COMPASS MAGAZINE VANCOUVER ISLAND | ISSUE 52 FALL 2024
Sharing the Direction of Vancouver Island Communities
WE ARE ART
6
8
What's On at the Little Red Church this Fall
Kristina Campbell
WALKING IN THEIR FOOTSTEPS
The Tyee Club Celebrates 100 Years
Roger Gage
10 OFF THE BEATEN PATH
14
Zeballos: An Historic Enclave
Catherine M. Gilbert
FEATURE ARTIST
Victor Michael West
20 ISLAND CHRONICLES
Culturally Significant Pentlatch Fish Trap Panel at VIU
Vancouver Island University
WELLNESS FEATURE
22
28
Yvonne Maximchuk’s Unwavering Passion for Art
Catherine M. Gilbert
STAY WELL
Be Yourself
Dana Mahon 30 FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Fall Recipes from the new HABIT Cookbook
Ryan Stuart and Josie Boulding
Publisher's Note
Individuality
To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment – Emerson
We all are special – in our own ways. Some of us stand out early in life; perhaps with humour, attitude or physical differences. Others take time to develop their personalities and footholds in life. Individuality makes us unique from our friends and family and it is what attracts people to us.
Honouring our individuality is important. From what you wear to what you read typically begins to define who we are and what we believe in. On the inside, we make choices every day, with our integral thoughts, on how we behave and react to our environments. Some folks are simply happy with compliance –doing what is expected of them and colouring inside the lines. Others make conscientious decisions to stand out from the crowd. If you choose to live your life on your own terms, your individuality is a more predominant trait.
PUBLISHER
Kealy Donaldson
DESIGN + LAYOUT 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
I think it’s important to recognize and embrace our individuality; it is what makes us unique! So breakout the ‘inner you’ and celebrate who you are; set yourself apart and reflect why this makes you, YOU.
We are all special, in our own way, so through this Fall season – whether it be October’s incredible full moons, Friday 13th, or the beautiful change of season, take a bit more time to shake off the darker moments and shine your light a little brighter to show the world who you are!
Wendy Nixon Stothert leading the drop-in song circle “Resonate for the River” in Puntledge Park
WE ARE ART
Singing, Improv, and Clowning: What's On at the Little Red Church This Fall
KRISTINA CAMPBELL
ON A LATE AUGUST SUMMER afternoon, I joined Wendy Nixon Stothert for “Resonate for the River,” a drop in song circle at the Little Red Church in Comox. This involved us first learning the songs and then singing them to honour the river; a complete choral experience in an hour and a half! For someone who loves to sing, but struggles with the time commitment of joining a choir, it was the perfect way to satisfy my longing.
“Resonation”, a drop-in, open singing circle will continue at the Little Red Church in Comox, from Sept 11 to Dec 11, Wednesdays, 12-1pm. All ages and levels of experience welcome ($20 or pwyc).
Email choralvalley@gmail.com for details.
BILL POZZOBON, with Vancouver Theatre Sports for over 20 years, moved to the Comox Valley two years ago and started offering improv classes. His first workshop “Improv for Everyone” quickly led to “Skits Happen”, an ensemble performance at the Little Red Church.
“One of the core tenets of improv is saying yes! to an idea.” Bill describes, “For people to encounter a
room enthusiastically agreeing with them, even for a moment, and trusting that we will figure it out… that consistency of yes! is missing from many people’s lives.”
The positive impact of improv can be a life affirming experience; building confidence, flexibility and resilience while being accepted as the individual that you are. Improv is about individuals coming together with playfulness and fun; laughter and friendship are the natural result.
Bill is planning open-ended community classes, offered in blocks of five sessions for the fall (pwyc).
Email billpozz@gmail.com for details.
DIANA KOLPAK, professional theatrical clown, writer and theatre director, is offering a 5 session weekly workshop “Creating Through Clown” this October. Kolpak identifies clowning as connection to one’s creativity through play, joy, risk-taking and relying on intuition rather than intellect.
Email di@dianakolpak.ca for details.
Bill Pozzobon
Diana Kolpak
WALKING IN THEIR FOOTSTEPS
The Tyee Club Celebrates 100 Years
ROGER GAGE | THE TYEE CLUB OF BC
When a group of three avid fishermen met in the Willows Hotel in Campbell in 1924, their intention was to form a fishing club that would catch large chinook salmon in a sporting manner. To see the Tyee Club flourishing still 100 years later would make this initial group of fishermen very proud. The allure of catching a chinook salmon 30 pounds or more on 20 lb test line with 6 ounces of weight or less and using an artificial lure with a single barbless hook while being rowed keeps fishing enthusiasts coming back year after year.
The Tyee Club has had a few challenges in its 100 year history, but the determination and passion of volunteer club members has overcome them one at a time. Declining fish stocks, fishing regulations and COVID-19 are a few of the hurdles that have been dealt with recently. Despite these challenges, the enthusiasm in the Club remains strong as many nights in August will see 50-60 rowboats fishing the Tyee Pool area.
Most late August evenings see parking spots and benches along the Tyee Spit fully occupied by both locals and visitors who are watching and listening intently for the cry of “fish on” from one of the rowboats as a chinook salmon is hooked. The sound of line peeling off the reel can be heard as the rowboat is deftly steered away from the rest of the rowboats out of the fishing grounds to allow others to carry on fishing. Within 15-30 minutes, the boat will be pulled up on the beach in front of the clubhouse, hopefully weighing a registered tyee salmon.
The backbone of the Tyee Club is its members that
continue to help year after year. Our caretakers at the clubhouse that keep the grounds in meticulous shape, the passionate group that have contributed to the centennial celebration, the many individuals that contributed to the clubhouse renovation and the numerous folks who contribute to our fund raising events year after all help make the Tyee Club successful and over come any challenges it encounters.
Looking ahead, the Tyee Club recognizes the support it has received from the City of Campbell River, and it will continue to support local community events such as the Campbell River estuary cleanup, Campbell River Salmon Foundation dinner and auction and the local Dragon Boats rowing team. Discussions with both the Wei Wai Kai and Wei Wai Kum First Nations regarding the shared vision of maintaining a strong chinook fishery to support both the Tyee Club’s and First Nation’s needs will continue.
The year 2024 is for looking back and celebrating our rich history as the Tyee Club recognizes the individuals and organizations who have helped the Club achieve our centennial milestone. Moving forward, we look to not only strengthen our current affiliations but to align ourselves with other organizations so we can expand our role in the community. The world around us is changing very quickly but in times like this, the love for nostalgia and respect for the chinook salmon is the real strength of the Tyee Club.
Zeballos: An Historic Enclave on Vancouver Island’s West Coast
CATHERINE M. GILBERT
THE NAME ‘ZEBALLOS’ puts us in mind of the Spanish sailors who once explored the British Columbia coast, and indeed, this village located at the head of the Zeballos Inlet on the northwest side of Vancouver Island is named after Lieutenant Ciriaco Ceballos, who was crew onboard Captain Alejandro Malaspina’s two ships the Descubierta and the Atrevida. Malaspina
was in command of a scientific and ethnobiographical expedition, which departed Spain in 1789 and was to head to the Sandwich Islands. Upon arrival in Acapulco, Mexico in 1791, he learned of a new directive; to explore regions north along the coast and to stop in at the Spanish outpost at today’s Friendly Cove (Yuquot) on Nootka Island called Santa Cruz de Nutka by the Spanish. Here he met Maquinna, chief of the Mowachaht Nation. From the outpost, his ships set out exploring the adjacent coasts and islands, collecting artifacts, creating maps and documenting the Indigenous population through art.
The Zeballos region they surveyed was home to the Ehatteshat, a Nuu-chah-nulth Nation neighbouring the Nuchatlaht and Mowachaht, and who like their neighbours thrived on fishing and hunting sea mammals. Today, Ehatteshat territory includes lands within the Esperanza Inlet, part of the Espinosa Inlet, the Zeballos Inlet and the north end of Nootka Island. Chenahkint is the main village site at Queen’s Cove.
The Spanish chose not to settle in the area, and the region did not change drammatically until the influx of prospectors in the 1930s. Canneries in the Esperanze Inlet and a pilchard plant further south at Ceepeecee (a former Ehatteshat wintering place) were already in production in the 1920s and employed Chinese, Japanese and Indigenous workers, and fishing remained important to the local economy. However, it was the discovery of gold that put Zeballos on the map and changed the landscape forever.
Although gold had first been found in the Zeballos River Valley in 1908, the number of claims was not significant until 1929, when forty claims were staked. By 1937, there were hundreds of mineral claims. Soon about 400 men were employed in various mining related jobs from prospecting to working in one of the three mills built in 1938.
The Privateer claims, originally owned by independent prospectors, proved to be the highest yielding and sparked an influx of investors. Soon prospectors were unable to compete with large mining companies that had the capablility of digging further once the more accessible surface gold was depleted. The prospectors’ claims, sold for approximately $50,000 each became worth one million dollars – a lot of money in the late 1930s.
Three small communities developed where the miners worked, but the lasting townsite was Zeballos itself. Originally a collection of shacks, by 1938 it became an official town of 90 lots on which hotels, restaurants, two pool halls, stores and homes were built. The following year the population jumped to 1100 and to serve the community, a school, church and hospital were constructed.
Hedley Vickers owned the Zeballos Hotel, and his two daughters Bev and Gail, who had grown up there, returned to the site, now named the Zeballos Lodge, on a Wells Gray tour in 2021. Bev came via the Uchuck III coastal freighter and Gail was on a tour bus taking the road into Zeballos from Telegraph Cove. The sisters met in the village, and were excited to see the old hotel and be back in the now quiet community that had once been the site of boomtown activity.
Although the village’s economy is mainly based today on tourism and logging, many of the older buildings survive and it retains the spirit of a western town. The spirit of a small community survives too. When the bus bringing in half the tour group from Telegraph Cove had a flat tire, luckily a logging mechanic was tracked down who opened his business and was able to work on it. However, the passengers were now unable to have lunch on board the bus. The Village Office staff came to the rescue and invited the visitors to have lunch in their offices.
Whether you arrive by boat, by plane or travel the road from Highway 19, Zeballos is sure to charm with its historic feel, friendliness and beautiful coastal setting amid the untamed hills.
Rail Yard Market in Campbell River is Officially Open!
CITY OF CAMPBELL RIVER
THE HISTORIC LOGGING rail lines and steam powered locomotives that revolutionized the logging industry—ushering in growth, innovation, and building our community—The Rail Yard Market supports today's entrepreneurial spirit to help drive Campbell River's modern economy.
The Rail Yard Market is intended to serve as a launchpad for micro businesses, offering new retailers an opportunity to scale up operations, build their customer bases and test their concepts in a supportive environment.
One of the standout features of The Rail Yard Market is its affordable, short-term lease rates. This flexible approach provides an opportunity for emerging businesses to establish themselves without the longterm financial commitment typically associated with brick-and-mortar locations.
The market is home to four promising new retailers who are eager to make their mark: The Mossy Coast (www.themossycoast.com), Maggie’s Treats (www.maggiestreats.ca), The Tin Can Pottery Shop (@emmaheitzmannartstudio), and Sinfully Delicious (www.sinfullyd.com). Each business brings a fresh perspective and unique offerings to the community, enhancing the local retail landscape and showcasing the breadth of talent and innovation in Campbell River. All four of the new businesses will be participating in business training provided by the Rural Island Economic Partnership. This training opportunity will be extended to up to four additional entrepreneurs.
“The Rail Yard Market is a fresh, bustling addition to the heart of downtown Campbell River. The City of Campbell River would like to acknowledge the City of Langford for providing the inspiration for this
project through the success of Langford Station,” says Mayor Kermit Dahl. “The Rail Yard Market provides opportunities for small and home-based businesses to learn, grow and scale up to permanent locations, while adding diverse retail options to locals and visitors alike. I encourage everyone to get down to Shoppers Row throughout the year to support these incredible local businesses.”
Funding for The Rail Yard Market is provided by the BC Government, Ministry of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation – Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program (REDIP), the Island Coastal Economic Trust – Capital and Innovation Program and the City of Campbell River.
For more information about The Rail Yard Market, visit: getinvolved.campbellriver.ca/the-rail-yard-market
Victor Michael West
VICTOR MICHAEL WEST IS OF TLINGIT, CREE AND IRISH ANCESTRY AND LIVES IN SOOKE, ON VANCOUVER ISLAND.
Victor Michael West did not plan to be a carver; he planned to make movies. While growing up, he preferred to study engineering and physics, technical applications that he planned would one day add to his abilities as a director.
As well as drawing, painting, animation and music. When not studying or in the forest, his spare time was spent indulging in extreme sports, skate-snow-surf boarding, dance, and defensive arts.
Born an only child, subsequently raised with two younger step brothers from the age of four. Early Days, when he could barely hold a pencil, Victor began to draw. A significant early influence came from his summers on Barclay Sound at Toquat Bay, located on the West Coast of Vancouver Island.
He studied engineering Art and Music. Worked to Journeyman as a mason finisher, then went back into ad design, web design and print. It took five years to quit his job as a commercial designer and prepress technician. In the meantime, West began to hone his skills as a Northwest Coast First Nations carver. He spent many years as a commercial artist, web developer/designer, musician and animator, but could not get formline out of his mind. “I’m mesmerized by west coast First Nation’s formline; I practice everyday and it is an art in itself. Our formline precedes the Egyptian Pyramids. It is a very precise practice,” says West.
He left a steady job and spent his first few years as a carver on the seawall, a midst the natural beauty of the enchanting and historic Stanley Park in Vancouver B.C.. His first major totem commission came in 2003, when a local entrepreneur hired him to create a 19foot pole. That first pole was raised in the penthouse courtyard high atop the Escher Wing of the Grace Building in Downtown Vancouver. “I was having a hard time, in life, and took off to Stanley Park. A piece of yellow cedar floated up on the beach and I grabbed it and carved it into a spoon – it sold right away. Once I got that initial custom order, I was hooked,” says West.
FEATURE ARTIST
VICTOR MICHAEL WEST
EAGLE BOX
Creating original contemporary pieces incorporating the fine account of ratios of traditional work is more challenging for him, "Reproducing the old sensibilities is more difficult than it first appears." "I think it's a... this continuing process," West remarks, "a continual flow of learning, pressing finding the slightest touch, or sense of tenser topography, we can not help but impress our signature upon it."
West Coast First Nations formline precedes the Egyptian Pyramids. It is a very precise practice.
Three years ago, while living in Ucluelet, his apartment had a bad mold problem which heavily affected his health. He pushed through and continued with his art work – through the pain and was able to recover and get his health back to normal. West also suffers from carpotunnel so it has been a long healing journey since the early 2020s. He monitors his work load to ensure he keeps his arms healthy so he can continue carving daily.
West carves canoes, paddles, panels, masks, bentwood boxes and more. Many of his art works are commissioned. West is currently working on Orca Bear bentwood box, Wolf panel and a Hummingbird panel; with many more projects on the go. “I tend to create an overflow of 11x11’ boxes. They are very popular and enjoyed by all. I do take on commissions and am delivering on a few right now”. West adds he’s ready to make bigger moves in life and looks forward to working on larger pieces, totems and installations in the future.
Get in touch with Victor Michael West through Facebook @victor.m.west or Instagram @victor_michael_west
Page 15, from left: Orca Berry Box; Four Paddles; Natsaline Paddle (work in progress); Trickster Raven Paddle. Page 18, from top: Frog Canoe Box; Victor Michael West; Double Eagle Box
ISLAND CHRONICLES
Unveiling Incredible Pentlatch Fish Trap Panel Exhibit at VIU's Deep Bay Marine Field Station
VANCOUVER ISLAND UNIVERSITY
A SIGNIFICANT PENTLATCH cultural Belonging unearthed by K'ómoks First Nation and archaeological collaborators is on public display for the next six months at Vancouver Island University's (VIU's) Deep Bay Marine Field Station.
At 550 years old, the fish trap panel is an incredible and enduring example of Pentlatch cultural ingenuity. It is the largest and most complete of its kind on the Northwest Coast, and potentially in the world. It measures roughly six metres long and 70 cm wide, with 13 long laths and nine vertical support laths, bound together with cordage made from plant fibres.
"The Guardians are the eyes and ears of the land and sea, from the tops of the mountains to the bottom of the ocean and everything in between," says Krissy Brown, K'ómoks First Nation Guardian Manager.
"We're responsible for taking care of the land and sea,
including the environment, wildlife and our cultural heritage.
"We were the first ones called when the panel was identified in 2017. We worked with a team of archaeologists to excavate the panel and we've been taking care of it since."
The panel was made by Pentlatch Ancestors of the K'ómoks and Qualicum First Nations and was one of about 78 panels used in a single winged chevron trap for catching salmon. The panel provides a window into the sophisticated knowledge and unique cultural innovations of the Pentlatch peoples.
"Pentlatch (and, by 1850, other K'ómoks groups') Ancestors used elaborate fish traps to target herring and salmon in the K'ómoks Harbour, and also at Goose Spit and Saratoga Beach. They built the traps perpendicularly to the shore, with a 'leader' line directing fish
K'ómoks First Nation Guardians, Archaeologists, Royal BC Museum and Coastal Transportation Solutions collaborators move the panel out of the KFN Big House to its new temporary home at the VIU Deep Bay Marine Field Station.
into enclosures in the deeper water where they would be trapped as the tide went out," says Dr. Lia Tarle, K'ómoks First Nation Archaeologist. "Panels like this one were like fences that could be removed to release fish if too many were trapped for a sustainable harvest, or when they weren't being used.
"The long laths were made from Western Hemlock and the short laths were made from Sitka Spruce. The cordage was made from roots or small tree limbs (withies)."
"We've been collaborating with archaeologists, the Royal BC Museum, and community partners like Coastal Transportation Solutions to preserve and move the panel, which is an elaborate and delicate process.
"KFN is taking the lead in documenting and preserv ing their cultural heritage, and we've recently extend ed the oldest radiocarbon date of the fish trap stakes in the harbour from 1,350 to 1,450 years ago (the year 500)."
It’s Storm Watching Season at the Cottages!
This fish trap panel revealed itself to the community in 2017 in the K'ómoks Harbour, on the beach in front of K'ómoks Reserve #1. Knowing how quickly it would deteriorate when exposed to air, a team of K'ómoks Guardians, community members and archaeologists mobilized to salvage the panel. Since then, it has required painstaking care and conservation. It has now been moved to the Deep Bay Marine Field Station, where it will be on display for the next six months as a living exhibit while K'ómoks representatives and collaborators complete its conservation.
"The fish trap panel is an incredible example of our Ancestors' technological sophistication and ingenuity. It represents the strength of our cultures, and it continues to be a point of pride for our Nation," says Candace Newman, Elected Councillor for K'ómoks First Nation, sharing her insights on the pentlatch project.
"Preserving the panel has been a massive collaborative effort since 2017 between K'ómoks members, Guardians, archaeologists, Royal BC Museum Archaeologists and Conservators, and now the Deep Bay Marine Field Station. Many community partners have volunteered their time and resources to help document, preserve and safeguard the panel.
TBIRDATTYEESPIT
"We are proud of our cultural heritage and we're taking the lead in protecting and preserving it. We're also excited to share our cultural heritage from our own perspective, in our own words.
"Our cultural heritage sites are under threat from the fast rate of development in the Comox Valley, so we are also investing in protecting our cultural heritage by implementing our own archaeological permitting system."
Michael Recalma, Elected Chief for Qualicum First Nation, adds: "The trap shows how efficient we were at fishing for our communities even back in the old days or in the beginning of time. It depicts the tie between us – K'ómoks First Nation and Qualicum First Nation. We're tied in so many ways. The land is shared, it always has been, always will be. In Deep Bay, we also have stone traps that are close to this facility, and they are thousands of years old. Again, it shows a different way of fishing and how innovative we were to utilize nature and use the resources we had to trap the fish we needed."
The panel can be viewed at the VIU Deep Bay Marine Field Station, 370 Crome Point Road, in Bowser, during regular business hours.
"We are honoured to have been invited to participate in this important community-led project," says Dr. Genevieve Hill, Curator, BC Archaeology Collection, Royal BC Museum. "From the excavation of the fish trap panel to its conservation and ongoing care, this project continues to be a wonderful opportunity for collaboration and learning."
Carl Butterworth, Director of Research Operations and Industry Engagement, Vancouver Island University, adds: "VIU is excited and honoured to host the Pentlatch fish trap panel and be a part of helping to increase knowledge and awareness of the sophisticated technology of the Pentlatch peoples with the broader community.
"The Pentlatch fish traps are a testament to the long history of sustainable aquaculture practiced in this region since time immemorial. Deep Bay, which is located on the edge of a Qualicum First Nation ancestral village site, continues to be a hub of sustainable aquaculture research to this day."
Photo 1: KFN Archaeology and Guardian staff installing the panel in Deep Bay with Royal BC Museum and Deep Bay Marine Field Station collaborators.
Photo 2: From left to right, Candace Newman, Elected Councillor for K'ómoks First Nation, Michael Recalma, Elected Chief Councillor for Qualicum First Nation, and Dr. Deborah Saucier, VIU President and Vice-Chancellor, stand next to the tank holding the 550-year-old fish trap panel.
Photo 3: A close-up view of the laths and supports submerged in the water and PEG solution.
Illustration: Artistic representation of a winged chevron fish trap; illustration by Eric Simons in Tidal Belongings: First Nations-driven Archaeology, Connaughton et al. 2022.
Photos, from left:
WELLNESS FEATURE
Yvonne Maximchuk’s Unwavering Passion for Art
CATHERINE M. GILBERT
ON ONE OF TERRY LYNN Gold’s visits to Echo Bay on Gilford Island, located in the Broughton Archipelago, she and her partner Siggy anchored their sailboat near her friend artist Yvonne Maximchuk’s home and studio. Yvonne cruised over to their sailboat in her 16 foot speedboat the Sea Rose and offered to take Terry Lynn for a tour of the Burdwoods, a small group of islets located a few kilometres north of Echo Bay.
Although Terry Lynn had been there before, she found this trip special. She was about to see this stunning scenery through the eyes of an artist looking for inspiration. What stood out for Terry Lynn was being able to share her love of rocks with Yvonne. An outstanding photographer, in her years of exploring BC’s coast she had photographed many rocks and rockfaces that spoke to her. Yvonne had done the same. “It was so nice,” she commented, “being able to share my love
of rocks with someone else.”
Yvonne took photos of views that would later be turned into drawings or paintngs; views that in the scenic part of the world she lives in continue to offer her fresh ideas, in fact, she never runs out of ideas for artwork. “I continually,” she says in a telephone interview, “have a filling well of ideas.”
“I always knew I would be an artist,” she says, “there was no question.” Yvonne’s unwavering passion for her work translates into a lifestyle devoted to bringing the beauty of what she sees around her to life in her studio, in the large and comfortable off-the-grid home she created with her husband, retired fisherman Albert Munro. Living on the mid northern British Columbia coast provides everchanging vistas of light, sky and water, along with frequent encounters with wildlife.
Yvonne’s subject matter ranges from brilliant land and seascapes to still life, wild life, and an array of buildings, boats and flowers.
Yvonne and her two children Theda and Logan joined Albert in the Broughtons in 1986 and began their life together in a float house in Greenway Sound, before moving to Echo Bay in 1987. Prior to this, Yvonne and her children had been living in White Rock, and she did not take the decision to move to upcoast lightly.
One of the main challenges would be how to get around—initially Yvonne had a rowboat until she acquired a motorized aluminum skiff; then, finally, the Sea Rose. However, she had fallen in love with Albert and the lifestyle he offered – fishing, boating, being surrounded by nature and the good people she came to know nearby. Billy Proctor, considered to be a ‘living legend’ in the Broughtons, has been her neighbour, friend and supporter all these years and many of her most memorable times were the eight years she spent fishing with Billy.
She co-authored two books with Billy: 'Full Moon Flood Tide', and 'Tide Rips and Back Eddies'. Her first solo venture in writing was her own memoir, ‘Drawn to Sea’, followed by a best selling adult colouring book, ‘Colour the British Columbia Coast’. In her fifth book, a clear departure from her previous work, 'Murder Rides a Gale Force Wind; an Island Mystery' Yvonne utilizes the locale she lives in as a backdrop for the story, and her characters are drawn from the uniquely individual people she interacts with in this wild and wonderful place. She is planning a second that will take place at Echo Bay, a story, she hints, that will be ‘post-apocalyptic’.
While Yvonne is thankful for her stimulating surroundings, she says that she is also thankful for her brain, which sparkles with ideas and finds creative solutions to her many endeavours. Her enchanting home studio is filled with colourful and expressive artwork in the form of watercolour and acrylic paintings and pottery. She enjoys the many visitors who come by, most frequently during summer, individually or as part of tours. For those who can make the trip, they will have the joy of experiencing a most captivating world in this remote archipelago.
Yvonne can be contacted through www.yvonnemaximchuk.com.
These are two words that we will contemplate and explore for our whole lives. And both are true and an important part of our growth and evolution. We need to feel separate in order to feel connected.
We learn independence at a young age to feel seen and heard in this world. It helps to develop our self-confidence, resilience, and mental and emotional well-being. Our independence and individuality shapes how we grow and mature and have the courage and power to stand up for ourselves, to speak our truth, to be our authentic selves and figure out where we belong in the world, in the universe and in this life.
Although, in today’s individualistic culture we can get stuck in the ego, in the self and become attached to our story, our suffering, our material possessions and our individualism. Our individuality is meant to lead us
towards our spirituality, not away from it. We are part of the collective, we are a part of nature, we are a part of the universe, not separate from it.
The age-old question “who am I”, has been reflected on and contemplated since the dawn of time. Often people will become attached to parts of themselves, identities, labels, status, how they look, or how they are perceived or liked by others and the essence at their core gets dulled or even lost.
We often believe that we can express our individuality by acquiring particular looks, styles, clothing, cars, money, gadgets, and other material things. But do these things define who we are? And are we just trying to look or be like someone we look up to or admire or find trendy? What happens when those things go out of style and are no longer popular, does that also mean you go out of style? Of course not, because it doesn’t
matter what you wear, what you look like, what house you live in or what car you drive. What truly matters is on the inside.
Our individuality ultimately comes not from material things, or how we look, but from our spiritual core, or centre. That core is the soul, and the soul is eternal, it is whole and complete in all moments and not searching or seeking for anything. The soul is love, light and freedom.
To really know the “self” can be a lifelong journey, but the ultimate freedom is to be in the everchanging energy of “not knowing”. And I believe that ultimately, we can experience so much joy, pleasure, and liberation from continually being curious, continually shedding our old selves and stepping into deeper, more interconnected versions of the “Self”, of the soul, of love and light.
When we let material things define our notion of expressing our individuality, we undersell ourselves, becoming attached to who we think we are; I am a mother, a daughter, a friend, a teacher, a yogi, a woman, a homeowner, an adult, an athlete, a traveler, a cook, ect.. the list may go on and on. These attachments then bring out dimmer reflections of our individuality. Because materialism often fuels and fans our lower desires, desires that are best eradicated, not expressed and defiantly do not define who we are under the surface of our skin.
Thus, I believe to know the “Self” and bring out the best, highest vibrations of our individuality is to connect into our spirits, our souls, and our hearts. To know that we are not separate from anyone, that we are all interconnected, we are all whole and we are all one. SUSAN MALLINSON
This is not about rejecting parts of ourselves, or our material side, but rather, not being attached to those aspects of “self” and harmonizing our material side with our spiritual essence and purpose. To deeply know yourself is to live a life of purpose and service, while remembering that you must serve yourself, fill your own cup up before you can serve others.
If you are curious about exploring this deeper, my meditation is on YouTube: youtu.be/_HChbZW1r8Y
Lena Watt, founder of Inner Compass Yoga & Ayurveda, is a dedicated Yogi, Moon Goddess, and Kitchen Witch. She deeply connects with the Earth, the moon, and the seasons, embodying a cyclical way of life. Lena is a Yoga Therapist, Somatic Movement Guide, Reiki Healer, Energy Worker, Circle Guide, Retreat Leader, Intuitive, Writer, Ayurvedic Wellness Coach, and lifelong learner. She cherishes the sacredness of life and infuses ritual into her daily routines, finding joy in sharing these practices and wisdom with others. innercompass.yoga
"Be Yourself... Everyone Else is Already Taken" - Oscar Wilde
TO BE AN INDIVIDUAL is to be human. There is no one else like us, and we are unlike anyone else.
We know this. To embrace our individuality is another experience altogether, for that is to relish in our uniqueness, to welcome, accept and adore it. To then share that uniqueness with the rest of the world is the ultimate in embracing who we are.
Our wellness, in other words, the degree to which we feel an overall sense of well-being, is not only dependent upon the sum of its parts i.e. physical, emotional, mental, spiritual and financial health. How we see, like, love and accept ourselves is also essential. We all have an extraordinary and unique gift to share with the world, and for many that can get lost in who we become, based on the expectations of others. Societal “norms”, the various relationships we co-create, and how committed we are to living in alignment with our highest selves all contribute to how closely we might follow our true path. Staying true to who we are is a full time job!
Buuuuut, when we spend time fuelling our passions, our gifts and unique talents, and when we follow our true calling, even if it seems unconventional or “strange”, the world opens up and reflects back more of what we are expressing and sharing. In turn that ignites our enthusiasm and eagerness to become even more of who we are, and the cycle continues!
When we embrace and share all of who we are, while at times scary, unnerving, and the utmost in being vulnerable, we remove the walls that separate us from others and we allow people to see and experience our true essence. Not only does this liberate us and give us a feeling of true self-expression, it spills over onto others who then (possibly, hopefully) feel more comfortable doing the same. It starts with us. When we give ourselves permission to be who we are, we also give others the same gift, and then one by one we create a world of more open, authentic, genuine individuals holding space for more of the same!
Next time you find yourself holding back your greatness, valuable contribution or input, take a deep breath and remember that you have something valid, important, meaningful and special to offer. Remember your gifts, and if you think of it, encourage someone else to remember theirs.
Food for Thought
RYAN STUART AND JOSIE BOULDING
Miso Vegetable Soup
Serves: 8
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 2 to 4 hours
One of the reasons we love autumn is soup. On the first cold, wet day, the soup switch flips and just like that, a warm, liquid meal, full of immune-boosting ingredients, is exactly what we crave. Rich, filling and complex, this is one of our favourites. It starts with our versatile and flavourful Miso Base from our cookbook HABIT. Adding an armload of freshly harvested vegetables adds extra complexity. Don’t feel constrained by our ingredient list: use any of your favourite veggies by frying them alongside the onion. We just recommend that the bulk of the soup be tomato and sweet potato or squash. They provide the heartiness to turn the cold and damp away.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon avocado or coconut oil
1 onion, chopped into small pieces
1/2 cup water
2 tablespoons miso paste
1/2 tablespoons tamari or soy sauce
2 tablespoons honey
1 garlic clove, minced
2 cups sweet potatoes or squash, peeled and cut into cubes
2 cups cherry tomatoes
¼ cup tahini
1 can coconut milk
1 teaspoon salt and pepper
Crushed chillies to taste
Directions
To make this soup you can use a slow cooker or a heavy sided pan. Either way start by warming a frying pan on medium heat.
Add the oil and onion and stir well. Fry the onion, stirring often, until it turns translucent. Transfer the cooked onion to the slow cooker or heavy pot.
Return the pan to the burner and make the Miso Base. Add the water and miso to the pan and whisk well.
Add the tamari/soy sauce, honey and garlic. Stir and heat until the mixture boils.
Pour the Miso Base into the slow cooker or heavy pot. Add all the other ingredients.
For a slow cooker, set to “high” setting for four hours or longer.
For stove top, heat the heavy pot to medium heat. Once the soup boils, turn the burner down to low and leave to simmer for one hour.
With both slow cooker and stove top: once the vegetables are soft, use a hand blender to cream the soup until chunks are gone and the soup is a uniform consistency. Or pour the soup in batches into a blender or food processor.
Continue simmering until you are ready to eat. We like it with bruschetta or warm bread.
Refrigerate leftovers. It’s even better the next day.
Teriyaki-glazed Salmon
Serves: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Living on the coast of B.C., salmon is part of our culture. We cheer the tiny smolts as they dash towards the ocean in the spring, watch the west coast ecosystem feast on salmon all summer and marvel at the adults fighting their way upstream in the fall. They’re so inspiring their likeness is everywhere, from team logos to town slogans. And we can’t get enough of them: we snorkel with them, fish for them and, of course, eat them.
Like all the recipes in our HABIT cookbook, this one starts with one of our simple bases. Adding a thickener to the teriyaki marinade allows the flavour to sink right into the meat. The sweet and salty flavour of teriyaki is a natural complement to our favourite fish.
Tip: Fresh is always best when it comes to fish, but that’s not always possible. The best way to defrost salmon is slowly. Transfer frozen fillets to the fridge at least 24 hours before you plan on cooking the fish. The slow defrost helps keep the flesh firm.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons tamari or soy sauce
1 tablespoon honey
1/2 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 garlic cloves, pressed
1/2 teaspoon ginger, peeled and grated
1/2 teaspoon lime or lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon agar agar powder or cornstarch
1 1-pound (500-gram) salmon fillet
Directions
Start by making the Teriyaki Base, by heating a frying pan over medium heat. Add the tamari, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger and lime juice. Stir to mix well. Heat until the mixture boils.
Whisk in the agar agar powder, breaking up any chunks. Bring back to a boil. Pour the Teriyaki Base into a measuring cup and allow to cool and thicken for 10 minutes.
While you wait, heat a barbecue or oven to 400F. Wash and dry the salmon fillet.
Spoon or paste the teriyaki glaze over the salmon, covering all the pink parts. Transfer to the oven or barbecue.
Cook salmon until the meat just starts to flake apart when poked with a fork. Cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the fillet. Start checking after five minutes.
About the Chefs
These recipes comes from "HABIT: 6 Sauces, 29 Recipes and a New Way of Cooking". This new cookbook is the work of Vancouver Islanders Ryan Stuart and Josie Boulding. Find out more about them and their gluten-free, low sugar and delightfully delicious recipes here: RestlessJosieCooks.com Instagram @habit_cookbook
