ISSUE 48 FORGIVENESS · DECEMBER 2023 + JANUARY 2024 Sharing the Direction of Vancouver Island Communities
SPONSORED COPIES FREE INSTORE OR RETAIL PURCHASE $5CAD
W W W. C O M PA S S M A G A Z I N E . C A
Issue 48 |
C O M PA S S M A G A Z I N E | 1
Non-Stop from Comox to Puerto Vallarta Escape Winter with Twice Weekly Service with WestJet.
visit comoxairport.com 2 | C O M PA S S M A G A Z I N E | I s s u e 4 8
W W W. C O M PA S S M A G A Z I N E . C A
6
8
14
Sharing the Direction of Vancouver Island Communities
6 8
Yukusam/Hanson Island, Home of the Spirit Trees
COASTAL CHRONICLES
Catherine Marie Gilbert
OFF THE BEATEN PATH
12 14
Jesse Brillon and Marlo Wylie Brillon
20 26
26
Kristina Campbell
Adorning Art at the Bayview Hotel
22
22
WE ARE ART
Artful : The Poets
28
Kealy Donaldson
FEATURE ARTIST
Kealy Donaldson
WALKING IN THEIR FOOTSTEPS
Keeping Nuclear Power Plants off Vancouver Island
Catherine Marie Gilbert
NORTHWEST COAST NATURE
The Colours of Fall Leaves Luna Loiseau-Tremblay
WELLNESS ARTIST
Pat Jackson: A Musical Life Well Lived
Caroline Lenardon
STAY WELL Forgiveness
Dana Mahon
WWW.COMPASSMAGAZINE.CA
Members Christmas Show November 21 to December 21, 2023 Closed for Holidays Dec 16 - Jan 8, 2024 Our Earth: Juried Concept Show Jan 9 - Feb 3, 2024
W W W. C O M PA S S M A G A Z I N E . C A
Issue 48 |
C O M PA S S M A G A Z I N E | 3
Time to Get Muddy
COMPASS MAGAZINE ISSUE 48 · DECEMBER 2023 + JANUARY 2024
Publisher's Note Forgiveness My mother’s motto was always ‘to forgive and forget’. For her, it was simple and she stood beside this motto for her entire life. Me… well, I struggle but am definitely wrapping my head around letting go and moving forward. It’s not easy, especially if it seems like the damage is a greater outcome than what may have actually been intended. What I have come to realize is that ‘forgiveness’ has a power all on its own. It is deep seeded, under our scaly wounds and surface trauma; you can find it if you go looking for it and most of the time it is an easy pill to swallow. This is another lesson in taking the high road and celebrating the kindness that you can share versus the negative impact our angers can leave on others. Being on the other end of forgiveness, when someone let’s go of your impact on them, it is time to truly consider how lucky you are and what motivated you to direct this behaviour towards others. With the holiday season upon us and the long, dark nights, try to make time to practice forgiveness daily for yourself and others, and reflect upon the better things that arrive to you. I think you’ll notice the change in how you deal with what arrives to you and the challenges you face. Wishing you and yours a happy and safe holiday season and a very merry winter solstice! Gilakas’la, Emote, Marsii
Kealy Donaldson PUBLISHER
compassmagazine@ourmail.com www.compassmagazine.ca
MAGAZINE PUBLISHER Kealy Donaldson
COVER
LAYOUT Jessie Stones
Skil Xaaw Jesse Brillon
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
CONTRIBUTORS
To Advertise & Subscribe Kealy: 250.203.1880 In-Store Purchase $5 Back Issues $10 Annual Subscription $50 6 Issues
3 1 2 5 N O RT H I S L A N D H I G H WAY 2 5 0. 2 8 6.0752 | 1. 87 7. 2 8 6.0752
Laana Tsaadas Clan Copper Photo: Haida Gwaii Museum
Kristina Campbell Kealy Donaldson Catherine Marie Gilbert Caroline Lenardon Luna Loiseau-Tremblay Dana Mahon Andrea Wagemaker CONNECT WITH US Facebook | LinkedIn Kealy Donaldson Like us on Facebook @compassartsculturewellnessmagazine
We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada.
W W W. C A M P B E L L R I V E R BOAT L A N D. C A Entire magazine contents are copyright. All rights reserved.
4 | C O M PA S S M A G A Z I N E | I s s u e 4 8
W W W. C O M PA S S M A G A Z I N E . C A
Local Indigenous and Artisan Crafted Jewellery in Sterling Silver & more! Local Art & Artisan Pieces, Children's Toys, Puzzles, Scarves & Books! We Are Your Stocking Stuffer Headquarters! Over 1,000 Holiday Ornaments to choose from 107 - 1250 Knight Road | In the heart of YQQ Comox Airport Comox | BC | 250.339.0332
www.thecompassartgallery.com
W W W. C O M PA S S M A G A Z I N E . C A
Issue 48 |
C O M PA S S M A G A Z I N E | 5
© Rawpixel.com
WE ARE ART Artful : The Poets K R I ST INA CA M P B ELL
IN THE SUMMER OF 2022, Ed Varney was looking for a
through their poetic community connections. The list
venue in Courtenay to host a reading by Paul E. Nel-
of local luminaries who have been featured has includ-
son, American poet, radio journalist, and founder of the
ed published, performative, poets laureate, and multi-
Cascadia Poetics LAB. That inaugural event at Artful :
media crossover artists, like Varney, Kolpak and Owen
The Gallery set in motion a monthly series of featured
themselves.
poet readings. Each evening includes an open floor for other poets to share their poetry, and the evenings have
The open floor poets have spanned an age range of
drawn poets from Parksville to Campbell River.
more than 8 decades and presented variations of poetry
Ed Varney was the connector who inspired the on-go-
responses to epic narratives. Whether you come to
ing series, drawing on the Comox Valley talent he was
share your own poetry (5 minutes each), or to enjoy the
well acquainted with. In 2020, together with poet Dan
inspiring performances, the evenings provide an inti-
Kirk, Varney had edited an anthology of poems written
mate opportunity for social and emotional connection
by 38 Comox Valley poets, Drift: Poems and Poets from
in response to the heartfelt original poetry.
the Comox Valley.
from free verse to structured forms, and poetry prompt
Planning for the 2024 season is underway, watch for
In the spring of 2023, regular attendees Diana Kolpak
upcoming events or subscribe to the monthly newslet-
and Carys Owen joined Varney to share hosting du-
ter at artfulthegallery.com.
ties, further expanding the selections of featured poets
6 | C O M PA S S M A G A Z I N E | I s s u e 4 8
W W W. C O M PA S S M A G A Z I N E . C A
CAMPBELL RIVER, BC • 250-286-3344 • THUNDERBIRDRVPARK.COM
It’s Sto r
m Watching Season at the Cottages!
OPEN ALL YEAR ROUND WATERSIDE COTTAGES • 1 & 2 BEDROOM OCEANVIEW RV SITES 30 & 50 AMP SERVICE TBIRDATTYEESPIT
A unique Indigenous experience
VANCOUVER ISLAND, BC
Visit Us: Tuesday to Saturday
10 - 4
Gallery & Boutique
ONLINE 24/7
The home Studio & Gallery of K’omoks Artist Andy Everson ART Jewelry Apparel Giftware made inhouse!
Next Door to I-Hos Gallery on K’omoks First Nation 3250 COMOX RD W W W. C O M PA S S M A G A Z I N E . C A
Cedar Panel by Jesse Brillon (Haida & Cree
Issue 48 |
C O M PA S S M A G A Z I N E | 7
View of Hanson Island from the water © Cedar Garrick
C O A S TA L C H R O N I C L E S Yukusam/Hanson Island, Home of the Spirit Trees CATHE R INE M A R IE GILB ERT
“THE TRAIL STARTS OUT STEEP,” commented Aki
for about 200 metres to the camp, an inviting enclave
Garrick, describing the route up to his father, David
in a clearing in the woods. Hanson Island is heavily
Garrick’s camp. “Then it goes up from there.”
forested, exhibiting only scant remains of mining and
A small group of us were on Hanson Island, situated in Johnstone Strait near Telegraph Cove. We had come from Alert Bay (Cormorant Island), a 30 minute boat
of logging which ceased in the 1970s. Most importantly however, the island is home to numerous Culturally Modified Trees, or CMTs.
ride away in early June 2023 to bury David Garrick’s
Garrick, an environmental activist trained in anthro-
ashes. Known to his many friends and associates as
pology and archaeology, began studying these trees in
‘Walrus’, he had passed away the month previous at the
1985. His noteworthy findings make a significant con-
age of 76. Garrick was one of the few people in recent
tribution to the island’s history, and facilitated an im-
years to live on Hanson Island, as it is identified on
portant change to its status.
charts, but is Yukusam to the Kwakwa’kwa of the north island region.
CMTs, found in groves of old growth forests, are a critical component of First Nations’ culture. They are
Indeed the trail is steep, rising up through the trees
considered to be living archaeological artifacts, offer-
from Dong Chong Bay on the north side of the island
ing tangible evidence of indigenous use in an area.
8 | C O M PA S S M A G A Z I N E | I s s u e 4 8
W W W. C O M PA S S M A G A Z I N E . C A
Vertical scars on the trees, healed over, show that the bark, particulary that of red and yellow cedar, was peeled off to create fibre used to make clothing and baskets, or ‘planked’ for wood*. Garrick’s initial interest in CMTs coincided with area First Nations’ concerns about proposals to log Hanson Island. Garrick was no stranger to Hanson, having often visited Paul Spong, an old friend from Greenpeace days, at his whale research station OrcaLab on the east side of the island. Garrick learned in the early ‘80s that the forestry company Crown Zellerbach was building logging roads on the company’s timber licence on
Hanson Island location map © Yukusam Heritage Society, David Garrick Collection
Hanson. In consequence, the Umista Cultural Society of Alert Bay commissioned archaeologists to do a heritage study of the island to protect CMTs from being felled. Not only were 28 forest utilization sites identified, but midden deposits and evidence of human burial were found. A lack of funds deterred further research, and Crown Zellerbach took up the task. However, its expert identified only 76 CMTs. Garrick, with the help of a small group of volunteers felt compelled to do his own independent part-time research. By 1989, they had identified roughly 1,000 CMTs, some, four to five hundred years old. He presented his findSwiftsure at the Captain Cook Museum © Bill Maximick
ings to ‘Namgis elders Chief Bill Cranmer and Chief Pat Alfred, just as another forestry company, Fletcher Challenge was preparing to clearcut these areas. With this evidence in hand the ‘Namgis were able to forestall logging plans and assisted Garrick with setting up a field camp near the centre of the island. Garrick named this camp ‘Earth Embassy’ the ecologically-based society he had first established in Vancouver in 1981.
Trail up to camp © Linda Gilarski
“Life in the rainforest was not easy,” Garrick wrote. “Tents collapsed under wet snow and volunteers endured endless gales, storms and hurricane-force winds. One night a black bear burst through the walls of one tent. Food supplies often dwindled down to brown rice and fish. Coffee was a luxury.” By 1993, Garrick began conducting research full time. His camp took on more permanence with the addition of several cabins and a large garden, and he spent the next five years combing the island’s forests for CMTs. The resultant research revealed about 2000 CMTs and took the form of a book, Cedar Shaping and Shaping Cedars, a Guidebook to Identifying, Documenting, Appreciating and Learning From Culturally Modified W W W. C O M PA S S M A G A Z I N E . C A
Cabins at Earth Embassy © Cedar Garrick Issue 48 |
C O M PA S S M A G A Z I N E | 9
researchers identified over 1500 CMTs in Timberwest’s cutblock area. All logging was put on hold, and by April 2001, Yukusam/Hanson Island was at last declared a protected area. Over the period Garrick lived at Earth Embassy, he gave CMT and cedar workshops to school children from Alert Bay and adults such as ‘Namgis Chief Don Svanvik studied with him. A prolific writer, Garrick filled roughly 100 journals with field notes and personal reflections. He commented on the challenges presented by his off grid, subsistence lifestyle, where the need for firewood was constant, and fishing and foraging were a necessary part of survival. He often relied on donations to cover his minimal expenses. When asked why he stayed on, he said that the longer he stayed, the more difficult it was to leave. About every two weeks, he hiked to OrcaLab to catch a boat ride into Alert Bay and get supplies. Here he attended meetings to discuss the future of Yukusam/Hanson Island. At one such meeting, it was suggested that CMTs be referred to as ‘Spirit Trees’ to honour the ancestors who lived on in spirit in the environ of the trees. In 2018, illness forced Garrick to relocate to Alert Bay Garrick carrying log uphill to camp © Cedar Garrick
where he spent the remaining five years of his life. In June 2023, the community honoured Garrick at a celebration of life organized by Don Svanvik and Paul
Trees produced by the Western Canadian Wilderness Committee in 1998.
Spong. Today, Yukusam/Hanson Island is jointly managed
Subsequent to the book’s publication, the David Suzuki Foundation, the Wilderness Committee and the Valhalla Society hired Garrick to conduct a series of CMT workshops on Hanson Island, on BC’s north central coast and in the interior. Again, the spectre of logging, this time by Timberwest threatened Hanson Island’s forests in 1999. The forestry company was prevented however, when ‘Namgis’
by three area Kwakwaka'wakw groups – the ‘Namgis, Mamalilikulla -Qwe'Qwa'Sot'Em and Tolwtsis and. The story of Yukusam offers a leading example of how aboriginal rights and titles, and land claim issues can be supported through archaeological evidence provided by identification of CMTs. *For the many uses of cedar consult Hilary Stewart’s Cedar, Douglas McIntyre 1984.
Catherine Marie Gilbert is an award-winning, best selling author and Vancouver Island historian. She has a passion for uncovering unknown stories of British Columbia’s past and has had two books and numerous articles published. She is currently writing the life story of David (Walrus) Garrick from his role in the formation of Greenpeace in the 1970s, to his involvement with several environmental campaigns throughout the 1980s, and his ground-breaking study of culturally modified trees on Hanson Island, BC.
1 0 | C O M PA S S M A G A Z I N E | I s s u e 4 8
W W W. C O M PA S S M A G A Z I N E . C A
101-1811 Comox Avenue in the heart of Downtown Comox Parking available off Beaufort Avenue
COMPLETELY STOCKED UP on Kitchen Gadgets, Gluten & Sugar Free Goodies & more! Featuring Island Good Products Gluten Free, Vegan & Gourmet Farm Veggies & Fresh Eggs
Local Baked Goods (GF too!)
Local Butchered Meats & More
Weekly Updates & Specials W W W. C O M PA S S M A G A Z I N E . C A
Flurer Smokery’s Smoked Salmon Avalon Dairy Portofino Breads Pie Factory Pies Local Housewares including Gourmet Kitchen Gadgets & Cutting Boards
@CompassGeneralStore Issue 48 |
C O M PA S S M A G A Z I N E | 1 1
Image courtesy Bayview Hotel
O F F T H E B E AT E N PAT H Adorning Art at the Bayview Hotel K E A LY D ONA LD SON I RECENTLY HEARD the Executive Director of Co-
Bayview Hotel owners Irma and Bill Smith typically
mox Valley Arts say that there isn’t enough public
reside in Saskatoon and commute to the Comox Val-
space to host art and how thankful they, as an organi-
ley for family visits and business matters. Their son,
zation, were to the spaces that allow public viewing of
Grant, is a seasoned hotel operator and is the General
local art. It’s a great point. There are many ways to find
Manager of the Bayview Hotel. Their daughter, Cheryl
and observe local art; some businesses have adopted
runs the Saskatoon Days Inn Hotel. It’s a family affair
the concept to allow Artists’ to hang commissionable
with these two properties, with a very caring attitude
works in professional spaces and waiting rooms.
about the property, guests and staff alike. The owner-
I’ve seen many local businesses with large commercial spaces truly embrace this policy, not only to
ship has strong roots and are hands on with the hotel management, staff and local engagement.
support the local Artists and Artisans but to allow lo-
The Bayview Hotel property came to be in 2009, with
cals and visitors the opportunity to view the incred-
clientele and community continuing to support this
ible talent that we have here on Vancouver Island.
beautiful property located in the seaside alley of South
YQQ is a great example of this! My visit to the Bay-
Courtenay. Tour de Rock and local sports groups are
view Hotel in Courtenay was pleasantly surprising
always supported through the Bayview along with
—they are another amazing business sharing and
many other local charities. What is most interesting
supporting local arts and culture.
about the Bayview is the abundance of beautiful lo-
1 2 | C O M PA S S M A G A Z I N E | I s s u e 4 8
W W W. C O M PA S S M A G A Z I N E . C A
cal art work throughout the building. It truly shows an appreciation for and support of local Art and Artisans. The owners mandated hosting and supporting local artists; so Grant Smith connected directly with local artists and hand-picked the artwork that now adorns almost every wall on the property. From First Nations carvings to locally themed photography, beautiful acrylic paintings and more, the Bayview has a wonderful arrangement adorning the hotel walls. Master Carver Tommy Hunt Jr. has a massive circular wall plaque in the lobby area, hand carved and painted, along with K’omok’s own Gaery Cranmer who is a Master Painter in his own right. These two absolutely gorgeous pieces are pinnacle as you walk into the Bayview’s lobby.
Tom Hunt
In the hallway and breakfast area, Comox Valley’s own Kelly Everill’s pieces are present with pride. When asked about working with the Bayview, Everill says, “It was a humbling experience working with Grant at the Bayview. He had a vision for the artistic experience he wanted to create at the property, and myself and the other Artists are very appreciative of his support and the opportunity for our work to be seen.” There are a number of other Artists and Artisans who have been selected. Works including local Comox Valley photography and specialty wood furniture, locally hand crafted, is a special feature in all the King and Jacuzzi suites. The Bayview property is quite large for an independent hotel property featuring 91 rooms with King, Jacuzzi and Family suites, an indoor pool with waterslide and hot tub and a pretty scrumptious hot buffet breakfast for those guests staying overnight. Gaery Cranmer
As time allows, pop into this local accommodation on Cliffe Avenue to see the select art pieces on display or better yet, book a stay and immerse yourself into a stay-cation in this beautiful Comox Valley property and take the time to enjoy the local flair Bayview brings to the table. Many hotel properties and businesses have done such an amazing job highlighting local art and culture; make sure you comment so they know there is a great appreciation for what you are seeing. www.bayviewvi.com
Image courtesy Bayview Hotel
W W W. C O M PA S S M A G A Z I N E . C A
Issue 48 |
C O M PA S S M A G A Z I N E | 1 3
FEATURE ARTISTS
©Andy Everson
THE ART OF DIMENSION JESSE BRILLON and MARLO WYLIE BRILLON K EALY D ONA LD SON 1 4 | C O M PA S S M A G A Z I N E | I s s u e 4 8
W W W. C O M PA S S M A G A Z I N E . C A
WE OFTEN SEE APPRENTICESHIPS FLOURISH into amazing co-existing relationships between the Master and the Apprentice. When this spark happens, and is within a family circle, the true magic of the cohesive hereditarial knowledge and understanding comes to light. This is a perfect description of the Uncle-Niece relationship of Jesse Brillon, traditionally known as Skil Xaaw | Xaaw SGaana (Lucky Fisherman | Great Fisherman) and Haayłingtso Marlo Wylie Brillon. The magic between these two really came to light when they worked together for an Exhibition at the Haida Gwaii Museum June of 2022. The extraordinary repousse craftsmanship of Jesse Brillon matched with Marlo’s insightful depth in her traditional carved wood pieces truly shine as remarkable contributions to their heritage and culture. This Haida Gwaii exhibit, ‘The Art of Dimension,' was extremely well received and continued to be shown until October of that year. The exhibition moved on to the world-renowned Bill Reid Gallery on Granville Island in Vancouver, BC in 2023 and recently closed in mid October.
copper shields. While chatting, I notice the amazing jewellery Jesse has created as he dons a gorgeous cuff bracelet he designed and completed. His work has a special presence about it – the style, composition and knowledge are all present and very traditional. Jesse is working towards presenting more workshops and lessons on jewellery carving with Marlo and Karver Everson, Marlo’s partner, in mind. He is focusing on sharing intergenerational teachings with them both on how to work with metal. “When you look at one of Jess’ pieces," Marlo says, "you don’t always understand the complexity of its shape and all the components through the artistic process. Karver has really picked up on metal working and jewellery. I’m still practicing and it is trial and error." Jess laughs, saying, “It’s like me, carving wood – it’s a different feel and different process all together. It takes time and mentorship to get the shape and feel of the material to work for you.”
The two Artists were thrilled to secure and announce that their ‘Art of Dimension’ exhibition will re-open early December, on Vancouver Island, at K’omoks’ own Totem Design House, co-owned and operated by sister/Mother, Erin Brillon and her husband, internationally acclaimed Artist, Andy Everson. “We are thrilled and honoured to be shown in this important territory,” Jesse says. “This is a beautiful acknowledgement and we thank Kalga Jaad Erin Brillon and Chief Kwamxalagalis Andy Everson for accommodating this exhibition.” The primary content for the exhibition is silver and gold repousse jewellery in traditional designs by Jesse Brillon and cedar carved pieces by Marlo Brillon. Some of these exhibiting pieces were used in a Ceremonial Feast, celebrating the joining of Kalga Jaad and Kwamxalagalis in Haida Gwaii and then presented to the Museum for the specific purpose of the exhibit. Discussing his process and what he has been working on, Jesse shares that he has started playing with copper recently and it was a big focus when he went to Whitehorse this October. Marlo was in tow and they delivered workshops with local First Nations, working on large W W W. C O M PA S S M A G A Z I N E . C A
© Marlo Wylie Brillon
"The shapes are the same but getting it right is what the big learning curve is all about,” finishes Marlo. When asked what makes his creative side flow, Jesse notes he is inspired by a little bit of everything. “It’s much easier working year round here versus Haida Gwaii, Issue 48 |
C O M PA S S M A G A Z I N E | 1 5
1 6 | C O M PA S S M A G A Z I N E | I s s u e 4 8
W W W. C O M PA S S M A G A Z I N E . C A
F E AT U R E A R T I S T S JESSE BRILLON + MARLO WYLIE BRILLON W W W. C O M PA S S M A G A Z I N E . C A
Issue 48 |
C O M PA S S M A G A Z I N E | 1 7
especially in the winter time." Jesse craves the sunshine and warmth in the winter, and the K’omoks location gives him a bit of reprieve throughout the darker months. He is looks forward to creating larger pieces this winter; the copper workshop in Whitehorse, this fall, were a start to that inspiration. He continues his own journey of learning and has been working on a large copper shield and a grouping of copper bowls. Marlo started carving and creating with wood as a medium in 2020. She has been a full time student at University of Victoria and recently completed her degree in Social Sciences – Anthropology. Her time off during the summer has been her true creative focus and worked tirelessly to hone her craft, producing and practicing on a variety of traditional shapes and subjects. Marlo has been working on wood panels and elevating them to the next level; as she continues to expand her body of work, her first mask was a Shark and she danced it at the Ceremonial Feast in Haida Gwaii in 2022 – joining her mother, Erin and step-father, Andy Everson.
The learning process is exciting and challenging at the same time. All these firsts are arriving to her and Marlo is so accepting and ready to work towards mastering her art skills, not to mention how humble she and Jesse both are. Marlo started the Shark mask here in K’omoks and finished the piece in Skidgate, before the Ceremonial Feast. To see her clan come together, for the first time in over 150 years, was an emotional but worthy celebration. She notes that it’s the process of creating from small to big, from craft style to larger more instrumental pieces that is truly driving her inspiration right now. As she continues to refine her forms and shapes, she works with Jesse to confirm her design styles and, her partner, Karver helps her layout the design idea on wood. “The learning process is exciting 1 8 | C O M PA S S M A G A Z I N E | I s s u e 4 8
and challenging at the same time,” she says. “Trying different tools, like a chainsaw, to work with the wood and make progress is a true challenge.” Jesse looks to the future towards more teaching and workshops, working with Karver and Marlo. Those larger scale pieces are definitely at the forefront of his creative mindset. He is always creating – designing, carving - all the time. “It’s been a long time coming as while we are exhibiting, we are typically not selling or taking commissions. The time is coming to start taking on commissions and work towards some permanent collections. Haida Gwaii is still home but I have been spending more time here in K’omoks lately. For now, it’s a better space for working and teaching,” Jesse says. Marlo shares she’s working on a couple commissions right now, and working towards a potlatch honouring her maternal side from Haida Gwaii. That is expected to take place in September next year. The preparation will be fierce with a busy ten months coming, preparing and creating for the beautiful gifts to honour the families who will be involved. After enchanting audiences at the Haida Gwaii Heritage Center Museum and captivating thousands of visitors at the Bill Reid Gallery in Vancouver, don't miss this rare opportunity to experience the highly acclaimed Art of Dimension Exhibition—now gracing Totem Design House in the K'omoks Valley. Grand Opening is December 8th.
Raven Pendant © Jesse Brillon, 2021
W W W. C O M PA S S M A G A Z I N E . C A
Om Sweet Om Om Oasis provides Sound Bath events to refuel your inner soul! Rest, journey inward, embrace the seasonal transition to winter & receive some self care and nourishment at the end of each week to reset the mind, body, spirit for your winter journey! Book your private session or group! www.omoasis.ca info@omoasis.ca 250.702.3237
Jolie Nasralla
W W W. C O M PA S S M A G A Z I N E . C A
Winter’s Slumber an Om Oasis Sound Bath Event Broken Squirrel Wellness aka The Collective Wellness 445-10th St. Courtenay,BC Saturday December 9th 4:00-6:00 pm www.brokensquirrel.ca/Events
Issue 48 |
C O M PA S S M A G A Z I N E | 1 9
Map from SPEC report showing sites for proposed nuclear power plants SPECTRUM 1979, David Garrick collection
WA L K I N G I N T H E I R F O O T S T E P S 'SAY NO TO NUKES!' Keeping Nuclear Power Plants off Vancouver Island CATHERINE M A R IE GILB ERT
AT THE SAME TIME AS THE WORLD was reeling
Awareness Program created by SPEC (at that time
from the news of the Three Mile Island nuclear power
SPEC stood for the Canadian Scientific Pollution &
station meltdown in Pennsylvania on March 28, 1979,
Environmental Control Society) in 1978. The VOW
and many were pre-occupied with fears of radiation
had joined in an anti-nuclear alliance with SPEC, the
poisoning, Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL)
Canadian Coalition for Nuclear Responsibility, First
was busy promoting nuclear power in British Colum-
Nations groups, unions and church organizations, and
bia. In its 1979 report AECL authors wrote: “Vancouver
had a long history of educating the public on the haz-
Island appears to be a logical area for the application
ards of radiation.
of nuclear power.” (AECL Report 1979, 2) One of the proposed sites for a nuclear plant was close Members of the Voice of Women in Vancouver were
to Port McNeill on the North Island, chosen because of
alerted to the report and asked environmental activist
its low population and proximity to the ocean. Garrick
David Garrick, also known as Walrus, to look into this
travelled to Port McNeill to talk with residents about
proposal as part of his role coordinating the Nuclear
their opinions on nuclear power, and found that few
2 0 | C O M PA S S M A G A Z I N E | I s s u e 4 8
W W W. C O M PA S S M A G A Z I N E . C A
knew about the proposal. The second proposed site was about twenty kilometres north on the east coast of the island at False Head near Port Hardy. Garrick had been to the area before while participating in Greenpeace’s whale campaigns and was aware that the area designated for the plants were in N’amgis First Nation’s territory. He alerted N’amgis First Nations elders in Alert Bay on Cormorant Island about the controversial proposals. Organizations such as AECL presented nuclear power as an inexpensive and safe power alternative that would spur economic growth, and the report listed the many benefits nuclear power stations would bring to the North Island citing numerous new job opportunities. Yet many Canadians were concerned about the consequences of radiation leaks and did not trust the science that supported the nuclear way. Despite AECL’s assurance that “the effects on the environment would be less than for any alternative source of power” and that “the level of radioactivity found in the environment, especially outside the exclusion area, as a result of reactor operations would be a small fraction of that existing prior to startup of the nuclear plant”, (top) David Garrick in 1979, Photographer unknown, David Garrick collection; (left) Vancouver City Day of Anti-Nuclear Protest, © Greg McIntyre, Malcolm Crockett collection
residents of Vancouver Island had a right to be concerned. Not only had the incident at Three Mile Island just occurred, but the very first meltdown of a plant in the world had taken place in Deep River, Ontario at the Chalk River facility in 1952, followed by a second in 1958. Those involved in the clean-up later suffered from various cancers, most notably leukemia. Garrick wrote an extremely comprehensive report during his tenure as SPEC’s anti-nuclear coordinator that outlined why nuclear power was being promot-
about the dangers of radiation poisoning: first on
ed. Contrary to AECL’s argument that more electric
September 17, 1978, where he addressed about 2000
power was required in BC with its growing population,
people at a rally in Stanley Park on the topic “Radia-
Garrick argued that more electrical power was not re-
tion and Survival”, then at the Vancouver Planetarium
quired since BC Hydro had a surplus of power and was
speaking about radiation hazards in BC. He repeated
selling this surplus to the United States. AECL was con-
this talk to a crown of 5000 on April 26, 1980, as part
fident that its operations on Vancouver Island would
of “Vancouver City Day of Anti-Nuclear Protest”, the
also produce excess power sellable to the US, which in
largest rally ever held in the city.
the end, became one of the main reasons the developments were not be approved.
Anti-nuclear activists in British Columbia were successful in convincing the public and the province
Garrick worked for over a decade raising aware-
of the dangers of using nuclear power and of allow-
ness of the dangers of nuclear activity and the detri-
ing uranium mines to open. Due to efforts by those
mental effects of mining uranium, the main source
such as David Garrick and members of the Voice of
of fuel for nuclear reactors. Garrick organized
Women, today there are no nuclear power stations on
rallies with the purpose of educating the public
Vancouver Island, nor in the entire province of BC.
W W W. C O M PA S S M A G A Z I N E . C A
Issue 48 |
C O M PA S S M A G A Z I N E | 2 1
© edb3_16
N O R T H W E S T C O A S T N AT U R E The Colours of Fall Leaves LU NA LOISEAU -T R EM B LAY AS THE FALL SETTLES IN and winter is just around
smells alive on our skin while nature is dormant and
the corner, the autumn colours are vibrant. It's hard
waiting for spring.
not to notice the bright yellows, oranges and reds above our heads, and crunching beneath our
Why do leaves change colours? As the days
feet as we walk through a forest trail. Gray
get shorter and the nights get longer, a
clouds contrast strongly with brilliant
biochemical process is triggered in the
leaf hues, while a blue sky on sunny
leaf tissues of broadleaf trees in our
days make up a picture perfect back-
area. Length of night, current weather
drop. The smell of Cottonwood tree
and leaf pigments present in a certain
buds plays gently on the breeze, and a
tree species are all factors that have an
large variety of colourful fungi grows all
effect on leaves to enhance the brilliant
over the forest, lawns, stumps and road-
colours that we see around us in the fall.
sides. Some of us are combing the forest for edible mushrooms, while others are gathering the buds of cottonwood to make the soothing
There are three different pigments involved in leaf colour change: chlorophyll, anthocyanins and carotenoids.
Balm of Gilead, a wonderful way to keep the forest 2 2 | C O M PA S S M A G A Z I N E | I s s u e 4 8
W W W. C O M PA S S M A G A Z I N E . C A
Chlorophyll consists of two green pigments, chlorophyll a and b, that live inside chloroplasts of plants and algae. Chlorophyll is responsible for absorbing light, in the red and blue spectrum, and turning it into energy in the form of sugars, in a process called photosynthesis. This process also uses chemicals like carbon dioxide and water, along with the absorption of light through chlorophyll for plants to make their own food, with the byproducts being oxygen, water and glucose. While chlorophyll only absorbs light in the red and blue spectrum, green light is reflected from chlorophyll-containing structures in the plant, making it appear green to us.
Pie Factory Amazing Pies NOW Available at COMPASS GENERAL STORE Grocery & Kitchen
Itʼs ISLAND GOOD!
Carotenoids, another leaf pigment, is responsible for the yellow, orange and brown colours like those that can be found in things like carrots, yams, buttercups and the bright yellow of leaves.
Pick up your favourite pie frozen! Pre-orders welcome! compassgeneral@ourmail.com
Anthocyanins are the third pigment, which reflects red light, making leaves appear shades of red or purple. In peak growing season with lots of sunlight, chlorophyll is being made and broken down constantly, however, as the days get shorter chlorophyll is being destroyed and not being replaced. This allows the carotenoids and anthocyanins to show in varying degrees, making for an incredible display. Of course, not every species has equal amounts of each pigment in their leaves nor does the chlorophyll break down all at once, which is why some species may be a brilliant yellow in the fall, such as the leaves of Ginkgo biloba, or a fade from scarlet red to yellow in the leaf of a Chinese Maple. Big Leaf Maple, Acer macrophyllum is one of our most beautiful broadleaf, deciduous trees with expansive trunks and branches reaching high into the canopy, often dripping with epiphytes (plants that live on another plant in a non parasitic way) such as moss, lichens and ferns. The large leaves of big leaf maple in the fall are warm browns, yellows and oranges, brilliant beacons in the forest of evergreens.
MENU Lunch & Dinner Time
Roasted Chicken Pot Pie Traditional Tourtiere Pulled Pork + Mushroom Pie Spinach + Feta Roast Beef + Guinness
Pie Any Time
Sweet Peach Pie Grandma’s Apple Cinnamon Best Berry Pie Strawberry Rhubarb
10" / 6" $26 / $13 $26 / $13 $26 / $13 $26 / $13 $26 / $13 $22 / $11 $22 / $11 $22 / $11 $22 / $11
Other Treats @ the Gallery Daily Soup, Fresh Baked Scone & hot bevie $10 Daily Soup - Gluten Free & Non-GMO $6 Scone - plain, savory or sweet $3 Butter Tarts $4 $5/slice Gluten Free Cheesecake Muffins - Vegan or Regular $4
As our energy turns inward in the fall and winter season, reflecting on the beauty that surrounds us can help us navigate the difficulties of the present state of the world. The shades of colour in fall feels like gift, a return to seasonal normalcy tied to cool wind and
101-1811 Comox Ave Monday - Friday 9-5.30 | Saturday 10-4
rains of autumn on the coast. W W W. C O M PA S S M A G A Z I N E . C A
Issue 48 |
C O M PA S S M A G A Z I N E | 2 3
© Sergey Nivens
SHIFT HAPPENS Finding Your Flow ANDREA WAGEMAKER
WHAT IS FLOW? It was defined in the 1970 by Mihaly
Psychologist Mihály Csíkszentmihályi's reseach on
Csikszentmihalyi as: “An optimal state of conscious-
flow started in the 1970s. He has called it the "Secret of
ness where we feel our best and perform our best”
happiness." Flow is a state of "optimal experience" that
(Kotler et al., 2022).
each of us can incorporate into our everyday lives. One characterized by immense joy that makes a life
New year’s often come with new resolutions. Get back
worth living.
in shape. Read more. Make more time for friends and family.
In the years since, researchers have gained a vast store of knowledge about what it is like to be in flow and how
My list of resolutions might not look quite the same
experiencing it is important for our overall mental
as yours, but each of our resolutions represents a plan
health and well-being. You may have heard of flow, a
for something new, or at least a little bit different. As
seemingly magical state that some people enter when
you craft your 2023 resolutions, I hope that you will
they write that lets them be tremendously productive
add one that is also on my list: feel more flow.
and creative with little effort. Flow happens in many
2 4 | C O M PA S S M A G A Z I N E | I s s u e 4 8
W W W. C O M PA S S M A G A Z I N E . C A
arts, like painting, performing music and dancing. We
Researchers have been studying flow for nearly 50
also hear of flow in sports.
years, but only recently have they begun to decipher what is going on in the brain during flow. Studies show
WHAT IT IS LIKE TO BE IN FLOW?
that the experience is associated with activity in the
People often say flow is like "being in the zone". Psy-
brain structures implicated in feeling reward and pur-
chologists Jeanne Nakamura and Csíkszentmihályi
suing our goals. This may be one reason why flow
describe it as something more. When people feel flow,
feels so enjoyable and why people are so focused on
they are in a state of intense concentration. Their
tasks that make them feel flow. Research also shows
thoughts are focused on an experience rather than on
that flow is associated with decreased activity in brain
themselves. They lose a sense of time and feel as if
structures implicated in self-focus. This may help ex-
there is a merging of their actions and their aware-
plain why feeling flow can help distract people from
ness. You feel you have control over the situation and
worry.
your experience is not physically or mentally taxing. Most importantly, flow is what researchers call an au-
HOW TO FIND YOUR “FLOW”
totelic experience. Autotelic derives from two Greek
We all are capable of reaching that state of effort-
words: autos (self) and telos (end or goal). Autotelic
less concentration and enjoyment called "flow” Flow
experiences are things that are worth doing in and of
tends to occur when a person faces a clear set of goals
themselves.
that require appropriate responses. It is easy to enter flow in games such as chess, tennis, or poker, because
WHAT CAUSES FLOW?
they have goals and rules that make it possible for the
Flow occurs when a task's challenge is balanced with
player to act without questioning what should be done,
one’s skill set. In fact, both the task challenge and skill
and how. For the duration of the game the player lives
level have to be high. So, when do people experience
in a self-contained universe where everything is black
flow? Csíkszentmihályi's research in the 1970s fo-
and white. The same clarity of goals is present if you
cused on people doing tasks they enjoyed. He studied
perform a religious ritual, play a musical piece, weave
swimmers, music composers, chess players, dancers, mountain climbers and other athletes. He went on to study how people can find flow in more everyday experiences. You can feel your glow by practicing yoga or by riding their bike, cooking or going for a run. So long as that task's challenge is high, and so are your
a rug, write a computer program, climb a mountain, or perform surgery. In contrast to normal life, these "flow activities" allow a person to focus on goals that are clear and compatible, and provide immediate feedback. Flow also happens when a person's skills are fully in-
skills, you should be able to achieve your natural flow.
volved in overcoming a challenge that is just about
WHY IS IT GOOD TO FEEL FLOW?
skills and increasing challenges. If challenges are too
Earlier I said that Csíkszentmihályi called flow "the secret to happiness". Why is that? For one thing, the experience can help people pursue their long tern goals. This is because research shows that taking a break to do something fun can help enhance one’s self-control, goal, pursuit and well-being. A recent study also shows that flow helps people stay resilient in the face of adversity. Part of this is because flow can help refocus thoughts away from something stressful to some-
manageable, so it acts as a magnet for learning new low, one gets back to flow by increasing them. If challenges are too great, one can return to the flow state by learning new skills. Looking to get into your flow? Hypnosis in a focus train of thought- you only need to “ask” for it and allow the magic to happen. For more information on Hypnosis or getting into your light – Contact Shift Happens located in Comox at 250-338-3401.
thing enjoyable. In fact, studies have shown that experiencing flow can help guard against depression and burnout. Research also shows that people who experienced stronger feelings of flow had better well-being. What is your brain doing during flow?
W W W. C O M PA S S M A G A Z I N E . C A
Andrea Wagemaker Shift Happens & Lucia Light ShiftHypnotherapy.ca • 250-338-3401 Issue 48 |
C O M PA S S M A G A Z I N E | 2 5
WELLNESS ARTIST
PAT JAC K S ON A Musical Life Well Lived CAR OLI NE LENA R D ON, SSO Fla u t ist PAT JACKSON EXPERIENCED THE WARMTH and caring
hand and help where needed. She has been a firm fix-
nature of Vancouver Island residents when she and her
ture in the non-profit performing arts community, in-
husband, Eric, were touring around to see if they want-
cluding a long-running role as President of the Comox
ed to emigrate from England to B.C. Her sister, who
Valley Concert Band and a Board Member of the Strath-
was working and living in Vancouver, suggested that Pat
cona Symphony Orchestra. She has also been involved
and her husband have a “drive around” and they ended
in a variety of organizations such as Meals on Wheels
up in Powell River en route to Courtenay on a snowy
and the Girl Guides, to name a few. If you have a cup
winter’s eve. One of the B.C. ferry workers heard about
of tea with Pat, she will share some amazing (and funny)
their predicament (they didn’t have snow tires on their
stories with you and experiences of a life well lived.
rental car, and they had no idea where to stay) and her family put Pat and Eric up at their home in Black Creek.
Pat’s connection to her euphonium (a member of the tuba family) which she still plays with the Concert Band
High marks for the kindness of strangers.
and Strathcona Symphony, comes from her evolution as a fledgling flute player. Many of the Air Force
Over fifty years ago, the Jacksons started their life on
base members, who were also musicians in the Con-
Vancouver Island. Pat has never been shy to put up her
cert Band, had transferred out and there was a need
2 6 | C O M PA S S M A G A Z I N E | I s s u e 4 8
W W W. C O M PA S S M A G A Z I N E . C A
for more brass. One of the members asked Pat if she wanted to play the euphonium, and she took up the challenge with relish. She is also a proficient piano and recorder player, and I’m sure she wouldn’t hesitate to pick up the flute again. She has seen significant changes in the performing arts community, including the number of groups and increasing proficiency and sophistication of the direc-
Not enough time in your team's workflow to solidify your funding needs? Ready to expand your community offerings?
tors and members who enjoy giving back to the community with their talent. Comox Valley and Campbell River residents can experience live performances on a frequent basis as well as the ability to join groups from beginner groups, such as Hello Strings, to sophisticated selections from the Island Voices Chamber Choir. Pat expressed the urgent need for the area to have a dedicated rehearsal and performing arts space, similar to Powell River. Every year, that community’s PRISMA Festival and Academy attracts musicians, directors, and audiences from around the world. Although Pat has been involved in many conversations with planners and other members of the arts community, a solution has not yet been found to have a dedicated space.
Explore our Grant Writing Services! Community Programming & Economic Development
Over $2 Million
secured in successful grant applications since 2020
In the meantime, Pat is happy to practice and perform, visit her daughter in Nanaimo, and contribute her expertise and laughter to the greater good of the performing arts. In recognition of Pat’s immeasurable dedication and talent, the Strathcona Symphony has awarded her a Lifetime Honorary Member designation. Keep playing music. We are so lucky to have you in our lives.
Specializing in
Indigenous Funding Success with:
Government of Canada Province of BC Economic Development VIHA FNHA FPCC Book Your Complimentary 30 Minute Consult
250.203.1880 kikiscomm@ourmail.com
W W W. C O M PA S S M A G A Z I N E . C A
Issue 48 |
C O M PA S S M A G A Z I N E | 2 7
© Carla Duffey - Lime Soda Photography
S TAY W E L L Forgiveness DA NA M A H ON THE PAST DOESN’T EQUAL THE FUTURE; free yourself through grace and forgiveness. A state of whole-level wellness, as we know, consists
•
journalling - where it is safe to be honest with ourselves about where we’re at and how we’re feeling,
of many elements all working in harmony with one
These are all beautiful practices for keeping our
another. At times it can be challenging to keep these
finger on the pulse of our “realities”.
well oiled machines of ours operating optimally, but it isn’t impossible! Regular check-ins by way of:
•
meditation - quieting the mind enough to hear and feel what is going on inside, - movement and physical self-care practices - noticing and feeling what is going on physically,
As we move closer to the end of the year, the tendency may be to reflect upon what we could have done differently as it relates to our health. Could we have eaten better, exercised more or started a meditation practice. Could we have taken better care of our mental health, said no more often, or, said yes to new things?! Coulda, shoulda, woulda. What if instead of going down that road, we trusted that we did the best we could at the time.
2 8 | C O M PA S S M A G A Z I N E | I s s u e 4 8
W W W. C O M PA S S M A G A Z I N E . C A
What if we practiced acceptance and even forgive-
Forgiveness is a highly underrated action, a choice
ness for some of the things we participated in that
really, yet one that can liberate us from mental,
may not have been optimal for our well-being.
emotional and even physical suffering. It tends to
What if there were an equal tendency not only to
cause knots in the belly, heaviness in the heart and
not shame or blame ourselves, but to celebrate our
fog in the mind, preventing us from feeling good,
successes, growth, evolution, and the experiences
light and open, from thinking clearly, and from mov-
that may not get public attention or recognition, but
ing freely about our days, without anxiety, distress or
that we know deep inside were life changing. These
mental clutter. Simply put, not forgiving can weigh
could be releasing something or someone, setting a
on us and hold us back from shining our light. It’s like
goal regardless of the “size” and reaching it or at least
Pigpen from Peanuts, where that dark messy cloud
consistently working towards it. It could be learning
just followed him around, hanging over his every
to drive, cook or bake, planting a garden and harvest-
move.
ing one sweet cucumber! It could be eliminating or reducing harmful substances like caffeine, sugar or alcohol. Whatever it is, remember to sit with your wins and celebrate them, and in turn, yourself! Sometimes the hardest things to do for many of us, and it is something that can interfere with that feeling of whole-level wellness, is releasing anger, judgment, resentments and pains of the past; whether towards another or ourselves, and the toll on our wellness can be significant. Hey, we could even be in extraordinary physical shape, experience financial abundance, be in the top tier of our profession, but if we carry excess mental and emotional weight we may still not feel well, in that whole, complete sense.
Something to ponder that may facilitate forgiveness for you as you move forward and into a new year: Forgiveness does not negate something that happened or the feelings that ensued. It simply loosens the stronghold of an experience so that it no longer “owns” you. Think of it as: Forgiveness = inner peace. Q: Where might I exercise and practice forgiveness whether toward another, or to myself. How might I soften the feelings around an experience, and replace them with better-feeling, more compassionate, loving thoughts, and as a result, remove the emotional charge for myself? How might I free myself by choosing forgiveness? ~xo
Buying? I'll find your Dream Home Selling? No-obligation Free Market Evaluation SUSAN MALLINSON
REALTOR® at Royal Lepage Advance Realty cell: 250.203.3545 office: 250.286.3293 toll-free: 1.888.286.1932 email: susanmallinson@royallepage.ca Serving the communities of
Sayward · Campbell River
www.susanmallinson.com
DON'T WANT TO MISS EVEN ONE ISSUE? KEEP SUPPORTING OUR EFFORTS TO CREATE & SHARE DIALOGUE ON VANCOUVER ISLAND & POWELL RIVER!
W W W. C O M PA S S M A G A Z I N E . C A
NOW YOU CAN SUBSCRIBE TO THE NEXT 6 ISSUES $50 plus gst | $52.50 Annually 3 MAGAZINES MAILED DIRECTLY TO YOU BI-MONTHLY One for the house, the business and for sharing! COMPASSMAGAZINE.CA | COMPASSMAGAZINE@OURMAIL.COM WE TAKE: VISA | MASTERCARD | MONEY ORDER | E-TRANSFER
Issue 48 |
C O M PA S S M A G A Z I N E | 2 9
about 2 notes per second.” Saw-whet owls make many different kinds of sounds, from high pitched barks and growls to mewling hissing sounds and beak snaps, but the “too-too-too” is easy to distinguish and catches one's ear late at night, when it occurs to us that it seems strange to hear something calling consistently in the dark, sometimes for hours. About the size of an American Robin, Northern Sawwhet owls have a light white and brown face with brown, cream colored streaks, big bright yellow eyes with a white Y shaped eyebrow pattern. While this is one of our smallest owl species, northern saw-whet are amazing predators, hunting primarily at night. They may supplement their diet with some insects but they eat almost exclusively small mammals such as shrews, voles and mainly deer mice in the genus Peromyscus. Because of the orientation and shape of their ear openings, Saw-Whet owls have excellent hearing and © Luna Loiseau-Tremblay
rely completely on sound to hunt in the dark, swooping down to snap up a mouse on the forest floor.
B A C K YA R D B I R D I N G
While Northern Saw-whets are a resident of this area,
Northern Saw-Whet Owl
greatly from year to year. This owl is largely noctur-
LUN A LOI SE AU -TR EMBLAY
sually. The preferred habitat for Northern Saw-Whet
they are also a migratory species whose numbers vary nal, making them easier to hear, than to observe viOwls is older coniferous or mixed evergreen/decid-
AS THE FALL SETTLES IN, the days shorten and the rain
uous forests with an open understory that has space
comes down, we are feeling the urge to cozy in, light-
for hunting and a lot of pre-excavated cavities of a
ing woodstoves and pulling on leg warmers. Enjoying
certain size for nesting. In the islands of Haida Gwaii
outdoor activities takes a little more effort to stave off
there is a non-migratory sub species of Northern Saw-
the damp and cold, being able to appreciate nature in
Whet owl, Aegolius acadius brooksi, which is listed as
its more dormant form or perhaps focusing on inside
a threatened. As with the more common saw-whet, the
pastimes. While birding in fall and winter feels differ-
Haida Gwaii owl prefers to inhabit mature forests that
ent because the migrants have left to warmer climates,
have old growth, near wetland areas.
the seasonal cycles bring the usual suspects. The beautiful colors of a Varied Thrush foraging in the grass
The forest attributes that are important to the conser-
or a flash of blue from a curious Steller’s Jay, and the
vation and protection of Northern Saw-Whet owls, are
sounds of Anna’s Hummingbird foraging, or the ham-
directly connected to the preservation of mature and
mering of a Red-Breasted Sapsucker are common at
old growth forests. As more and more of this type of
this time of the year.
ecosystem is destroyed through unsustainable logging practices, so too will the habitat of the Northern Saw-
One of my favorite winter birding activities is listen-
Whet Owl, as well as many other species of flora and
ing for the calls of Northern Saw-Whet owls (Aegolius
fauna. To learn ways to contribute towards protecting
acadius) on clear, cold nights in the months of January
owls, as well as all birds species, refer to the website of
to March. The Cornell lab birding page on this species
All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology (allabout-
describes one of the common sounds as a “distinctive
birds.org) and more locally Rocky Point Bird Observa-
“too-too-too” song, that is insistent and at a rate of
tory at rpbo.org.
3 0 | C O M PA S S M A G A Z I N E | I s s u e 4 8
W W W. C O M PA S S M A G A Z I N E . C A
W W W. C O M PA S S M A G A Z I N E . C A
Issue 48 |
C O M PA S S M A G A Z I N E | 3 1
FREE HOT BREAKFAST BUFFET ⋅ INDOOR SWIMMING POOL ⋅ HOT TUB & WATERSLIDE ⋅ 24 HOUR FITNESS & BUSINESS CENTRE ⋅ FREE WIFI ⋅ FREE PARKING ⋅ IN-HOTEL GUEST LAUNDRY ⋅ PREMIUM MOVIE CHANNELS INCLUDING HB AND CRAVE TV
Plan on hitting the slopes this winter? Show us your Mt. Washington Ski Pass or Ticket and receive 15% off our Best Flexible Rate. Please call the hotel directly to book this special.
778-225-0010 ⋅ www.bayviewvi.com 2200 CLIFFE AVE, COURTENAY, BC V9N 2L4 ®™ Trademarks of AM Royalties Limited Partnership used under license by AIR MILES Loyalty Inc. and Bayview Hotel Group Ltd.
3 2 | C O M PA S S M A G A Z I N E | I s s u e 4 8
W W W. C O M PA S S M A G A Z I N E . C A