COMPASS MAGAZINE VANCOUVER ISLAND | Issue 46 Aug/Sept 2023

PERSONALIZED

Reliable transportation at affordable prices. Our drivers generally take the scenic route when transporting our clients so they can see the landmarks, whale watching sites, trails, and other activities they can participate in. During the trip, we’ll also recommend restaurants, hotels, shops, and other recreational hotspots for people to check out.

As well as tourists, we transport various groups, such as kayak parties, recreational sailors, hikers, family reunion excursions, wedding parties, school groups, and more. Call us today to schedule a precise pickup or drop-off any time of the day or night. We also handle parcel deliveries. WEDDINGS

Sharing the Direction of Vancouver Island Communities 12

6

8

10

12

14

18

WE ARE ART

Performing Arts Comox Valley

Kristina Campbell

COASTAL CHRONICLES

Frances Barkley Eighteenth-century Seafarer

Dave Flawse

OFF THE BEATEN PATH

Flower Power!

JD The Flowerman

NORTHWEST COAST NATURE

Elke van Breeman | Art Inspired by Nature

Luna Loiseau-Tremblay

WELLNESS ARTIST

Coastlines at Compass Gallery

Trish Malcomess

FEATURE ARTIST

28

SHIFT HAPPENS

The Power of Gratitude

Kristi Lane Sinclair | Fierce + Feisty 24

Andrea Wagemaker

STAY WELL

DIY Nourishing Body Butter

Dana Mahon

WWW.COMPASSMAGAZINE.CA

Rejuvenation

It’s that time of year – the busy season of summer time! Some get the opportunity to relax during this season and for others its work work work with the long days and visitors coming into our beautiful communities. You may be helping Elders through their time of need or watching the young ones through memorable times at the beach or lake. It truly is important to make a little time for yourself to rejuvenate – relax, unwind and recoup! Whether it’s a quick meditation to clear your head or walk/run through a gorgeous local trail, even simply putting your feet up for a few extra minutes…. to renew your energy, it’s important to recoup by being mindful of your health! With the heat of August and September upon us, rehydrating with water and supplements should be prioritized for everyone and get outside to enjoy the stunning surroundings that all of Vancouver Island has to offer to restore your physical and mental strengths! Happy Summer! Gilakas’la, Emote, Marsii

Kealy Donaldson

PUBLISHER

compassmagazine@ourmail.com www.compassmagazine.ca

PUBLISHER

Kealy Donaldson

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Jessie Stones

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

To Advertise & Subscribe

Kealy: 250.203.1880

In-Store Purchase $5

Back Issues $10

Annual Subscription $50 6 Issues

WE ARE ART Performing Arts Comox Valley

KRISTINA CAMPBELL

THE COMOX VALLEY is home to many talented community-based performing arts organizations that have shared members, schedules, and equipment informally for many years. In late 2022, a few of the leaders of these groups resolved to make their casual connections more intentional and formed Performing Arts Comox Valley (PACV).

Since that first meeting, they have organized as a board, created a website with a performing arts calendar, and have brought a dozen organizations to their collaboration. Altogether, PACV represents hundreds of active members, whether through choral, bands, symphony, dance, or theatre.

Kelly Finlayson (Celebration Singers Community Choirs) and Howard Robertson (Comox Valley Concert Band) are co-chairs of this exciting initiative. PACV Treasurer is Greg Cousineau (Quarantones). Secretary Mary Gray (North Island Choral Society, Grace Notes) describes the

initiative generated by the recognition that each group exists within a much larger milieu, where all gain from working together, supporting, and promoting each other.

Caroline Lenardon (PACV board member, Strathcona Symphony Orchestra, North Island Choral Society) highlights that the shared calendar at performingartscomoxvalley.ca/events/ prevents overlapping performances, for the benefit of both audiences and the performing artists, who often belong to multiple groups with a useful one-stop entertainment planning source.

Working to encourage and support community performing arts for all cultural traditions, they pool resources, energy, and enthusiasm within a formal structure. PACV offers many benefits for organizations: nominal fees, access to the calendar for planning, listing, and promoting events, as well as streamlined organizational support for sharing volunteers and equipment.

performingartscomoxvalley.ca

COASTAL CHRONICLES

A Review of Frances Barkley Eighteenth-century Seafarer

DAVE FLAWSE

FRANCES AND CAPTAIN CHARLES BARKLEY navigated the Imperial Eagle into Nootka Sound in June 1787. Wife, husband, and crew sailed across the globe through storms and pirate-infested waters to procure a seemingly humble item—sea otter pelts. These fetched astronomical prices in China, and, as luck would have it, the Imperial Eagle was the first trading vessel to arrive that season. This gave them first choice of pelts and an upper hand in bargaining, but the luck did not end there.

They anchored in Yuquot (Friendly Cove). “A canoe,” writes Cathy Converse in  Frances Barkley Eighteenth-century Seafarer, “came alongside paddled by a man that was clothed in a greasy sea otter skin; he was disgustingly dirty.” Dr. John Mackay was a surgeon

and “he then proceeded to tell us his story, which I will relay as it was extraordinary.” Sick with scurvy on a European vessel the year previous, he requested to be left ashore to recover. In that time he’d been treated well by Maquinna, the Chief of the Mowachaht tribe. But upon breaking some protocol, he was exiled from the community and survived on his own until the Barkley’s arrived. Once aboard he divulged information to help the Barkley’s procure more furs than they could have hoped to on their own.

After loading furs the Barkleys sailed south and mapped what would become known to Europeans as Barkley Sound. Islanders will recognize the name, but the name Frances Barkley is less recognized. Upon marriage she refused to wait at home while

Captain Barkley sailed the world. She and her husband circumnavigated the globe while they experienced the ebbs and flow of life.

Converse shares this amazing woman’s adventures in a short and entertaining 120-page tale. The book is split into two parts and 27 chapters plus an epilogue, introduction, conclusion, and prologue. That means some of the chapters are brief (Chapter 25 is just one page long). The structure feels like a journal, and this, I suspect, is on purpose.

The story is told in first-person perspective of Frances and reads like engaging fiction, adding to the journal-like feel. This style of creative non-fiction pulls from in-depth research (the sources list is long and, if you’ve read anything else by Converse, it’s what you’d expect) and imagination. Good creative non-fiction is about making the most of what you have. Converse’s work successfully rides the edge between non-fiction and fiction in an enthralling historical journey.

A standout scene waits near the beginning and illuminates the Converse’s ability to pull the reader into the story: Frances’s second time on a ship was a voyage around the globe. Three days out she, “met her first challenge at sea.” Captain Barkley sent Frances to her cabin and told her they were in for some “very bad weather. Very quickly the seas steepened, and the wind howled, causing the ship to groan and screech. Together with the clanking of the chain pumps, it all made for a thunderous timbre that was deafening. Our grand ship suddenly seemed so small set against the breadth and ferocity of the ocean.”

Cathy Converse is a best-selling author who has been writing for over thirty years. She has authored, co-authored, and co-edited seven books, many magazine cover stories, academic journal articles, and technical manuals. Her book,  Following the Curve of Time: The Legendary M. Wylie Blanchet, was shortlisted for the BC Book Prizes’ Bill Duthie Booksellers’ Choice Award in 2009, and Against the Current received an Honourable Mention for the Lieutenant Governor’s Medal for Historical Writing. Cathy is a former chair of social sciences, a faculty member in the Department of Sociology, and a founder of the women’s studies curriculum and ancillary programs at Camosun College.

The book is a part of the Amazing Stories collection. According to the Heritage House website, the series

consist of “interesting books on hundreds of different topics.” The quick tales are “about animals, gold hunters, historical figures, lawmakers, shipwrecks, true crime, Canadian history, and many other subjects” and they’re accessible writing means suitability for any adult reader but also middle-grade and school use.

Besides North America’s west coast, the book details the Barkley’s other aptly categorized amazing adventures around the globe. Though, these could be better described as misadventures. Heartbreak, and not luck, were the norm for the Barkleys. So, while the book reads like fiction, the story possesses the realities of true life. Don’t expect a happy ending.

The maps and historical drawings in the book help give context to where the couple travelled. They most important map, the one showing the Barkley’s two voyages, is dedicated its own page and read by flipping the book 90 degrees. Unless you’re equipped with a magnifying glass, you might find it difficult to decipher the other maps. My only minor criticism for the book is that these maps could have been larger to aid in the geographical understanding of the voyages.

Before leaving the west coast of North America, Captain Barkley made a crude map of Barkley Sound. The map shows a safe anchorage, a useful tidbit for any mariner. As that information was useful to the sailor so is this review to the reader. If you’re looking for safe harbour for your hard-earned booty, Cathy Converse’s  Frances Barkley Eighteenth-century Seafarer is a solid choice.

Bill Maximick

OFF THE BEATEN PATH Flower Power!

From debilitating anxiety and depression to limitless and unbounded joy and happiness

JD THE FLOWERMAN

BACK WHEN MY NAME WAS ROB, I was painfully shy, unsure—and the concept of self-love was foreign to me. I had lost a lot of money through the breakup of my family, my poor business decisions, and an internet scam. After a 15-year dependence on five different anti-psychotic medications, in March of 2016 I found myself admitted involuntarily to the psychiatric ward. Which is where I remained for the next 15 months, on and off, for months at a time. On May 5, 2017 I woke up with absolutely no anxiety or depression: it is the date of my re-birth.

Change was required to find unbounded joy and happiness. I changed everything in my life. Fearing homelessness, I sold whatever I had left, put a trailer hitch on my 1966 Mustang Convertible and hauled a cute little tent trailer to drive somewhere west. Originally I was going to settle in the mountain village of Nelson, BC, but I felt it was too isolated. I kept driving and driving. I took my keys out of the ignition in the most beautiful coastal valley I could have imagined. I had never heard of the

Comox Valley in my life. If you had given me a paper map of BC, it would have taken me hours to locate it. Consequently I had no friends here, no acquaintances, no job to come to, and no family. A new start!

After settling in to my new home, and then experiencing homelessness not long after my arrival, I changed my name from Rob, to John, to J.D. to finally The Flowerman. I always introduce myself as “J.D., but my friends call me The Flowerman.” I have so many people in my life both here in the Comox Valley and back in my old home town that I can truly call friends. I have the most amazing career that a man could ask for driving my Magic Bus for B.C. Transit. The Flowerman now has a permanent place to call home.

I started wearing Hawaiian Leis soon after my arrival simply to express an outward sign of my limitless Joy and Happiness. I made them all and had different ones for different events and activities I was participating in. But

honestly I never felt quite right about wearing a Hawaiian Lei. I don’t live in Hawaii, I don’t say Aloha and I live on a stunning island in its own right.

One dark and stormy night two winters ago, The Flowerman was waiting at his Bus stop loading passengers to take them down to Fanny Bay. I was wearing the most brilliant, puffy and flamboyant Lei in my inventory that particular night. One older gentleman who was looking down-on-his-luck stepped into my Bus, and his eyes lit up as he saw my colourful Lei around my neck. He pointed to his own neckline and asked, “Is that your Pathfinder?”

It hit me like a lightning bolt! I had to redesign my neckpiece I loved to wear, I could not sleep that night because of my excitement. The flowers that now make up my Pathfinder are all inspired by living my best life in the Comox Valley. Since I was a young boy the Sunflower has had special meaning to me; plucking seeds out of the head to form a happy face. The white rose is dedicated to the best landlady and landlord a man could have as they were the couple who welcomed me into their home thus ending my homelessness and providing a very soft place to land. The bright yellow “burst of colour” flower was given to me at a bus stop by a Vietnam veteran experiencing homelessness. The pink tulip was give to me by a young high school student from Chile I pick up on my Bus. I brought the burst of red into the Pathfinder as they pay tribute to the roses I received from two different passengers a year ago.

I tell all who ask about this brilliant neck piece that it’s my Pathfinder because it lights my path to connect with others and spread joy and happiness. When people tell me they love my flowers I say “thanks, they’re Skookum.” (Skookum is Pacific North West Chinook Wawa word used to describe things that are “strong”, “monstrous”, “greatest’, “powerful”, “ultimate”, “brave”.)

At 59 years old, The Flowerman is stronger both physically and mentally than when he was 20. Since wearing my Pathfinder, I have given up a 25-year pack-a-day smoking habit; lost 80 pounds (70 of which came off in just 14 weeks by cycling 2,300 kilometres in that time); I play hockey once again and can score Hat Tricks; I surf off the coast of Tofino; I cycle every single day 365 days a year and look forward to cycling in our winter atmospheric rivers. I had been pre-diabetic as Rob, but am no longer as The Flowerman, and I find once daunting daily chores very easy to accomplish and complete.

To The Flowerman, wearing my Pathfinder, I equate to what Superman must feel like wearing his cape. Like Superman’s cape, The Flowerman’s Pathfinder gives him super powers. The Flowerman’s super powers happen to be spreading joy and happiness. Wearing my Pathfinder allows me to live my best life! That life is full of boundless energy, having courage under fire, recognizing your strengths and weaknesses and embracing both, boosting strength of character, loving yourself with passion, living a healthy lifestyle, connecting with others, positive attitude, an ability to think outside the box, pride of being different, and sharing this limitless Joy and Happiness with the world. FLOWER POWER!

The Flowerman sincerely hopes that by wearing your own highly unique and colourful floral Pathfinder, you too can live a better life and spread the light in a beautifully bright way.

www.theflowerman.ca | @jdtheflowerman

Facebook group: Comox Valley Social Experiment

FLOWER MAN T-SHIRTS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT MID ISLAND GIFTS @ YQQ

PARTIAL PROCEEDS GO TO CV MENTAL HEALTH INITIATIVES

NORTHWEST COAST NATURE Art Inspired by Nature : Elke van Breemen

RELATIVELY NEW TO QUADRA Island, artist Elke van Breemen is quietly making herself known locally by teaching “art in nature” classes to children through the school, community center or at her studio on Quadra. Her teaching style is nature immersion, paired with different art media to facilitate and enmesh a connection between children and their surrounding environment.

Born in Miami, Florida, Elke moved to BC with her family when she was ten. She brought with her a deep curiosity and fascination with all aspects of nature, and showed it through art which she grew up making alongside her mother, also a painter and graphic designer. Wanting to know more about the ecosystems that drew her in, Elke went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources Conservation followed by a Bachelor of Education, giving her a stable platform to share her passion with the public.

Through her work in nature outreach with different conservation groups such as Wolf Awareness, Cetus Research and Conservation Society, and community programs such as Quadra Literacy, Elke uses her art as an educational tool to focus a spotlight on the need for conservation by showing the beauty of nature through her eyes and artistic perspective.

While all of us know that the interpretation of subjects through art is an incredibly varied and fluid concept, it is clear by looking at Elke’s paintings that she has a good understanding of ecology and a passionate appreciation for detail in regards to what makes a species, and the role that organisms play in their habitat and their connections with each other in a larger ecosystem. When chatting with Elke for this article and seeing her art, I was struck with her ability to bring nature to life on a canvas. Through my conversation with her, it was clear that her education and love for the natural world contributes strongly to the richness portrayed in her paintings.

In Elke’s own words:

“As children, we know that nature is a part of us and that we are a part of nature. Yet as we age, this intuitive piece of knowledge is often lost from our understanding. I believe that we can rekindle our innate connection to nature through inquisitive immersion within

Invasive English Ivy taking over the forest © knelson20

our surrounding green spaces, whether out in the wilderness or nestled in an urban setting.

My paintings stem from daily rambles in the forest and along the shoreline, drawing from the detailed curiosities offered up by Mother Nature. A vibrant palette allows me to explore the complex colors that are sometimes overlooked in a muted west coast environment.

These works are a playful study of biological forms found within forest and marine habitats. The imagery invites a visual celebration of nature’s treasures that have fallen from trees, washed up on shore or flown down from the sky. Some specimens are given the spotlight while others lurk in the lush tangle of nature.”

Elke van Breemen's art show opening is at Beach Fire Brewing in Campbell River on July 29th from 5pm to 10pm. Her art will be on display throughout the summer, to share her paintings inspired by nature with the larger community. The opening event is family-friendly with live music from Jeff Bruce and delicious food and craft beer. See you there!

For original work and prints for sale, visit www.elkeswildlife.com

Trish Malcomess : Coastlines

TRISH MALCOMESS

THE ART OF TRISH MALCOMMES blurs the boundaries between sculpture, ceramics, drawing, photography, painting and life. Reflecting contemporary culture through her work, Trish’s research-based practice has evolved into two distinct streams, Social and Environmental. Resiliency within these streams is where she finds inspiration.

Trish studied Fine Arts at East London School of Art, South Africa and achieved a Bachelor of Fine Arts through Emily Carr University, Vancouver, Canada. As an Interdisciplinary Artist and conservationist, she has exhibited her work in South Africa and Canada since 1977.

Coastlines emerged from Trish's walks down the coast during the 2020 lockdowns… from time spent documenting her findings around Vancouver Island and the Wild Coast of South Africa with her camera. Through the work, Trish endeavours to create an experience

that resonates with the surrealistic atmosphere of the past three years, and to invite the audience to explore the boundaries of reality and imagination. Each brushstroke and composition choice serves to transport the viewer into an alternative realm, where the familiar and the unfamiliar coexist harmoniously.

Ultimately, her intention is to provoke an introspective response, prompting viewers to question the nature of perception and their own place within the world and aspire to foster a deeper connection between art and reality, inviting individuals to engage with the mysterious aspects of our shared human experience.

Compass Gallery + Gifts will host ‘Coastlines’ from August 1st through September 30th at the Comox location. The Opening Receptionis Friday, August 11th from 4.30 – 6 pm; all are welcomed. Compass Gallery is located at 101 – 1811 Comox Avenue, Downtown Comox.

www.trishmalcomess.art

Little Tribune Bay, Hornby Island © Trish Malcomess

Pie Factor y Amazing Pies

NOW Available at Compass Galler y + Gif ts!

101-1811 Comox Ave

Monday - Saturday 10 - 5

It ʼs ISL AND GOOD!

Pic k up your f avour ite piefrozen! Pre-orders welcome! pief actor yorder@our mail.com

MENU

Lunc h & Dinner T ime 10" / 6"

Roasted Chicken Pot Pie $26 / $13

Traditional Tour tiere $26 / $13

Pulled Pork + Mushroom Pie $26 / $13

Spinach + Feta

Roast Beef + Guinness

Pie Any T ime

$26 / $13 $26 / $13

Sweet Peach Pie $22 / $11

Grandma’s Apple Cinnamon $22 / $11

Best Berr y Pie $22 / $11

Ot her Treats @ t he Galler y

Individual Gluten Free + Vegan

Sweet Bakery Treats $6

Daily Tilly's Soup + Scone $7

Soup $5 Hot $4 Frozen

Gluten Free + non-gmo

Scone $3

Pecan or But ter Tar ts $3/$15 for 6

They Buried Me Not Knowing I Was A Seed © Trish Malcomess

Wormwood © Trish Malcomess

WELLNESS ARTIST

TRISH MALCOMESS

DETAIL FROM COASTAL CRUISING OIL ON BIRCH, 36" x 36" 2023

FIERCE AND FEISTY, HAIDA/CREE SINGERSONGWRITER KRISTI LANE SINCLAIR

is emblematic of the new wave of Canadian Indigenous Artists turning perceptions upside down. Raised in British Columbia's backwaters, drawing more from a DIY/Indie aesthetic than traditional/mainstream music, Sinclair's musical roots are a darkly intoxicating mix of grunge, folk and classical. Rich and orchestral, underpinned with alternately snarling guitars and warm strings, her music balances the intimate and epic.

A classically trained guitarist who grew up on grunge, Kristi Lane Sinclair is back with a new single, "End of the Rope," off her latest album Super Blood Wolf Moon

Sinclair released her first album, the self-produced I Love You, in 2010, and followed it with 2013's By The Sea Alone. In 2015, she released Dark Matter, which earned the Best Rock Album honour at the 2017 Indigenous Music Awards. The making of that album was documented in a six-part APTN series, Face The Music The Ability to Judge Distance followed up with a 2018 release. Producer Terra Lightfoot had been hoping to work with Sinclair since the two crossed paths at the Dawson City Music Festival in 2015. When she heard Sinclair's demos, Lightfoot jumped at the chance to collaborate. "I believe these songs will be transcendent, and set an example for all young women in the music industry," says Lightfoot. "It's a true statement celebrating women, and how we are healing together."

The beautiful, brash and bold musician spent three years writing the album's twelve songs. Already the longest time she'd ever spent on an album before unveiling it to the world, production was delayed, though not entirely halted, by the pandemic, prolonging the process even further. But in what seems an act of prescience, Super Blood Wolf Moon arrived at exactly the moment it needed to: the album's layered thematic dualities—anger and love, optimism and despair—express the nuances so many are learning to embrace as they heal. "I wrote this album wanting to find common ground for all who experience womanhood," Sinclair explains. "I don't want my identity to be that of a victim. I wanted Super Blood Wolf Moon to be a true account of how it feels to endure domestic violence and PTSD. It's not only about what I've been through, but also what I've learned from women I've encountered throughout my life over the years."

in the moment. Super Blood Wolf Moon combines severity and symphony, weaving archly gorgeous string arrangements alongside the howl of heavy riffs. Essential to the recording process was assembling an all-woman team, from studio band to producer and engineer. The album's recording sessions at Jukasa Studios on Six Nations Territory in Ohsweken, Ontario and ARC Studios in Hannon, Ontario featured drummer Dani Nash, bassist Anna Ruddick, keyboardist Robin Hatch and string players Praise Lam and Blanche Israël. Produced by Juno-nominated Terra Lightfoot, engineered by Jill Zimmerman and mastered by Grammy Award-winner Emily Lazar, Super Blood Wolf Moon's multidisciplinary solidarity is palpable on songs like "Landback," in which a chorus of singers shine forth from the commotion of grinding guitars to harmonize, "the world sings terribly, when no one's listening, we're here with you."

On the album's lead single "Break," Sinclair again holds space for women who've endured violence. The song culminates in the declaration "no this is not the night", one of many moments on Super Blood Wolf Moon strongly avowing agency. "Writing that song, I was trying to get all those women's voices out of my head. That clicked while I was in the studio," says Sinclair. The album is a triumph of Sinclair's will. Among the more raucous offerings is the lionhearted "End of the Rope," its grind of chugging guitars making way for an eventual message of survival. "I'm still alive," sings Sinclair—and the soon-to-be queen of classical grunge, at that. "'Break' is a very different kind of arrangement. It doesn't really sound like anything I've ever done before, there's mostly just this pulse, this heartbeat of drums and of voices chanting. This is one example of a song where I asked the girls in the studio to portray ancestral voices in their singing within the song's narrative. It was our chance to incorporate the amazing voice of Kelly Fraser, whose throat singing runs throughout the track."

Sinclair also has produced choral works, including a piece called 'Woman', which has been performed in Vancouver as well as in Toronto by Winnipeg choir Dead of Winter. Hauntingly beautiful, mournful, and extremely powerful, this song deals with a very difficult subject in a subtle way. It's an exquisite marriage of text and music without any preaching, the message is gentle and compelling. "Woman was written to honour the lives of missing and murdered Indigenous women. It is a call to action; for love and protection going forward."

Sinclair's well-polished, brutally honest songwriting delves into far too common experiences of violence, surfacing to breathe with softness and grit. She describes her songwriting approach as "visceral," with music and lyrics written together

Sinclair is residing on the North Island for now and continues to write and produce music. Follow her on social media platforms. Download or stream Super Blood Wolf Moon and take your time listening to her latest single 'End of the Rope'.

WALKING IN THEIR FOOTSTEPS

Expert in democracy and public trust joins Vancouver Island University

DR. MICHAEL K. MACKENZIE IS VIU'S inaugural Jarislowsky Chair in Trust and Political Leadership. The Jarislowsky Foundation has set up a first-of-its-kind network at five universities across Canada, inviting Acadia University, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (in collaboration with l'École Nationale d'Administration Publique), Trent University, the University of Lethbridge and VIU to participate. The Jarislowsky Foundation invested $2 million as part of a $4 million endowment supported by the community, including a $375,000 gift from Scotiabank and matching funds from the VIU Foundation, to help establish the new Research Chair at VIU.

When asked about what drives his passion for politics and policy, MacKenzie says, “the worlds we live in are shaped by politics. Where we live, the types of houses and neighbourhoods we live in, how we get around, where we go to school, where we work, how we work, the opportunities we have in life, how we interact with

others, the foods we eat or have access to, the medical care we receive or do not receive, the sports and recreations we take part in, all these parts of our lives— and many others—are shaped and determined by decisions made by governments and other policymakers. The worlds we live in are our own creations. We made them. If we want to remake them or change them in any way we have to think and act politically.

For example, I'm passionate about urban design. I want to make our cities and towns more walkable and bikable. This would make them more environmentally sustainable but it would also, in my view, make them safer, more enjoyable, quieter, more beautiful—and probably more equitable as well. There are so many political—or collective—decisions that have enormous impacts on our lives. It is important to study politics and policy so that we are aware of how past decisions have shaped our lives, and how current decisions might make our futures different or better.”

Dr. Michael MacKenzie joins VIU as the first Jarislowsky Chair in Trust and Political Leadership © Natalia Baqueiro Photography

MacKenzie has spent the past 20 years studying and writing about democracy. He holds a PhD in political science from the University of British Columbia, a Master's in political science and social statistics from McGill University and a Bachelor of Arts in politics from the University of Winnipeg. He was an Assistant Professor (2015-2022) and an Associate Professor (2022-2023) at the University of Pittsburgh.

“As a teenager, I knew that I wanted a creative and intellectual life,” he remembers. “I did not at that time know what form it would take. I fell in love with university life during my time as an undergraduate at the University of Winnipeg. I took courses in many different fields including sociology, history, economics, and astronomy. I majored in political science because of the influence of one professor in particular: he showed me that all the human endeavors that I care most about— the search for equality, freedom, truth, and beauty, the pursuit of science and the study of the human condition itself—are all shaped and conditioned by politics. When we study politics, and in particular democracy, we study how our societies work (or do not work), but we also think a lot about how they might work differently or better.”

MacKenzie has also worked as a policy analyst and facilitator with the Ontario Citizens' Assembly on Electoral Reform. He was a Democracy Fellow and post-doctoral researcher at the Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation at the Harvard Kennedy School between 2013 and 2015.

The long-term goal of the network created by the Jarislowsky Foundation is to develop educational programming and training for students, politicians, public servants, and other aspiring leaders. The programming will focus on trust and ethical practice in governance and political leadership.

“I love teaching,” says Dr. MacKenzie. “I find the enthusiasm and insights that my students bring to the classroom both inspiring and invigorating. In my courses we discuss and debate political issues and problems, and we share our political passions, preferences, and expectations. There is always something new happening in the political world, and those who study politics at university—whether they are majoring in the field or not—care passionately about what is happening in our neighbourhoods, towns, cities, provinces, countries, and around the world. As a professor I aim to help my students nurture the intellectual skills they need to

think critically and constructively about the political world, as well the tools they will need to participate in politics if they choose to do so—as informed citizens, writers, analysts, policy advisors, journalists, politicians, community leaders or activists.”

As the Jarislowsky Chair in Trust and Political Leadership, MacKenzie plans to work with the other chairs in Nova Scotia, Quebec, Ontario and Alberta to develop an intellectually rigorous but also practical program for aspiring political leaders in Canada. He hopes to bring some new attention to the innovative teaching and research that is being done at VIU. “In my view, VIU is one of the best kept secrets in Canadian academia,” he says. The small university offers a huge diversity of courses, has small classes taught by wonderful faculty who care about their research and their students, and is located in a stunningly beautiful part of the country. “In this new role, I will be working with academics, leaders, and students across Canada, and I hope to bring attention to all these wonderful attributes of VIU.”

With regard to regional impacts, the leadership program that Dr. MacKenzie will be developing with the other Jarislowsky chairs will provide aspiring leaders from Vancouver Island with educational and networking opportunities right here on the island. Participants in the program will have opportunities to meet, study, and work with other aspiring leaders across Canada, as well as those who have played important leadership roles in our country already. Students will have all the benefits of both staying home on Vancouver Island to study and going elsewhere, for some time, to meet others and build their professional networks. The program he envisions will include those who are interested in electoral politics, but also those who are interested in becoming leaders in the public service, education, business, unions or community organizations.

Dr. Elizabeth Brimacombe, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, said MacKenzie's extensive background in researching the democratic process, including his exploration of the challenges and possibilities of making long-term decisions in democratic systems, is an exciting addition to VIU.

“The Political Studies program at VIU is a strong contributor to interdisciplinary scholarship and education, notably with the Global Studies program, so the Jarislowsky Chair initiative will broadly enhance learning opportunities and innovation across the university,” she says. “The position will examine ethics and governance at a time when globally democracy is facing some of its biggest challenges in decades. We are excited to engage with other universities across the national network in building education for the political leaders of our future.”

Stephen Jarislowsky, President of the Jarislowsky Foundation, was born in Germany in 1925 and lived in the Netherlands and France between the two world wars. He witnessed situations like those in Ukraine today. He said the creation of these new chairs responds to a need in our democratic societies.

“People need to understand historical experiences in order to prevent repeating them. And one of the ways to do that is to ensure our governments are led by inspiring, highly trusted, reliable men and women who exercise fiduciary responsibility,” said Jarislowsky. “Once democracy disappears in a country, it takes years to re-establish if it is even possible. Optimistically, it's a question of how we are going to strengthen and build trust in our public institutions, our organizations and ourselves.”

To learn more about the new Jarislowsky Chair visit news.viu.ca

FOOD FOR THOUGHT Rejuvenate Yourself at Big Island Bookfest

JP

BAILEY

IF YOU NEED a place to begin your journey of getting back out into the public more after the last few years of staying close to home, Big Island Bookfest is the perfect place to rejuvenate your connection with others.

Big Island Bookfest is a fun festive market-style event where the public can meet authors from the Comox Valley area, and perhaps discuss their craft, find out what motivates them, and of course, buy signed copies of their works. Many authors will have other offerings, such as posters, art, greeting cards, and stickers. This year we are pleased to also show the works of paper stylist Ray Bartl of Duncan who makes amazing art from folding paper.

Rejuvenate your love for reading by discovering island authors who you knew nothing about! We are hosting 46 writers from all genres, including several children’s authors. There will be complimentary kids' face painting from noon to 3pm.

For those who enjoy dressing up, rejuvenate the young wild thing in your inner being and come to the Fest in costume. Several authors will dress up and we encourage you to dress up too. Even if it’s just a loud Hawaiian shirt!

Saturday October 14, 10am to 4pm Entry by cash donation

Upper floor Florence Filberg Centre 411 Anderton Courtenay Live music! Lite canteen! Books Books Books!

© Jolie Nasralla

SHIFT HAPPENS

The Difference Between Ego and Soul

ANDREA WAGEMAKER

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE between ego and soul? Tapping into this information can be useful in guiding you in multiple areas of your life, from your career to your passions, and maybe most importantly, your relationships. If we let the ego take control of our thinking when it is not necessary, we sometimes follow paths that are not most aligned with our higher purpose. Learning to detach the ego when necessary is a skill that takes time to learn, but one that is definitely worth learning.

The ego is just as necessary as the soul—it’s what sets us apart as humans because as far as we know, no other animal has an ego in the way that we do. The ego is who we are in our minds—it’s composed of conscious thoughts and beliefs, labels and our sense of identity.

The ego is helpful when it comes to making some decisions because it’s good at weighing up consequences and outcomes and seeing things objectively. It is also a motivating force that can help us thrive in today’s society it helps us get jobs done. It is also what determines our own perspective of the external world, though this can often be flawed because it is so easily affected by our own emotions and past experiences, rather than the true reality, it is mostly self-serving, thinking of your own wants and needs.

In contrast, the soul is pretty much the polar opposite of everything the ego represents. The soul self doesn’t rely on logical decision making, but instead allows itself to be guided by intuition or signs from the Universe. This is the part of ourselves that exists

© Sebastián Hernández

when the ego self has taken a step back, which is often described as a “flow state” where external constructs like time no longer exist. The soul might be regarded as your “true nature”, since this is the essence of who you are, without the influence of labels, expectations or judgments—it just is.

When they’re in balance, the soul and the ego are able to perfectly coexist—it’s only when one takes dominance over the other in a situation that it is not suited to that becomes problematic. And contrary to what some spiritual teachers will tell you, the aim isn’t to squash the ego completely, because the soul self can equally take over and be unhelpful in some situations.

Think about being in a life-or-death situation: The ego is the force that is going to help you with problem solving to get out of that situation safely, ultimately leading to your survival. In the same situation the soul would be pretty useless at this level of problem solving, and it wouldn’t come with the same sense of urgency to save your life. It would however be useful in keeping you calm and preventing your emotions from taking over completely, which would otherwise likely result in you being paralyzed by fear and being able to take no action at all. The goal is to find balance between the two, and to recognize when one has taken over when it’s unnecessary and potentially problematic.

With the way our societies have become, with a focus on material possessions and instant feedback loops in the form of social media apps, it is much more likely for the ego to take center stage in unwanted situations than vice versa.  So how do we learn to take a step back and choose soul over ego in these situations?

Spotting when the ego is in charge is the most important step in choosing your soul over it. If you don’t know when the ego has taken hold, how can you know to let go of it? It can be really difficult to spot when our ego has come to the forefront, since it is a powerful driving force in all of us, and many of us live our lives entirely through our egos without ever questioning it. But once we learn to spot the ego in charge, we can intentionally choose to push it to the side and choose our soul instead, when we don’t think that the ego is serving us. And the good news is that it only takes once for you to say no to your ego, and then it will get easier and easier going forward to do the same.

METAL

JEWELLERY

DESIGN CERTIFICATE

METAL JEWELLERY SATURDAY WORKSHOPS

Gain the technical skills and industry knowledge to design, create and promote beautiful metal jewellery. Hone your artistry in NIC’s studios, then make your designs a reality!

Learn to design , create and promote beautiful metal jeweller y

CUP OF DESTINY Tea Leaf Readings

When your ego is in charge and not serving you, you will often feel consumed by your emotions, particularly ones of anger, hurt or disappointment. You have a more extrinsic sense of worth, meaning that you get your validation from outside sources like material possessions or other people’s opinions of you. You “overthink” things, and struggle to make decisions due to heavily analyzing the potential outcomes. You are highly critical of yourself and others, and make objective judgements. You see things in black and white, gravitate towards labels and feel the need to compartmentalize things into boxes. You’re easily hurt/angered/disappointed when things don’t go your way or you don’t get the outcome you expected. You take other people’s actions and projections personally, even when they’re not personal.

Enjoy

Authentic Tea Leaf Reading

Gorgeous Local Tea + Sweet Treats

Fortune Card Reading

Monthly Readings in Comox or book your private session!

Book now at shifthappens@shaw.ca or in person at Compass Gallery + Gifts

101 - 1811 Comox Avenue Comox

Like us on Facebook! @CupofDestiny

When your soul is in charge, you don’t take other people’s actions or decisions to heart, knowing that they are not a reflection of you and are projections of their own internal state. You are more readily able to practice forgiveness and let go of the past, preferring not to dwell on things that are no longer in your control. You have a desire to better yourself, but your self-worth does not depend on achieving goals. Your sense of self-worth is constant and isn’t affected by the opinions of others or the acquisition of material possessions. You feel less attached to outcomes and are able to “go with the flow” or “trust your gut”. You don’t feel a need to fit into a particular box or label, and instead listen to what you are called to, even when those changes. You lose yourself and a sense of time when doing things you enjoy, like creating and exercising. You feel called to go after your own interests and desires, even when they go against the grain of what is “normal” or “expected of you”. Life feels more effortless, like the Universe is gently guiding you forward.

The good news is that it only takes once for you to say no to your ego, and then it will get easier and easier going forward to do the same. Sometimes it can be difficult to turn off Ego and tap more into your soul. When that happens, Lucia Light is a great way to get out of your head and move into a more meditative state.

Andrea Wagemaker Shift Happens & Lucia Light

Rejuvenation…

THERE IS NOTHING QUITE like feeling rejuvenated, that sense of renewal, revitalization and restoration. There are many factors that contribute to feeling rejuvenated. For some it is rest, for others it may be a 25km hiking adventure. Perhaps time with family rejuvenates you, or time in solitude. It is entirely subjective and any way you choose to cultivate it is perfect.

Speaking of perfect, late summer / early fall can be the perfect season to rejuvenate. Days are still long, the sun is shining and people tend to be in relatively good moods, likely in part due to the number of daylight hours! This all lends to fun and carefree social engagements like beach day barbecues, evening fire sits, or other simple gatherings. Quality time with loved ones and friends can be the perfect antidote to feeling burnt out or drained.

If solo recharging is your jam, quiet walks in nature, early morning meditation and yoga practices, or sipping a delightful midday tea or healthy mocktail may be all you need to feel restored. Mocktails can be made using a chilled herbal tea, adding sparkling water, some ice and fresh mint, lime or frozen berries, or all three!

Whether on “official” summer holidays or not, spending time outdoors; enjoying the abundance of healthy, fresh, local food if we are fortunate enough to have the access and resources; and hopefully playing a bit more than usual, are all wonderful ways to recharge.

Breaking some habitual patterns, for example, visiting a new coffee shop, trying a different river spot, or exploring a local artisan shop can also add to a sense of renewal. Getting out of town on a day or overnight excursion can do wonders too.

DANA MAHON

STAY WELL

things that make you go ahhhhh!

© Anna_ok

The simplest things can offer that feeling of freshness we may be craving.

After some time in the summer elements, our skin could use some rejuvenation too! DIY holistic bodycare is the perfect way to rejuvenate the skin, our largest organ. This hydrating, nourishing body butter is simple, smells incredible even without essential oils, and is an act of self-care simply in the application to our summer thirsty skin.

Enjoy your version of rejuvenation, knowing that whatever and however you choose to create it, is absolutely perfect!

NOURISHING BODY BUTTER

INGREDIENTS

These ingredients are easy to find at health food shops. If they aren’t in your budget, find a friend to share the cost and make it together!

⅓ cup coconut oil

⅓ cup shea butter

⅓ cup cocoa butter

2 tsp arrowroot powder*

*Optional. This can make it feel less greasy but if your skin is dry it may just slurp it up as is!

METHOD

• Over medium heat, melt oils in a double boiler or glass bowl. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

• Transfer bowl to the fridge to continue cooling until it begins to harden (it will turn white or yellow depending on the type of shea butter).

• Remove from fridge. Whip with an electric or hand mixer on medium speed for approx 5 minutes until fluffy. It will resemble a pillowy cloud!

• Add 15-20 drops of essential oil of choice and mix again for another minute.

• Transfer to an airtight jar and store in a cool dry place. note: warm spots will cause the oils to melt.

SOME AROMA SUGGESTIONS

Have fun blending and playing with aromas and become an alchemist.

For calming / grounding: frankincense, lavender, cedarwood, bergamot

For energizing / uplifting: peppermint, rosemary, grapefruit (note: citrus oils are photosensitive and should not be applied before sun exposure)

For dry or dehydrated skin: geranium, ylang ylang, neroli, carrot seed

Dana has been a devoted explorer of wellness for over 25 years. She combines her love of body work, aromatherapy, holistic nutrition and mindful movement to offer women her very best on their wellness journeys. Her first book, Release Your Inner Wild, is the modern day women’s guide to reconnecting with your true Self and honouring health, passion and power.

Dana Mahon | Wellness for the Wild Woman danamahon.com

BACKYARD BIRDING

Cedar Waxwings

LUNA

LOISEAU-TREMBLAY

AS JULY COMES TO A CLOSE, blueberries and cherries are a fresh and common sight at the weekly markets, such as the downtown Campbell River Farmers market on Sunday afternoons. Blackberries are ripening and trees are heavy with fruit, presenting a sweet buffet for wildlife. While some of us struggle to keep the animals from gobbling up our produce, fruiting trees that are of less importance to our diet—such as bitter cherry, elderberry, and mountain ash—are a productive food resource for local fauna.

Mountain Ash, which is in the genus Sorbus, is common in this area. While we have some that are native to BC such as Western Mountain Ash (Sorbus scopulina) and Sitka Mountain Ash (Sorbus sitchensis), many of the varieties we see are European Mountain Ash, Sorbus acuparia, which is naturalized and interbreeds with native species, making it widespread in Canada. The word ‘naturalized’ in the context of botany is used when a plant has successfully established itself and reproduced in its new environment. While some naturalized species can become invasive (ie. himalayan blackberry, scotch broom, spurge laurel) many do

not, and may become integrated into the ecosystem without inflicting much ecological harm. Another common example of a naturalized species is Broadleaf Plantain, Plantago major, a common weed that is rampant in any disturbed and damaged areas. Plantain was a very early plant to arrive with colonizers, and was used medicinally by Indigenous peoples. Because of its weedy habit of growing in disturbed areas, it is actually good for stabilizing damaged soils.

One of the common bird visitors to strip Mountain Ash trees at berry time is the beautiful Cedar Waxwing, Bombycilla cedrorum, a member of the waxwing family of passerine birds. This medium sized bird is well known for its silky plumage, with a brownish head and head crest, fading into subdued yellow belly, a neat black mask thinly outlined with white, gray wings with attractive bright red wingtips and short, square tails that are dipped in yellow.

Cedar waxwings are a very social bird and do not display territorial behavior, feeding in large flocks that are common sight in forests and woody edges that are plentiful with berry and insect sources, orchards and farms. Other common trees in our area that are frequented for food by waxwings are dogwood, saskatoon berry, cedar, juniper and hawthorne. Waxwings also feed on holly and spurge laurel, contributing to the spread of invasive plants.

In urban areas, this species can be seen in open areas bordered by berry producing shrubs and trees, especially if combined with water sources such as ornamental fountains or waterways present in areas such as golf courses. Along with cedar waxwings, western tanagers, finches, sapsuckers, chickadees, yellow-rumped warblers and many other species can be seen feasting on the season’s bounty. Happy Birding!

Cedar Waxwing in a Mountain Ash © jbosvert

Cedar Waxwing © Feng Yu