADVENTURE IN NAMIBIA 2024 This 12-day breathtaking adventure takes you to Namibia’s mustsee places. You will witness the sun kissing the dunes, painting colors across the landscape as it opens up new spectrums of beauty in the sand. Highlights of this Namibian-guided adventure include exploring the world-famous sand dunes in the Namib Desert, the oldest desert in the world. You will alsosearch for desert-dwelling Elephants in Damaraland, and getting up close and personal with big cats in the Etosha and other parks.Each destination has something unique to offer from wide open plains with untamed wildlife to Africa’s Big 5 and stunning vistas. An affordable and fun journey through a truly magnificent region of the world! On this trip, you will spot over 700 animal species and various bird species.

Operator: Hidden Continent Duration: 12 days Cost: $4090 USD excluding international flights Activities: Hiking / Trek, Beach, History / Culture, Wildlife, Eco-adventures Contact: zoe@hiddencontinent.ca

16 MELANISTIC

17

5-DAY KAIETEUR OVERLAND HIKE This 5-Day exploration of Guyana takes you from Georgetown and into the wildlife of the country. Rainforest treks, overnight jungle camping, waterfalls and unique wildlife viewing all await you on this tour. Package includes accommodation, transfers, and flights within Guyana.

Operator: Dragon Tours Duration: 5 days Cost: From $950 Activities: Hiking, Camping, Wildlife, Falls Contact: reservations@dagron-tours.com

18 MELANISTIC

19

ETHIOPIA – OMO VALLEY CULTURAL SAFARI This itinerary gets travelers off the beaten path with an opportunity to learn about and interact with some of Ethiopia’s most unique cultural groups. The itinerary covers many of the tribes in the Omo valley including the Hamer people (known for their bull jumping ceremony), Mursi people (known for their lip plates), Karo (known for their body paintings), Dassenech, Ari, Dorze, Tsemai, etc. In addition to the visit to their respective villages, the itinerary is also scheduled to meet the weekly markets at Key Afer, Dimeka and Turmi. This tour is ideal for photographers and culture lovers.

Operator: Civilized Adventures Duration: 11 days Cost: From $3,051 per person Activities: Safari, History / Culture, Wildlife, Eco-adventures Contact: info@civilizedadv.com

20 MELANISTIC

21

22 MELANISTIC

Gear Up & Get Out Here's what you can expect by coming into one of our 3 Breathe Outdoors stores in Edmonton & Calgary.

Our Store Guides understand each adventurer is different. They have the knowledge required to find you the right gear for your individual needs.

We carry the best products from all the top outdoor brands.

We treat the outdoors like our home. We want everyone to feel welcome.

Visit us online at breatheoutdoors.ca or at one of our 3 stores in Edmonton and Calgary

21

PRIN GE

24 MELANISTIC

CE

RGE Connecting Nature, Culture & Community

In the Fraiser-Nesko Plateau- nestled 8 hours from Edmonton, along the Yellowhead highway lies a small city that provides rest for most, and adventure for many. This year it was the focus of our Melanistic Adventures- and while we were up for an Adventure we never thought we’d learn as much as we did about Nature, Culture, and Community.

By: NiLo

25

SMALL TOWN FEEL WI Prince George is a city that first developed along the Salmon river and later moved when the railroads and the highways were built.

Because of this it has a large footprint, yet everything is about 20 mins away at its furthest points. The first night had us camping under the stars at the Salmon Valley campground. The campsites had water and electrical hookups, and plenty of space where we set up our tents. Our host Robin was extremely hospitable and displayed an enthusiasm for supporting

26 MELANISTIC

other local businesses (including the coffee they have at the check in cabin) this would be a theme that ran through our visit.

The closeness of everything downtown made it a great place to walk and explore the local shops and restaurants. Bikes are available to borrow along with other outdoor equipment, including the fishing poles and tackle boxes we would be using for our first day’s adventure.

Contact Tourism Prince George and they can link you with various fishing tours, but as always, we chose the off the beaten path adventure. We called our friend Kyle Sam, who works with Indigenous men’s mental health at the

ITH BIG ADVENTURES DUDE’s Club Society. Kyle took us to the Forests of the World lake where we learned to bait and cast our lines. The fishing was so much fun even though we’re told it’s even more fun when you actually catch something. We took a hike through the forest, casually sharing traditional plant knowledge. Our walk eventually led us to a Lheidli T’enneh pit house which was a traditional home and gathering space for many nations in Northern B.C..

We spent a lot of time “in the bush” with a foraginging trip with Jen Côté, where we learned about multiple flowers that could be battered and fried, stems that could be pickled, and medicines in the

27

Cut through the noise with advice that's made for you, with you.

For clear financial advice that meets you where you are and takes you where you’re going, let’s talk.

Tell us about your priorities and challenges.

Share your vision for the life you want to lead, business you want to build, or future you want to create—and let's bring your possibilities to life.

atb.com

All the wines produced here have the aroma of the land, the air, and the river it sits beside, which all come together to create the perfect environment.

29

leaves and roots of many plants we discard as weeds today! We also took a stroll through the legendary cottonwood park where artist Elmer Gunderson has carved numerous portraits in the enormous trunks of the cottonwood trees. We’re told that on a sunny day, if everything is right, you can see the sturgeon jumping in the Nechako river and just across the river at this point is the Northern Lights Winery. This Winery is unique and also very Prince George. They grow most of the berries and fruits they use for their wines on site, they bottle their wines and they also have a superb restaurant, with a wine tour that allows you to taste all of the wines - from sweet and fruity, to strong and dry. All the wines produced here have the aroma of the land, the air, and the river it sits beside, which all come together to create the perfect environment.

We took a hike through the forest, casually sharing traditional plant knowledge.

The small town vibes of downtown made it a great place to walk around and visit local shops and stores. We usually ate breakfast at our hotel, however we did make sure we visited the local eateries in town which all had distinct styles. They boasted locally produced beer, used local fruits in their menu items, and many of them are of the BC Ale Trail - a trail of breweries in BC. We also had local ice cream from a place called Frozen Paddleoffering flavors like Haskap and Spruce Tip- yet another business made from the nature around it.

30 MELANISTIC

31

32 MELANISTIC

We weren’t done with the Haskap love though as we explored Hubble Homestead- a period based homestead that was once the home of Albert Hubble. There in the early 1900’s general store you can find early turn of the century novelties, candies, Hubble Jam made from locally grown fruits, and even the Hubble Diaries. A diary of Alfred Hubble about the movements of the time. Not as juicy as you expect it to be unless you’re really into early century survey and city planning - in that case very sexy.

33

Prince George was a lesson in community supporting community.

34 MELANISTIC

JOURNEYING HOME Our ride home was not without its own adventure. We stopped in the Ancient Rainforest, the largest inland Rainforest in North America. The hike is an easy 2.5km - but be sure to stay on the promenade, there are 15km and 20km trails up the very same mountain.

With a stop either way in Jasper the 8 hour drive from Edmonton to Prince George was easy to share. Be sure to make the stop in McBride, as it’s the last gas station for a 230km stretch. Pack with a lot of layers, the temperature can be warm but cooler in the woods. Be sure to have Bear spray, and when you’re out make a lot of noise because “bears be out there

out there.” People warn against whistling in the woods and using bear bells, both of which can turn you into bear food. Don’t forget your mosquito repellent, because the mosquitos are definitely out to get you.

Prince George was a lesson in community supporting community. Every business we visited used the traditional knowledge of the Land, the resources from fruits to environment to family- and each other’s products to create a handcrafted experience. The community made it easy to see why they call Prince George Base Camp, and why it attracts so many visitors on their way to places north and south.

35

The Soft Life

GLAMPING 36 MELANISTIC

F

rom childhood to adulthood, my love for the outdoors has been

unwavering. It made no difference to me if that meant chores on my parents’

acreage

activities

like

or

hiking,

recreational biking,

or

days at the beach. When I migrated to Canada, it didn’t take much to persuade me to try camping. I have avoided the more rugged tenting in the outbacks but I have enjoyed hitching a tent trailer to my SUV and setting off for a few nights at a lake or river. Being in nature, detached from the daily hustle allows me to relax and refocus. That said, Camping is a lot of work! The preparation and

maintenance of the campsite can be labor intensive.

• Each dome is heated with comfy

queen

sized

beds

These days, I’m a champion

and clean linens - scratch

for the ‘soft life’ which drew me

the sleeping bags and extra

to the ‘Glamping Domes’ popping

blankets.

up

throughout

Alberta.

They

appeared to offer the simplicity of camping but with more at-home comforts. Simply Glamping is a newer site only an hour and a half west of Edmonton in Barrhead.

Operated by a retired or rather redirected couple, Wayne and Lynn.

I

Here

loved

is

what

about

the

• The kitchen area is on the covered deck. It’s stocked with all your basic utensils, cooking equipment, a grill with

a

single

stove

top

burner and a portable sink.

This made for easy outdoor

experience: • Domes

are

well

spaced

so

that

each campsite has privacy.

37

cooking while remaining fairly

• A play area with trampoline,

sheltered from the elements.

tetherball and day swing sits

• Our firepit was pre-stacked with

at the center of the grounds

wood and kindling. We needed only to strike the lighter to get the fire going.

• Each

dome

providing

entertainment

for

both adults and children.

• Walking trails loop through

has

a

private

outhouse. If that’s still a cringe,

the

forested

area

for

safe

exploration and stillness.

the flushed washroom is a three

I fully intend to explore a few

minute walk. Showers are under

more of these glamping domes

construction but will be an added

over the summer. For those curious

amenity for future campers.

about camping but not enthused about roughing-it, I highly

recommend

this experience!

38 MELANISTIC

A BIT OF HISTORY

and Lynn y that Wayne or st hi ue iq carries a un one of the ar location oper ty were pr This particul is th of iginal owners 3. er ve. The or een 1912 -191 hope to pres igrating betw m a, lin ro Nor th Ca er ty in the ttlers from ught the prop first Black se bo , rs le tt se the original ral old r, the son of ily here. Seve Walker Beave ised his fam ra d an , ad este t ped his hom by the curren 1920 s, develo be salvaged ill w m hi by inally built emorative at were orig ec t a comm er buildings th to pe ho so and Lynn al om ors. Wayne e salvaged fr camp operat tifacts they ’v ar e th h it w ong . e proper ty al ng experience plaque on th mply Glampi Si e th to in y is histor r - weaving th Walker Beave

39