Ottawa Life Magazine: Winter/Spring 2022

NEWS/POLITICS/FOOD/ARTS/SPORTS/FASHION/LIFESTYLE $6.95

WINTER/SPRING 2022

OT TAWA LIFE M AGA ZIN E

Private Jess Larochelle

IS A REAL CANADIAN HERO

Canadian veterans and dignitaries unite in the battle to have him awarded the Canadian Victoria Cross.

Patrick Paul explores the wonders of Woodlands Art The sky’s the limit for Travis Iverson

TIME TO TRAVEL AGAIN see the destinations we have for you!

OTTAWALIFE.COM

Cascadia Seawood/Tsawout First Nations * Toronto: We The North * Get Sidified * Ask a lawyer

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PHOTO : COURTESY INVICTUS GAMES

WINTER/SPRING 2022 VOLUME 24

contents

30

•

NUMBER 1

18

Jess Larochelle is one of our finest and bravest.

At a time when Canada has never been more fractured or divided as a nation, awarding Larochelle the Victoria Cross seems to be one thing that everyone on all sides can agree on.

24

14 DRUMMING CIRCLE BY PATRICK PAUL 20” X 24”• ACRYLIC ON STRETCHED CANVAS

Yousuf Karsh made Churchill roar . . . in Ottawa.

columns

8

In December 1941, Ottawa photographer Yousuf Karsh captured the wartime spirit of Sir Winston Churchill in his ‘Roaring Lion’ photo – a photo that was to be given credit for inspiring the allied efforts in WWII.

The wonders of Woodlands Art.

14

Patrick Paul paints in the tradition of the Woodlands School of Art, as introduced to the world

by Norval Morrisseau, whose father, a respected Shaman and elder, pioneered the style.

Cascadia Seawood/Tsawout First Nations

18

The Tsawout First Nation, located on the Saanich Peninsula on Southern Vancouver Island have partnered with Cascadia Seawood in a deal where everyone wins.

Opinion: Let us reclaim the flag from those in the Convoy that have soiled it.

Publisher’s message ................................................... 4 Glengarry Book Award ........................................... 6 Aristocrat of Scent .................................................... 7 Fashion: Top off your winter look ................................ 10 Iverson Fashion ........................................................... 12 ShaveVision ............................................................... 16 Barre Fit Warriors......................................................... 21 Canadian Olympians Chinese Supporters Society... 24 Canada’s Valour Games ......................................... 30 Travel: Sou’West Nova Scotia ................................. 41 Travel: Turkey ............................................................... 43 Travel: Bay of Fundy Shorelines in Nova Scotia ...... 47

22

National Flag of Canada Day, commemorating that date in February 1965 would ordinarily see a clutch of politicians and perhaps some school children gather in front of Centre Block to raise the flag. But, sadly, not this year.

38

Beating Covid means we can all travel again. Check out our stories: Toronto: We The North 38, Sou’West Nova Scotia, Bay of Fundy Shorelines in Nova Scotia, and Travel through the cradle of civilization In Gaziantep And Urfa.

PHOTO: KUBILAY AKDEMIR

Time to travel again!

43

publisher’s message by Dan Donovan

A failure of epic proportion —

A provincial inquiry must be called to investigate the city’s mishandling of the trucker convoy.

F

ormer Ottawa Police Services (OPS) Chief Peter Sloly was asked to resign over the chaos that besieged the capital under his watch with the Freedom Trucker Convoy occupation. To soften the blow, former Ottawa Police Services Board (OPSB) Chair Diane Deans allegedly agreed to pay Sloly to the end of his contract in 2024 if he leftover $800,000 salary and benefits. Talk about a non-performance bonus.

Many are now questioning why Peter Sloly was hired in the first place. Sloly was investigated by the Toronto Police Services (TPS) Professional Standards Branch (PSB), in 2004, for alleged oppressive behaviour towards subordinates when he was Superintendent of the Communications Division at TPS. OLM has obtained the fivehour video of his deposition by PSB officers. Witnesses testified that Sloly allegedly was yelling so loudly at his female assistant that they feared for her safety. In the video, Sloly says he was upset she kept losing her phone and suggested she get a rope and tie it around her neck so he could contact her 24/7.The investigation resulted in a statement of facts that resulted in the female employee being awarded a significant taxpayer settlement. Despite this, the OPSB hired Sloly to deal with the rampant misogynistic culture and other issues within the OPS. It should be noted that the TPSB refused to put Sloly in the job in Toronto before Ottawa hired him.

The OPS had significant information and intelligence to work with prior to the protest arrival. How did the OPS leadership so badly misread the situation? Whose decision was it to allow hundreds of massive trucks to have unfettered access to the Parliamentary precinct and downtown?” Who at the OPS made that decision?

The conduct of the OPS leadership and OPSB as things spiralled out of control is troubling. Frontline officers watched in frustration as their leadership at the OPS had them stand down and not use the multiple tools at their disposal to protect downtown neighbourhoods and citizens from disenfranchised and angry protestors. Why did a police chief with a $343 million budget and 1,500 police officers publicly say, “The longer this goes on, the more I am convinced there may not be a police solution to this demonstration.” As things got worse, Sloly even suggested the military could be called upon.

Kevin Lynch, a former Clerk of the Privy Council, wrote an op-ed during the crisis saying, “The scene in Ottawa appears to be a failure of intelligence gathering, threat assessment, co-ordination, enforcement and leadership of epic proportion.

In response, the Ottawa police hired a crisis communications firm. This isn’t a communications crisis; it is a policing breakdown.” On February 6th, former OPS Police Chief Charles Bordeleau said on CBC Cross Country Check-up that the OPS should be able to manage this situation. Candyce Kelshall, President of the Canadian Association for Security and Intelligence Studies said during the crisis that, “If police look impotent, it emboldens protesters. The Police are the only ones who can defuse the convoy protest peacefully. Protest is legal, but breaking any laws makes it illegal. If police look ineffective, that’s the way they are perceived.” She added that, “Any nonpolicing response to the demonstration would be ‘catastrophic’. The minute you say it’s beyond policing, people will be ready to fight. It must be the police. They have the ability to get out there and start talking to people. Above all, the law must be upheld. Protest is legal if it’s legal. If it is illegal, you lose your moral authority. On the other hand, if the military is introduced into the equation, then the response becomes enemy-centric, and it will flip a switch in the more extremist parts of the movement and reinforce beliefs that the government is attacking its own citizens and is therefore not legitimate.”

Within a day of Sloly resigning and Deans being fired, things changed. The professionalism and training of frontline police forces was engaged. In three days, using great restraint, they removed the occupiers, and no one was seriously injured. We owe them all a debt of gratitude. We got our city back g 4 OTTAWALIFE WINTER/SPRING 2022

publisher/managing editor Dan Donovan art director & web editor Karen Temple social media manager Kat Walcott social media videographer Kayla Walcott cover photo montage of image of Canadian veteran, Private Jess Larochelle photographers Acorn Art and Photography,

Kubilay Akdemir, DaveyandSky, Jean-Marc Carisse, Carole Jobin, Megan Hiron, Richard Tardif Photographie, Soar, Karen Temple fashion editor Alexandra Hunt accounts Joe Colas C.G.A bookkeeper Joan MacLean contributing writers Tatum Bergen,

Michael Bussière, Sid Cratzbarg, Dan Donovan, Mckenzie Donovan, Shelley Cameron McCarron, Dan McCarthy, Darcy Rhyno, Bruce Sach web contributors Susan Alsembach, Luke Barry, Adele Blair, Sofia Donato, Mckenzie Donovan, Dave Gross, Jennifer Hartley, Ryan Lythall, Owen Maxwell, Kate More, Zarha Nafal, Aaron Nava, Rusel Olsen, Mona Staples, Kat Walcott, Keith Whittier student intern Charlene Kona Mabwoto corporate advisor J. Paul Harquail,

Charles Franklin

corporate counsel Paul Champagne editor in memoriam Harvey F. Chartrand advertising information

For information on advertising rates, visit www.ottawalife.com call (613) 688-LIFE (5433) or e-mail info@ottawalife.com Canadian Publication Mail Product Sales Agreement #1199056.

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best picks

Elevating your beverage pairings Take a cue from celebrated chefs across Canada and around the world by enhancing your tasteful moments with S.Pellegrino Sparkling Natural Mineral Water. A perfect drink to pair with a flavourful meal, to balance a full-bodied wine or to sample on its own, its gentle bubbles, well balanced acidity and rich minerality make it one of the most renowned mineral waters in the world.

Thanks to its persistent effervescence, it brings out the best in the tastiest dishes and aromas. The brand has been a long-standing supporter of the culinary community, and is closely associated with the world’s leading restaurants and chefs.

The brand has partnered with the culinary community by nurturing the next generation of chefs – expressed through resources, events, access to mentorship and networking, and the global Young Chef Competition and Young Chef Academy.

Crisis in Canada’s policing “Crisis In Canada’s Policing” is for those who want to learn more about modern policing in Canada, for the activist or organizer who wants a top-down view of the entire law enforcement system in this country, or for the politician who wants to get serious about real change. Author John Sewell knows a thing or two about policing.

The 81-year-old former mayor of Toronto (19781980) has been involved in social justice efforts since the mid-1960s. Even if your views on policing don’t align with his, Sewell brings an informed perspective based on experience, data, and vigorous study that make the book worth reading. $24.70 amazon.ca

sanpellegrino.com/ca/en

Fundraiser cookbook from Ottawa seniors Flavours of Home is the inaugural cookbook from the Ottawa Ethno-Cultural Seniors Network.

A labour of love, the full-colour cookbook features contributions from thirty seniors from all occupations and has over sixty traditional recipes from their homelands ranging from soups to appetizers to main course meals. These dishes are often a staple for many seniors and can be made easily by anyone without any cooking skills. The SPCO has built a trusting relationship with the grassroots ethno-cultural seniors’ network over the past 15 years. OECSN volunteers support isolated seniors in their communities. $40

Binge-watch movies with Epson’s EpiqVision Mini EF12 projector Bring family movie nights to the next level with Epson’s EpiqVision Mini EF12 Smart Streaming Laser Projector.

Featuring built-in Android TV1, sound

by Yamaha and wireless connectivity, the Epson EpiqVision EF12 Streaming Laser Projector gives you seamless access to popular streaming services including HBO and YouTube™2, right out of the box. Simply power on the projector and start streaming your favourite content up to an epic 150” – no screen required.

ocphe.ca/shop/p/flavours-of-home

A hopeful story about one man’s battle with depression In Breaking Free of Depression’s Grip: A Powerful Success Story author Bruce Ross tells how he learned to live with his diagnoses of depression and his journey with different doctors and treatment methods. Ross worked as the CFO of a credit union while being a husband and a father, but for 45 years, he struggled with depression and generalized anxiety disorder.

This is not a manual or a self-help book on how to cure depression but an optimistic story. Those who suffer from depression will find solace and contentment in knowing that other people have gone through the struggle and overcome it.

$1,299.99 epson.ca

Wrap up warmth with a cableknit cardigan from Daniel Hechter Paris They wanted to submitt another product for print

Available at icbookstore.ca Use the discount code “brross$” for $2 off 5 OTTAWALIFE WINTER/SPRING 2022

books by Tatum Bergen

Author Dianne Warren awarded inaugural Glengarry Book Award TITLE: House of Diamonds by Dianne Warren PUBLISHER: Harper Collins Canada ISBN: 9781443445108 ISBN 10: 144344510X BISAC1: FICTION / General

R

egina author and dramatist Dianne Warren has been awarded the inaugural Glengarry Book Award for the English-language fiction novel The Diamond House.

Launched by the Saskatchewan Foundation For the Arts in June of 2021, the Glengarry Book Award supports Saskatchewan’s literary culture. The $20,000 (CAD) prize celebrates authors with Saskatchewan roots. Warren won the National Magazine Gold Award for Fiction and the Western Magazine Award for Fiction. She also won the Marian Engel Award from the Writers’ Trust of Canada, in 2004. Her first novel, Cool Water, won the Governor General’s Award for English-Language Fiction, in 2021, and was also longlisted for the Scotiabank Giller Prize.

The Glengarry Book Award is for a first edition English language novel or book of short fiction. It was the vision of donor and booklover Claire Kramer, a founding trustee of the Saskatchewan Foundation for the Arts (SFFA). “I am delighted to establish this annual award in support of literary excellence from or influenced by writers living in Saskatchewan,” says Kramer.

The Glengarry Book Award is managed and administered by the SFFA. Valerie Creighton, President and CEO of the Canada Media Fund, led the formation of the jury and the adjudication of the entries. The jury comprised a Canadian author, publisher and former judge and

6 OTTAWALIFE WINTER/SPRING 2022

diplomat, selected Warren as the Award recipient. Warren’s The Diamond House was chosen for its superior writing, character, and plot development.

Recognized as one of the most influential women in the global media industry, Saskatchewan-born Creighton was involved in establishing the SFFA. Creighton says, “The prairies have inspired a multitude of renowned artists. I’ve been driven by the creativity and the land in Saskatchewan my entire life. The Foundation’s work benefits the arts and continued recognition of Saskatchewan as a hotbed of creativity and innovation. I had the privilege of serving as Chair of the Foundation from 2004-2013 and continue to volunteer and advise during this exciting time in the Foundation’s growth.”

Three-time Governor General awardwinning author Guy Vanderhaeghe says: “The announcement of the $20,000 Glengarry Book Award by the Saskatchewan Foundation for the Arts is a cause for celebration by all who care about the distinguished Saskatchewan literary tradition that first found expression with Sinclair Ross and W.O. Mitchell and which has, in the work of their successors, continued to give vibrant voice to this place and this people. The generosity of Claire Kramer, who funded The Glengarry Book Award, needs to be applauded. It is proof that the arts matter here.”

About The Glengarry Book Award

The Glengarry Book award follows a long history of Saskatchewan arts patrons supporting and celebrating the arts. We are honored to be a part of recognizing the creativity of literary artists who have made their mark on Saskatchewan. Whether they started their career here or were raised here, they are connected to this land and our province.

We celebrate Diane Warren as the 2021 Glengarry Book Award recipient. “This is a momentous time in the Foundation’s history,” says Gursh Barnard, Chair of the SFFA’s board of trustees.

In addition to the launch of the national ‘Saskatchewan roots’ Glengarry Book Award, in 2021, the Foundation will provide an additional eight awards of $5,000 each, supported by the SFFA’s six named endowment funds to Saskatchewan artists in various disciplines. For the applications received in 2021, over 75 per cent were female and 50 per cent Indigenous artists.

About the Saskatchewan Foundation for the Arts

The Saskatchewan Foundation for the Arts (SFFA) is a public foundation dedicated solely to creating a legacy of financial support for the arts and artists in Saskatchewan, through the generous financial support of individuals, organizations, and corporations g saskartsfoundation.com

aristocrat of scent by Sid Cratzbarg

WARM UP YOUR WINTER WITH

a luxury scent

I

can’t believe that we are still dealing with Covid! At least you wonderful Fragranceistas can continue to try new fragrances while working from home. During this pandemic I have enjoyed researching and trying so many new luxury scents, which I love sharing with our amazing readers.

Enjoy the winter season and GetSidified with your newly discovered scent and remember to choose the fragrance that suits your personality, whether it is marked masculine or feminine. The most important thing is how you feel wearing it!

Sid’s Tips

1. USE PETROLEUM JELLY For dry skin, apply a little petroleum jelly to pulse point before

spraying the fragrance. This enables your fragrance to last longer.

When spraying hold the bottle 5-7 inches away from the skin. By doing this, you prevent larger droplets falling on the skin.

2. DISTANCE

Check the perfume concentration of your fragrance. A good suggestion is if you wear Eau De Toilette no more than three sprays and with Eau De Parfum or Parfum, one or two sprays is enough.

3. CHOOSING THE CORRECT AMOUNT

4. FRAGRANCE WITHOUT SPRAY If your bottle does not have a spray you can use the stopper of the bottle to apply the perfume on the skin.

5. PULSE POINTS Apply fragrance to pulse points (wrists, behind ears, neck, and behold, behind the knees. As Coco Chanel said, “ Apply perfume where you want to be kissed.”

Some winter and summer fragrances will feature overt citrus notes g

WINTER’S HOTTEST SCENTS BURBERRY HER BLOSSM EAU DE TOILETTE The luxury British design house, Burberry was founded in 1856. The fragrances were first introduced in 1981 and they continue to be part of the iconic brand. Burberry Her BLOSSM Eau De Toilette is their newest scent. It has been described as “a love letter to London in bloom.” I love the bottle which is so classic and understated. The fragrance has amazing notes of plum blossoms,peony,musk, and pink peppercorns. Have fun trying this one and become a Burberry Girl!

BOSS BOTTLED EAU DE PARFUM HUGO BOSS The luxury brand Hugo Boss introduced this new fragrance for the 2022 Winter season. It is a wonderful contemporary , woody-spicy,masculine scent that is worn by men who exude confidence! Apple, bergamot, chestnut, and musk are some of the notes which make this a favourite for so many guys who love the Hugo Boss brand.

MONT BLANC LEGEND RED EAU DE PARFUM Launched for the 2022 Winter season, I was so excited to see this new incredible Mont Blanc Legend Collection. It is an amazing new fragrance . After spraying Red you will certainly feel more confident!

The citrus- woody Eau De Parfum has notes of blood orange, clary sage ,and woody accord. So guys enjoy this new sensation and become part of the luxury Mont Blanc brand! Most of the fragrances for Winter 2022 can be found at Hudson Bay stores and Shoppers Beauty Boutiques.

The house of Guerlain has produce exclusive fragrances since 1828. The relaunched L’art & La Matière collection now has 17 exquisite fragrances. Described as “An impassioned celebration of fragrance made art”, the new bottle is sleek and its octagonal shape is engraved with the Guerlain House iconic bee. The bottle is both customizable and refillable which certainly is an amazing feature of the collection. A true fragrance lover must have fragrances from the luxury house of Guerlain!

ROSE CHERIE GUERLAIN EAU DE PARFUM This fragrance has been described as Paris Chic and La Vie En Rose. The perfume is an ode to the romantic rose.

Notes of Turkish and Bulgarian roses with green almonds and white heliotrope makes this a must for lovers of Rose inspired fragrances.

SANTA PAO ROSA GUERLAIN EAU DE PARFUM Santa Pao Rosa is a new floral - woody and spicy fragrance that takes its name from Pao Rosa which was a scent created in 1877. Guerlain’s Perfumer Delphine Jelk has said, “Nature becomes art as the strength of wood is enveloped in tender rose petals.” Notes of sandlewood, myrrh, fig, and cardamom are part of this amazing shared fragrance.

FSPIRITUESE DOUBLE VANILLE GUERLAIN EAU DE PARFUM This is a beautiful, sensual, shared fragrance which has been described as an “Ode to The Indian Ocean. This is a gorgeous woody- oriental fragrance with notes of double Madagascar vanilla, cedar wood, and accents of rum. This scent is a must for lovers of vanilla scents to add to their fragrance collection.

7 OTTAWALIFE WINTER/SPRING 2022

The anniversary of the

‘Roaring Lion’ portrait

around town by Bruce Sach

I

t’s easy for pedestrians on Wellington Street to journey from the Château Laurier past the Parliament Buildings blissfully unaware of the direct connection between the two edifices and the most iconic photograph of the 20th century.

On December 30, 1941 Ottawa photographer Yousuf Karsh captured the wartime spirit of Sir Winston Churchill in his ‘Roaring Lion’ photo – a photo that was to be given credit for inspiring the Allied efforts in WWII in defeating the fascist threat.

How was it that British prime minister ended up in Ottawa two days before the New Year, 1942? Churchill was in

8 OTTAWALIFE WINTER/SPRING 2022

Canada, having just visited Washington weeks after the attack on Pearl Harbour.

Ever the master orator, Churchill had been in North America to ensure U.S. support for the United Kingdom war effort and he was burning to reply to French General/Collaborator Marshall Pétain who had said that ‘in three weeks England will have her neck wrung like a chicken”.

In a 22-page speech before a joint session of the Senate and the House of Commons, Churchill derided these predictions although only four words, his famous ‘some chicken, some neck’ is how history has summed up his reply.

The

United

Kingdom

was

now

ABOVE: Winston Churchill by Yousef Karsh,

courtesy of the Estate of Yousuf Karsh RIGHT: The Karsh statue was unveiled on June 2017in Ottawa. (PHOTO: @Carole Jobin)

more confident of victory thanks to the continued support from Commonwealth countries, the Soviet Union and the United States.

And Churchill, the master of public speaking and public relations (the whole speech was filmed) was no doubt in a jubilant mood, his speech having been constantly interrupted by applause and cheering.

Enjoying a scotch and cigar in the Speaker’s Chambers after his speech, Churchill was unprepared for his

ANNEX 1: After the historic Churchill photo, the doors of the world opened to Karsh. He travelled to England during WWII and photographed notables, including the Archbishop of Canterbury, George Bernard Shaw and members of the Royal Family. You may have had a copy of a Karsh original in your pocket – Karsh took portraits of Queen Elizabeth II that were used for official purposes like postage stamps and currency.

encounter with young photographer Karsh. But not Karsh.

tionally known Ottawa?

He’d painstakingly prepared his camera and lighting in an adjacent room.

Ottawa Churchill scholar Cohen explains that “Karsh, to his immense credit, felt his mood wasn’t right to portray this lion of the west”. He wanted a Churchill sans cigare.

Karsh was truly a child of the 20th century, living in every decade. He was an Armenian refugee from Syria, where his family fled after the Armenian genocide in Turkey.

The ever-polite Karsh offered Churchill an ashtray, and when that didn’t work, plucked the cigar from Churchill’s mouth, saying “Forgive me, sir”.

“By the time I got back to my camera,” Karsh remembered, “he looked so belligerent he could have devoured me”.

Churchill said, “you could even make a roaring lion stand still to be photographed!” (See Annex 1) So how did the almost penniless Armenian refugee end up as an interna-

photographer

in

As a teenager, he moved to Sherbrooke, Québec and lived with his photographer uncle. He learned the photography craft and then went to Boston to apprentice under the Armenian photographer John Garo.

Karsh moved to Ottawa, hoping to photograph its leading figures, both local and international. During World War II, he took pictures of servicemen as a gift, as a keepsake for families, should something happen to their loved one.

Mrs. Estrellita Karsh (Karsh’s widow), remembers years later, when the couple lived in the Chateau Laurier that often “a lady would come up to us and she’d take picture out of her wallet of a young man in a Canadian uniform he’d photographed, and say, ‘this was my husband, my son, my nephew, I cherish this picture’”.

Karsh became involved with the Ottawa Little Theatre, where he used artificial lighting for the first time.

Part of his secret was putting his subjects as ease, often getting to know them the day before a sitting, discovering their personalities in the hope of portraying that on film.

The Château Laurier has just renovated (for the second time since 1998) the room that Karsh and his wife Estrellita lived in from 1980 until 1998. Yes, they lived in the hotel for those 18 years and used another room on the sixth floor as a studio.

Visitors pay a premium price to stay at this private gallery/hotel suite containing Karsh masterpieces. Mrs. Karsh chose the photos that the couple donated to the hotel, most of which are in the Karsh suite. Think Ernest Hemmingway, Pablo Picasso, Barbara Ann Scott and Karen Kain.

Other original Karsh masterpieces are on display for all to see in the reading lounge of the hotel off the main lobby.

These include portraits of Albert Einstein, Jean-Paul Riopelle, Georgia O’Keefe, Stephen Leacock and of course, the Sir Winston Churchill one.

Just as his people skills helped Karsh gain the confidence of well-known personalities, his kind way of dealing with people helped him when he was more famous than those he was to photograph.

As Mrs. Estrellita Karsh recalls, “when we lived at the Château, Mr. Karsh would walk on Parliament Hill, and people would inevitably stop him. He would take his felt hat off, and say, ‘Give me the pleasure of your name.’” “Then he’d return home, excited, explaining that he’d ‘met this person, she works at Parliament.’ Someone would always stop him and he was always happy to talk to anybody”.

The Churchill portrait taken 80 years ago, on December 30, 1941, a huge break, by any standard. As Mrs. Estrellita Karsh puts it, that the portrait was a ‘gift of history’.

And if you weren’t aware that the Churchill photo was taken in Ottawa, you’re in good company. When thenBritish prime minister Tony Blair visited Ottawa to address Parliament in 2001, he learned the photo of Churchill had been taken in the very room behind where he was about to speak. He changed his speech to make mention of it! g 9 OTTAWALIFE WINTER/SPRING 2022

Top off your winter look WITH THE PERFECT HAT fashion by Sid Cratzbarg photos by Richard Tardif Photographie

I am not a winter person. I often wish I could escape the season, but, unfortunately, I need to stay put and deal with it. If you can’t beat it, then work on your winter wardrobe and find the perfect cold-weather accessory — the hat. Many different styles are functional, stylish, and hip, but the fedora is the favourite that I love to wear.

10 OTTAWALIFE WINTER 2021

HAT STYLES FOR WINTER 2022 BEANIES: These popular hats have been shown on every major fashion runway this season. They are worn by men and women come in a variety of colours which give them a cool vibe. Beanies look fabulous with sweaters, jeans, and sportswear.

Fedora-like hats have been worn since the early 20th century. It was thanks to The Prince Of Wales that the fedora became popular. He was a real man of style, and when he replaced his stiff Homburg hat with a fedora, everyone followed his lead.

It wasn’t long before the fedora replaced other style hats. Then, in the ’50s, men solidified the idea that a hat was a musthave masculine accessory.

The fedora has been worn by so many iconic stars and actors including Humphrey Bogart, Brad Pitt, Justin Timberlake and Bruno Mars. They are definitely a fashion statement and can easily be dressed down for a casual look. A fedora is a definite GHI (Gotta Have It) accessory for winter 2022.

Many iconic stars and actors have worn the fedora, including Humphrey Bogart, Brad Pitt, Justin Timberlake, and Bruno Mars. They are definitely a fashion statement and can easily be

dressed down for a casual look. A fedora is a definite GHI (Gotta-Have-It) accessory for winter 2022.

I have been wearing classic black and grey fedoras for years, but I am constantly searching for unique, bright, colourful options to add to my collection. I am so happy that they are making fedoras in jewel tones for both men and women.

I have managed to find a few, but in my search, I discovered Chapeaux De Madeleine on Dalhousie Street in our nation’s capital. Madeleine Cormier designs the most unique and incredible hats for men and women.

It was a fun, awesome experience working with her to create my vision of a fedora that always gets noticed by people who stop to ask, “Where did you get your hat?”

Finding the perfect hat will complete your wardrobe while helping you make the best of winter g

PANAMA HATS: Panama hats are also trendy this season. The same headrests used for summer are now made from wool. They are a wonderful addition to your fall/winter hat collection.

FLAT CAP: Originally worn by farmers and chimney-sweepers, these caps are now a classic look of distinction. They are made of wool or tweed and have a flat rounded shape with a small hard front-facing peak. I love how they look with a single-breasted overcoat and jeans.

TRAPPER HATS: Made from a variety of materials with ear flaps lined with wool, real fur, even faux fur, trapper hats are a cool hip look. They certainly block the cold air from hitting your ears. Most of them are brimless, but some styles have a small visor to keep your forehead warm. I love that the flaps can be tied at the crown of the head or beneath the chin.

BASEBALL CAPS: The baseball cap does not look good on everyone, but they are a staple in many men’s closets. They lend a hipster look to many guys and can be worn throughout the year. For this season, companies have designed them in wool, tweed, and corduroy, which certainly provides more warmth g 11 OTTAWALIFE WINTER 2021

profile by Michael Bussiere

THE SKY’S THE LIMIT. Especially When You Never Give Up!

T

here was a time when Travis Iverson was the model athlete and young man extraordinaire. Sports meant everything to him, and he had a personal trophy case to prove it. Track meets, placing 10th in the Terry Fox Run against 200+ runners, basketball MVP, competitive baseball pitcher, you name it. But then, at the hope-filled age of 21, a diving accident dramatically changed everything and Travis heard a physician’s words that would forever stay with him. “You are never going to walk again.”

He spent 33 days in the Civic’s ICU fighting for his life, unable to move or speak, kept alive with the help of a ventilator. Travis’ only option to signal the nurses at night was to click his tongue.

“Life as I knew it was over,” Travis says.

“The spinal cord injury was the absolute WORST thing to ever happen to me for sure, but also to my family. A spinal cord injury usually requires one to three bronchoscopies maximum over the course of the entire injury. I had 17 in two weeks! It took everything I had to get off 12 OTTAWALIFE WINTER/SPRING 2022

the ventilator, but I did it against all odds.” 9 months at the Ottawa Hospital’s Rehab Center prepared Travis for a life he never imagined. “It was a scary time, with many challenges hourly,” he recalls, “including a ‘code white’ emergency tracheotomy, a fall in the shower two weeks in with the neck brace still on, suctioning the lungs more times I can count and for hours on end.”

When the time came, Travis’ mum Karen sold her garden home to purchase a bungalow that could accommodate her son’s unique needs. “So many kind people came to help me by preparing the bungalow,” Travis says. “Michael Power and Heather Lillico, the owners of The Emporium on Main Street, spearheaded a troop of supporters.

Proceeds from the sales of beanies and other Fundraising Collection apparel support the rollout of fashionable, accessible clothing for the wheelchair-user community as well as helping single parent families affected by a spinal cord injury with accessible renovations.

Contractors, builders, you name it, all worked so hard to get it ready for me.” Travis knew he was finally home when he smelled Christmas turkey, was surrounded by the warmth of family and saw familiar objects from the old garden home again. The scene made his injuries “disappear for that moment in time.”

LEFT: Black shirt from Iver Fashion’s collection.

RIGHT: Travis and the team design seamless wicking material apparel for chair bound clients.

Their signature black and white formal temperaturecontrol dress shirts are offered in A-frame for a natural look. Their pants foster skin integrity with longer inseams and have discreet urine bag zippers.

Travis was handed enough lemons to make lemonade for the army, but when the going was tough, the tough got going. Travis was preparing for a pal’s birthday party when, what a drag, his old wardrobe was no longer a functional, fashionable option. That’s when inspiration hit and Travis pivoted from athletics to fashion design. “I rolled up to my desk, opened a new Word document, put on some really loud music, and began typing, using a HeadMouse that is attached to my glasses. I move my head to point the laser of the mouse at the electronic keyboard. I typed out each garment with fabric specs and unique adaptation features.”

In a matter of months, Travis, ever the competitor, made a venture pitch and beat 30 other submissions to become the Algonquin Applied Research & Innovation Project (ARIP) winner. Up went a website to promote a business plan and products. A CBC-TV feature prompted phone calls, encouragement, and a letter of recognition from MPP (now MP) Yasir Naqvi. Travis and his new line were on a roll.

“With the buzz still going at full speed, The Celebration of People Awards contacted me and said I was nominated and should go to the Gala. I was humbled when I heard the words, ‘The 2014 Accessibility Award goes to…Travis Iverson.’”

In an age where everything from dish soap to yoga promises healing, Travis Iverson knows all too well that healing comes from sheer determination. “Nothing, and I mean nothing, can prepare you for that reality or for the amount of pain, suffering and pure patience required to get through it all. I am forever grateful for the love of family, close friends, and the big guy above!”

So if you’re ever sitting on your butt feeling sorry for yourself, stand up, think of Travis and remember his motto for life: The Sky’s The Limit. Especially When You Never Give Up! g Please check out Travis Iverson’s brilliant line of clothing at iverfashion.com 13 OTTAWALIFE WINTER/SPRING 2022

gallery by Michael Bussière

ABOVE: Village Party, 36” x 66” Acrylic on unstretched canvas

Patrick Paul

EXPLORES THE WONDERS OF WOODLANDS ART

P

atrick Paul is an Ojibwe artist who paints in the tradition of the Woodlands school of art, as introduced to the world by Norval Morrisseau, whose father Potan, a respected Shaman and elder, pioneered the style. It draws inspiration from rock pictography and sacred birch bark scrolls to express concepts found in Indigenous spirituality. The Woodlands style translates this knowledge using a distinctive visual vocabulary of boldlycoloured figurative forms and shapes on a single plane articulated by thick black outlines.

Woodlands art is a representation of a culture whose myths are rooted in the Canadian Shield, where rugged forests, erratic boulders, and glistening waters welcomed the first human inhabitants following the recession of the glaciers eons ago. There is no art more deeply centred in this vast and ancient land.

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Patrick Paul was born in Winnipeg and currently lives with his family in Dauphin, located in Treaty 2 territory.

He never imagined taking up a paint brush until last April when creativity and a desire to explore his heritage captured his imagination. Patrick’s imagery depicts animals, community across the generations, and the landscapes, traditions, and legends that filled his heart while growing up in Thunder Bay

and northwestern Ontario, where his extended family calls home.

“A lot of the cultural roots and my understanding of them came from the Ojibwe teachings I received at Whitesand First Nation in Ontario (3 hours north of Thunder Bay) where I went to elementary school for two years,” Patrick recalls. “I learned the principles of the seven sacred teachings, and to speak the Ojibwe language. My dad’s auntie was the teacher and a lot of the lessons she shared are still with me today.” Those lessons and memories are central to Patrick’s art, and are reflected in three of his favourite creations. “‘Familiar Lands’ is heavily influenced by a Norval Morrisseau piece called ‘In the Land of the Giants’. I wanted LEFT: Patrick Paul with his family.

ABOVE: Familiar Lands, acrylic on 24” x 41” Unstretched Canvas. (LEFT)

Drumming Circle, 20” x 24” acrylic on Stretched Canvas

drums on my chest and under my feet while I was painting. I had to take a lot of breaks while working on this canvas.”

‘Village Party’ uses variations of tone in a manner that differs from Patrick’s other examples. Colours transit across the background from left to right in support of the journey taken by the characters in the foreground. “It’s the first large piece I ever did. A medicine man and a Shaman lead the spirits of the animals from the physical to the spiritual reality.”

“

Woodlands art is a representation of a culture whose myths are rooted in the Canadian Shield, where rugged forests, erratic boulders, and glistening waters welcomed the first human inhabitants. to make references to it and show the characters as I see them in my imagination,” Patrick says. “The scene in the painting is located in the same places where Morrisseau painted, so the land we share is familiar to us both.”

‘Drumming Circle’ has a poignant story behind it, reflecting the sense of isolation that so many of us have

”

experienced during the pandemic. For Patrick, it is about yearning for the sights and sensations of his community.

“This is my favourite piece right now, and I got very emotional working on it for four days,” Patrick says. “It’s been three long years since my family and I have been to a powwow, and that’s totally heartbreaking. I could feel the

No doubt collectors should be very enthusiastic about this up-and-coming artist, and evidently they are! “My work is selling faster than I can paint it sometimes,” Patrick says. “I’m very pleased.” Patrick Paul’s work is a dazzling, authentic expression of the great school of Woodlands art. He is well on his way to preserving the style for future generations to cherish as both strikingly beautiful images and as ancient teachings g Patrick Paul’s work can be viewed and purchased at: www.facebook.com/ABsoluteORIGINAL 15 OTTAWALIFE WINTER/SPRING 2022

Creating stunning images

BY TAKING VECTOR GRAPHICS TO THE EXTREME gallery by Michael Bussière

16 OTTAWALIFE WINTER/SPRING 2022

ShapeVision is an Ottawa startup whose mission is to create photo-based art and applications with their unique Extreme Vector Graphics™ (EVG) software.

Its found-ing partners Martin Brooks and John Spence have extensive experience in the Ottawa tech and education communities. Previously, Spence directed the Communications

Research Centre’s Virtual Classroom program, and Brooks led NRC’s artificial intelligence research group, where they pioneered pedagogy and technology for collaborative learning over the CANARIE network with the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board and educational, health, and cultural partners across Canada.

Forest by ShapeVision, from photo by Ross Photography‚ vector graphics ink jet print 63” x 42” on metallic pearl paper.

enlargement. Zoom into a JPG and even a high-quality file becomes a blurry field of squares. EVG images can be printed without distortion at any size. ShapeVision art starts with the pixels and uses powerful cloud computing resources to produce an EVG transformation that can be flawlessly printed at any size. The ShapeVision software has multiple knobs and switches to control the shape algorithms, which artists can use to

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with our only home.” ShapeVision enables an up-close examination of our surroundings, revealing the profound complexity in the seemingly simplest scenes. “On my family farm in the Ottawa valley, I attempt to bring the beauty and diversity of the natural world to the attention of others and show just how much there is in even a small area like my farm,” Ross says. To see the world in a grain of sand, as it were.

Seen from afar, ShapeVision art looks painterly, but approach the print to mere centimetres to discover more and more shape components.

generate an unlimited number of shape models from which they can select and combine into visual compositions.

EVG creates a new representation of digital photographs by determining and assembling up to hundreds of thousands of highly complex coloured shapes. “It’s a fractal jigsaw puzzle,” says Brooks.

ShapeVision’s EVG takes the scalable vector graphics (SVG) image format to new levels, automatically computing vector graphics shapes from photographs through advanced mathematics. Brooks told me that, “while developing the concept, I worked on the math for a full year before getting down to cod-ing.”

Pixel photos have limited maximum

The ShapeVision art project demonstrates the analytical power of EVG by producing large-format prints 5x3 feet or more, using archival-quality printers, ink, and papers for lasting brilliance.

Seen from afar, ShapeVision art looks painterly, but approach the print to mere centimetres to discover more and more shape components. Brooks hand-ed me a small flashlight and magnifying glass to examine a JPEG I provided. Rather than seeing pixels, I could easily detect myriad shapes within shapes which were re-markably natural-looking, with high complexity at the boundary between adjacent shapes. There is a lot to look at in ShapeVision art, inviting repeated engagement and continued fascination.

Hidden Shapes Of Nature™ is ShapeVision’s flagship art theme, exploring the beauty of rural Ottawa’s diversity of animals, plants, and microenvironments.

ShapeVision supports the artistic vision of Ross Photography, “to communicate a message of the pending collapse of our Mother Earth if more of us do not take the time to better acquaint ourselves

”

Brooks is looking at the bigger picture.

“By controlling the number of shapes and their level of detail, Extreme Vector Graphics™ underlies a wide range of applications, from machine vision for automated vehicles to medical image analysis to a new type of digital paint for artists,” he says. ShapeVision’s longterm technical objective is to implement shape algorithms as hardware, and to provide predesigned IP for use in chip design, thereby putting extreme vector graphics into the hands of artists and designers everywhere.

ShapeVision images must be seen to be believed. Check out Hidden Shapes Of Nature™ artworks at https://hiddenshape sofnature.com. An exhibit featuring large images is planned for 2022 at SaintVincent Hospital, Covid permitting g ShapeVision creates and sells fine art in collaboration with Ross Photography (https://altross.wixsite.com/ rossphotography), Golden Owl Photo (www.goldenowlphoto.com), and social change startup Radical Connections (https://www.radicalconnections.ca).

Interest in ShapeVision technology, applications, and art may be directed to brooks@shapevision.biz 17 OTTAWALIFE WINTER/SPRING 2022

profile by Tatum Bergen

True reconciliation in action ON BC’S COAST

A

long the pristine coastline of British Columbia, the ocean is inspiring opportunities to address food security, climate action and Indigenous reconciliation. Together, BC First Nations are partnering with Cascadia Seaweed to produce jobs and economic diversification for coastal communities.

Since the Industrial Revolution, the sea has absorbed more than 25 per cent of emitted carbon–the largest carbon sink on the planet. The ocean presents an untapped, abundant resource for climate action to benefit people and the planet.

The ocean’s superpower? Seaweed.

Its resumé is extensive: it can form biodegradable packaging, feed cows, and reduce their methane emissions; regenerate marine ecosystems, create biofuel, and absorb carbon.

Ocean cultivated seaweed uses nutrients from the sea, and requires no freshwater,

18 OTTAWALIFE WINTER/SPRING 2022

fertilizers, pesticides, or arable land to grow. It presents an opportunity to create thousands of new green jobs along Canada’s coasts and directly supports the development of Canada’s growing Blue Economy. Seaweed cultivation is the definition of regenerative aquaculture.

ABOVE: (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP) Barges

Seaweed is also a superfood. For thousands of years, coastal Indigenous communities have used seaweed as a nutritious food source: a complete protein packed with vitamins and minerals. By 2050, the World Bank

Group estimates the global seaweed industry will generate USD$28 billion per year and supply close to 10 per cent of the world’s food stores.

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Ocean culitvated seaweed . . . presents an opportunity to create thousands of new green jobs along Canada’s coasts and directly supports the development of Canada’s growing Blue Economy.

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and boats from the James Island farm installation. Rob Napoli and Tom Campbell inspecting lines in Barkley Sound. Matt Obee, VP of Operations, tasting freshly harvested seaweed.

In short, seaweed improves the ocean environment in which it grows; the more it is cultivated, the more our economy prospers, while the healthier the ocean and our climate become.

The Tsawout First Nation, located on the Saanich Peninsula on Southern Vancouver Island, recognize the economic, environmental, and social opportunities of seaweed cultivation.

170 years after signing the Douglas Treaty, the nation is exercising their PHOTOS: COURTESY CASCADIA SEAWEED

Indigenous rights to their land and waters. In a historical alliance, the Tsawout issued Cascadia Seaweed a license to cultivate seaweed within their territorial waters and on their behalf–a new wave of benefits for the coastal community and climate.

“Tsawout First Nation has a profound and sacred relationship with the land and sea,” says Chief Harvey Underwood. “As Saltwater People, we have an obligation to care for and respect the land for each other and for future generations.”

First Nations, like the Tsawout, can help make this possible by enacting their rights to self-govern, defined by the Douglas Treaty, the Canadian Constitution, and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).

“We need to prepare for the future and manage our own traditional lands, air and sea,” explains Chrissy Chen, Fisheries Manager at Tsawout First

Nation. “As First Nations stewards, we need to pass on the rich ecological knowledge of our ancestors to ensure that economic activities taking place in our marine environment are safe and sustainable.”

further those Nations’ interests.

“Our Nation partners have utilized one of their biggest assets–the titles they hold to the land,” explains Bill Collins, Chairman of Cascadia. “[This] opportunity for a prosperous future, in harmony with nature, is realized by people sitting down together and creating innovative solutions to promote outcomes that put people and planet first,” he says. “First Nations governments and their industrial partner, in this case Cascadia, have walked together to provide the model.

This should inspire other governments and industrial partners to follow suit.”

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Cascadia urges other industries to walk alongside First Nations through partnerships that further those Nations’ interests.

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“We are Indigenous People,” Chen continues. “We are here to conserve and protect the environment while we produce food and create opportunity for our people.”

The partnership is creating jobs while advancing reconciliation. Cascadia Seaweed, founded in 2019, is already North America’s largest ocean seaweed cultivator, with seven farms installed in five different territories. Cascadia urges other industries to walk alongside First Nations through partnerships that

These partnerships not only mend relations between peoples but with the earth. Today, Cascadia Seaweed joins Tsawout Nation as stewards of the coast and climate.

SERVICING FINE ART

“This,” says Collins, “Is true reconciliation in action.” g

www.cascadiaseaweed.com

We service artists, collectors, galleries and museums.

Specializing in Fine Art framing, installation, crating and Conservation services.

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profile by Tatum Bergen

Barre Fit Warriors–

fitness that’s empowering and fun

G

etting into a fitness routine isn’t easy, especially if lifting weights and treadmill running isn’t your idea of empowering transformation.

Warriors. “It gives an accessible fitness community, a place where you get stronger and are supported while you keep moving.”

What if the movement of dance, the empowerment of self-defence, and the grace of yoga replaced the dumbbells and treadmills?

The most fulfilling part of teaching for Nicole is helping her clients reach moments of perseverance and helping them push through. “It’s my passion…,” she says, “helping my clients realize how strong they are and working with them to find what being fit means to them by focusing on a holistic approach.”

That’s where workouts like Barre and Piloxing come in offered by Barre Fit Warriors, one of Ottawa’s newest fitness services. The real-time, online classes let you bypass the travel time while receiving personalized training and corrections from your instructor– maximizing your workout from home.

Nicole Grant, owner and master trainer at Barre Fit Warriors, has been a professional dancer for over 25 years. She received a bachelor’s degree in dance/ pedagogy from Ryerson University, and she is certified in Yoga, American Barre technique, and Piloxing.

Nicole created Barre Fit Warriors out of the desire to make fitness accessible to everyone from the comfort of their homes. She strives to bring a new perspective to fitness that focuses on achieving an equally healthy mind, body, and soul.

“It was so important for me to create a community and Barre Fit Warriors is that community,” says Nicole on what inspired her to open Barre Fit

What separates Barre and Piloxing from other workouts? Barre is a lowimpact, hybrid workout class that combines strength training, dance, pilates, and yoga–it improves core strength and posture while giving the body a lean, toned look. Piloxing takes it to the next level. The best of boxing, pilates, and dance, Piloxing is a high-energy interval workout that burns maximum calories, increases stamina, improves cardiovascular health, and works your coordination– it’s empowering fun!

Do you have to love dance to do Barre?

“Not at all. Barre is for everyone, at every level!” says Nicole. “It’s an excellent start for those who have never worked out before and want to begin a fitness journey, anyone in recuperation from an injury, as well as professional athletes. Barre is kind to the body and can do wonders; it’s all inclusive.”

“I found Barre many years back when I was recovering from an injury,” recounts Nicole. “It helped me gain strength and facilitate movement again. There is a discipline in Barre that connects the body and mind to allow one to surpass physical expectations.”

Barre Fit Warriors offers dynamic Barre, Piloxing and Yoga classes ranging from 45 minutes to 60 minutes long, available through drop-in classes, credits, or monthly membership plans.

Each online session guides you through a new, dynamic routine to keep you on your toes and away from that dreaded fitness plateau.

“My clients are at the core of what I do,” says Nicole. “My attention to detail ensures each person gets what they need out of their class.”

There’s something for everyone at all fitness levels, with no pre-set mould to achieving your goals. Barre Fit Warriors makes fitness accessible and changes fitness perspectives to inclusion and holistic wellness.

“Being proud of where you start is just as important as the journey. Achieving a healthy mind, body and soul begins with being kind to ourselves and appreciating what our body lets us do. You are worth the time and the investment, you’re worth the effort.” g barrefitwarriors.ca 21 OTTAWALIFE WINTER/SPRING 2022

opinion by Dan McCarthy

Let us reclaim the flag

from those in the Convoy that have soiled it Nearly sixty years ago the red and white Maple Leaf was raised for the first time on Parliament Hill. February’s National Flag of Canada Day commemorated that date in 1965. Ordinarily we would have seen a clutch of politicians and perhaps some school children gather in front of Centre Block to raise the flag.

But this year, Flag Day took place in front of very different tableau on the Hill as the Maple Leaf flew alongside those representing various alt-right conspiracy theories and causes: Infowars, the Gadsden’s coiled snake, the blue Eureka flag, and the ubiquitous and juvenile F-Trudeau rag. Citizens of Ottawa were inconvenienced, harassed, thrown out of work, assaulted, and threatened over the three weeks that the Convoy occupied the downtown core. Our collective outrage was totally justified.

The saddest manifestation of their twisted ideology and inane utterances has been the appropriation—some would say weaponization—of our national symbol.

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The Maple Leaf has been flown upsidedown, contaminated with hand-drawn swastikas, and epithets against the Prime Minister, dragged on the ground behind trucks, and used as a ploy to hide licence plates.

The most dispiriting vulgarity inflicted on the flag was a scene I witnessed by the rigs parked by the barricades at the corner of Kent and Queen Streets.

With OPP and Ottawa Police stationed on the perimeter, an individual pulled a small wagon filled with jerry cans through the crowd. The gas containers were draped with a 4”x 6” foot Maple Leaf. With furtive glances towards the police cars, he darted between the row of rigs, wagon bouncing as it went

over the curb, and tucked in behind a phalanx of supporters who faced outward shoulder to shoulder like a row of riot cops.

As the wagon jarred over the curb the flag slipped off and was dragged in the slush behind it. No attempt was made to pick it up and as the jerry cans were handed out to replenish the nearby rigs, our national symbol lay in the dirty snow.

To me, there has been no clearer illustration of the hollowness of the patriotism of the occupiers. For them, the Maple Leaf is not a symbol of pride, flying it not as a North Star for a free and prosperous country but as a prop and shield.

Introducing the resolution in the House of Commons to establish the Maple Leaf as our national flag on June 15, 1964, Prime Minister Lester Pearson said in part, “(the) flag issue is bound to raise PHOTO: JEAN-MARC CARISSE

strong and deep and genuine emotions.

All national symbols have a deep meaning and create strong sentiments.

That is why they are so important in national growth; in nourishing loyalty and patriotism among those who make up our nation.” Pearson understood the emotional power of the flag both for those supporting a new symbol and those that resented—from deeply held views—retiring the Red Ensign.

These disagreements heightened the passionate responses to the new flag, on both sides of the debate.

But the verity of patriotism is in the eye of the beholder; the flag means what the person holding it aloft wants it to be.

British writer Samuel Johnson famously wrote in the 18th century that displays of patriotism are “the last refuge of a scoundrel.”

In this respect, the rage, resentment, hatred and yes, racism, displayed by many among the Convoy that passes for their ‘patriotism’ is not only false love of Canada, and repulsive but perilous for Canada.

This hijacking of the flag has some on social media wondering whether we need a new flag, that the Maple Leaf has been tarnished beyond redemption.

Passionate debate has ensued, entirely understandable given what we have witnessed in Ottawa the past two weeks, and the scenes playing themselves out in Coutts, Alberta and at the Ambassador Bridge. Our tattered flag has had a rough year, as it bore the brunt last summer and fall of the nation’s anger and sadness over the realization of the scope of children’s deaths in the Indian Residential School system, and the existence of unmarked graves across the country.

The Maple Leaf did not just emerge from a host of challengers in the 1960s.

Its place as a pre-eminent Canadian symbol pre-dates Confederation and has graced the uniforms of Canadian men and women in the armed forces since the First World War. Later generations wear it proudly on every iteration of Team Canada jersey from hockey to soccer, to Olympic

“

The Maple Leaf has been flown upside-down, contaminated with hand-drawn swastikas, and epithets against the Prime Minister, dragged on the ground behind trucks, and used as a ploy to hide licence plates.

”

athletes. Like untold numbers of backpackers before and since, the first item of business before I departed for Europe in 1981 was to sew on a small flag. I fly my flag year-round but have been thinking I should place a sign on my lawn declaring that I am not with the Convoy.

above the muck we’re stuck in, reclaim the flag from those in the Convoy that have soiled it, and reinject the promise for the future which its creation portended. Politicians need to refrain from treating it as simply a backdrop or to bolster their claims of disloyalty against their opponents.

Closing his speech that June day in 1964, Mr. Pearson said the task of the House was a new Canadian flag that “while bringing together but rising above the landmarks and milestones of the past, will say proudly to the world and to the future: I stand for Canada.”

The Maple Leaf is a striking flag, one of the globe’s most distinctive. We need to take it back from the Convoy.

Canadians should fly it proudly and not just on Canada Day. Canada can be a strong, united, and independent nation. Treating our national symbols such as the Maple Leaf with respect is an essential prerequisite g

And so, it falls to our generation to rise

23 OTTAWALIFE WINTER/SPRING 2022

cover story by Mckenzie Donovan

Canadian veterans and dignitaries united in the battle to have Private Jesse Larochelle awarded the Canadian

CANADIAN VETERANS AND DIGNITARIES UNITED IN THE BATTLE TO HAVE

Private Jess Larochelle

awarded the Canadian Victoria Cross

T

he Victoria Cross is Canada’s highest military honour that is awarded to only the bravest and finest of soldiers who show extreme valour and conspicuous bravery in the face of the enemy.

First awarded in 1857, it was created at the behest of Queen Victoria to commemorate acts of courage during the Crimean War. Canadian troops were awarded the British version of the medal used throughout the Commonwealth.

To this day, award recipients remain near-mythical figures in Canadian military history. The last living recipient, Ernest Alvia “Smokey” Smith, passed away in 2005. His casket was granted the honour of lying-in-state at the House of

24 OTTAWALIFE WINTER/SPRING 2022

Commons foyer, a tribute customarily reserved for former prime ministers.

On the nights of October 21 and 22 in 1944, Smith singlehandedly knocked out a German tank with a PIAT launcher and disabled a second tank before killing four of 10 Germans charging at him, all while he carried a wounded comrade to safety. Smith is one of 81 Canadian Armed Forces service members and 13 Canadians in the British military service who were given the award for their meritorious conduct. Other notable recipients include William Hall, a Black Canadian man who independently manned a gun on the HMS Shannon until the inner wall of the Shah Najaf Mosque was breached, allowing British forces to enter the city. The normal

operation of these guns usually requires a dozen sailors; Hall’s solo performance while under intense fire was an act of unbelievable bravery.

The last of Canada’s 94 Victoria Crosses were handed out during the Second World War when the British still oversaw the award on behalf of Commonwealth nations. An extraordinary 71 of the medals were presented, many of them posthumously, during the First World War, with another 16 bestowed just over 20 years later in the Second World War. The rest came in other conflicts, including the Indian Rebellion of 1857 and the Boer War. Following military reforms in 1972, the British Victoria Cross was taken off the list of awardable decorations. In 1992, Canada was removed from the British Military honours system, but a private members bill supporting a Canadian version of the decoration received unanimous support in the House.

The Canadian version was created in 1993, but the actual medal was not struck until 2008. In 2007, Governor General Michelle Jean unveiled the new Canadian Victoria Cross (CVC).

There are 20 Canadian Victoria crosses and three bars (for double recipients of the award) currently stored under protection at the Chancellery of Honours at Rideau Hall.

Throughout the war in Afghanistan, Canada awarded 17 Stars of Military Valour, the country’s second-highest decoration, yet not one was considered for elevation to the Victoria Cross.

The question of why there have been no Victoria Cross awards for valour in Afghanistan deepens when one compares some of the past citations with those of modern-day soldiers in Kandahar who were given the Star of Valour.

Efforts are underway by General (ret’d) Rick Hillier and the non-profit organization Valour in the Presence of the Enemy with the support of The Royal Canadian Legion, General (ret’d) Lewis McKenzie, General (ret’d)Romeo Dallaire, Admiral (ret’d) Mark Norman, Colonel (ret’d) and Historian Ian Hope, all former Task Force Commanders

who led troops in the Afghanistan war and many others to have the case of Private Jess Larochelle reviewed again with the possibility that he becomes the first recipient of the Canadian Victoria Cross.

If successful, LaRochelle would be the first Canadian soldier to be awarded the country’s top military citation since the Second World War. On November 2, 2021, Niki Ashton, the NDP MP for Churchill—Keewatinook Aski in Manitoba, presented a Petition in the House of Commons to the Minister of National Defence regarding the heroism of Private Jess Larochelle.

Petition e-3636 Whereas: The Canadian Victoria Cross was instituted in 1993, taking the place of the Victoria Cross, which is the highest decoration in the Commonwealth;

After the 9-11 attacks, Afghanistan became the largest-scale war Canada has fought since the Korean conflict in the early 1950s and was by far the most protracted conflict in Canadian military history, taking place from 2001 to 2014. NATO-led, the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan was one of the largest coalitions in history. At its height, the force was more than 130,000 strong, with troops from 51 NATO and partner nations. The Canadian Forces were at the forefront of this effort and engaged in some of the most brutal fighting in living memory. Their reputation in combat in Afghanistan was second to none, and they won the respect and admiration of their fellow American and allied soldiers and were equally respected and feared by the enemy.

Among all the countries which fought in Afghanistan, Canada is the only one that has not awarded its highest decoration for valour; and On September 15, 2021, Valour in the Presence of the Enemy put forward a request that Private Jess Larochelle be considered for the Canadian Victoria Cross. Pte. Jess Larochelle was severely wounded in the fight – a one-man battle against an attacking force of about 20 enemy fighters – and has been in and out of the hospital since that day.

We, the undersigned, Valour in the Presence of the Enemy, call upon the Government of Canada to investigate the new evidence regarding Star of Military Valour Recipient Jess Larochelle. If the investigation proves that the new evidence is sufficient enough, upgrade Private Larochelle to the Canadian Victoria Cross.

In doing so, bestowing the first Canadian Victoria Cross and recognizing the first Afghanistan Veteran to be designated a Victoria Cross Recipient, the winner of the 98th Victoria Cross given to a Canadian, and the only Victoria Cross winner still alive.

The petition closed for signatures on March 2, 2022, and by mid -February already had 13 500 signatures.

25 OTTAWALIFE WINTER/SPRING 2022

“

At that time, they were reluctant to hand out the Canadian Victoria Cross, especially early in the conflict because they didn’t know what feats of bravery they’d witness in the years to come.

— GENERAL (RET’D) RICK HILLIER

”

About Private Jess Larochelle of the First Battalion, Royal Canadian Regiment

(As described by Michael Blais, CD) — On October 14, 2006, Private Larochelle of the 1st Royal Canadian Regiment Battle Group was manning an observation post when it was destroyed by an enemy rocket in Pashmul, Afghanistan. Although he was alone, severely injured, and under sustained enemy fire in his exposed position at the ruined observation post, he aggressively provided covering fire over the otherwise undefended flank of his company’s position.

While two personnel members were killed and three others were wounded in the initial attack, Private Larochelle’s heroic actions permitted the remainder of the company to defend their battle positions and successfully fend off the sustained attack of more than 20 insurgents.

His valiant conduct saved the lives of many members of his company. What is not mentioned in the citation is some vital information that elevates the case for awarding LaRochelle the Victoria Cross.

Larochelle’s injuries from the rocket attack were substantial; his back was broken, one of his eyes was blinded through a detached retina, he was deafened in his right ear, and he was briefly concussed.

When he regained consciousness, he was confronted with a scene from hell.

Two of his regimental brothers were lying dead beside him. Three were seriously wounded. The Observation Post (OP) was under sustained attack by over twenty insurgents.

He discovered the GPMG he had been manning had been destroyed. Further 26 OTTAWALIFE WINTER/SPRING 2022

compounding the situation, the platoon LAVs delegated to provide fire support for the unit’s flank and the OP were both non serviceable due to weapon stoppages.

Larochelle was alone, seriously wounded, half-blind, half-deaf, yet he chose to fight. He gathered the OP’s 15 M72’s, exposed himself repeatedly to enemy fire while engaging the advancing insurgents with rocket fire so effective the enemy attackers were forced to withdraw. Also, noteworthy that Larochelle’s section was shorthanded at the time of the attack. He had volunteered to man the OP, and after the attack, he remained on the field of battle for twelve hours despite his injuries. He only reported to the medics after he was returned to Kandahar Airfield and volunteered to carry one of his fallen comrades during the ramp ceremony for the two soldiers who were killed, Sgt. Darcy Tedford and Pte. Blake Williamson, despite knowing he was injured.

“Yeah, I was having trouble walking,” LaRochelle says. “And the one officer told me to go to the hospital, and I said after I carry Blake or Darcy’s casket and I’ll go right away.” Doctors would confirm LaRochelle fought back against the Taliban and then helped carry the casket of Pte. Williamson, all the while suffering from a broken back.

Two years later, shrapnel was still egressing from his skin. Ultimately, Private Larochelle’s injuries were deemed career-ending. The physical and mental consequences of his acts of heroism resulted in a medical release.

Private Larochelle was awarded the Military Star of Merit for his actions that day, Canada’s second-highest military honour.

General Rick Hillier is one of Canada’s most respected and storied Generals.

He was Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS), the top-ranking officer in the Canadian military, from 2005 to 2008 and played an integral part in Canada’s deployments and battlefield successes in Afghanistan. Hillier became popular with the Canadian public for his authentic and candid explanation about

the war effort and its costs in human terms and toll on families. Known as a soldier’s soldier, Hillier is revered by fellow soldiers and citizens alike today.

Deciding who is awarded the country’s highest decoration for “extraordinary valour and devotion to duty while facing a hostile force” is determined by a stringent process that sees a nomination pass through several committees of senior officers ensures that selection is based on merit. Final approval belongs to the Governor General, but it is always a formality and relies heavily on the recommendation of the chief of defence staff and the defence department’s awards and honours branch. The current Chief of the Defence Staff, General Wayne Eyre, is said to have reviewed the matter himself although it is unknown if he has moved forward with his recommendation.

Hillier was part of the committee in 2007 that awarded LaRochelle the Star of Military Valour. He says, at that time, they were reluctant to hand out the Canadian Victoria Cross, especially early in the conflict because they didn’t know what feats of bravery they’d witness in the years to come. It’s only now, he says, that they’re able to look back at specific cases and realize they got them wrong. He adds, “I think if you looked up Canadian hero in the dictionary, you see a picture of Jess LaRochelle right next to it.”

Bruce Moncur, who initiated the petition and who was wounded in a Sept. 4, 2006, friendly fire incident in Afghanistan, says, “I think we’re getting in our own way. I think the humility and the humble nature of Canadians that don’t want to brag or be advocates for ourselves, I think that kind of got in the way.”

Colonel (ret’d) Ian Hope is a former highly regarded battlefield commander in Afghanistan, scholar, former associate professor at the Royal Military College, and a Senior Researcher at the NATO Defence College in Rome who served in the Canadian Forces for nearly four decades.

Hope told Ottawa Life that, “In the case of Private Larochelle, a couple of factors stand out. His actions occurred at a time when Canadians were only starting to become exposed to the violent demands of combat. In October 2006, Canadian soldiers had been engaged in active regular combat with Taliban forces for approximately six months. At the time of the action, no other valour awards had been granted, and only 2-3 were being considered, and all of these were below the standard of Victoria Cross.

There was a reluctance at that time on the part of the chain of command to “elevate” recognition of brave action beyond lower levels. As a combat commander at the time, I confess to having severe reservations against being hasty in granting awards (not that I was involved directly in Private Larochelle’s

“

The United States has awarded 20 Medals of Honor for operations in Afghanistan. The Australian Defence Forces have awarded four soldiers the Australian Victoria Cross. New Zealand has awarded one soldier its version of the decoration, and the United Kingdom has bestowed three service members their Victoria Cross.

case). But as a collective group, Canadian combat commanders and the chain of command were cautious for the good reason that this was all new to us.

Another key factor in Private Larochelle’s case was that he had to act alone and without the benefit of immediate witnesses to his wounding and his prolonged fight against the Taliban.

His natural modesty has also been a contributing factor to the lack of initial accurate reporting about his actions.”

”

Hope went on to say: “I am hopeful that 27 OTTAWALIFE WINTER/SPRING 2022

The bar has always been high for the Victoria Cross. When Queen Victoria was first presented with a design for the medal that would bear her name, she objected to the inscription, which read: “For the Brave. “All her soldiers are brave, she sniffed. The inscription was changed: “For Valour.”

Hillier points out that Canada’s allies have recognized the courage of their troops in Afghanistan. “The United States has awarded 20 Medals of Honor for operations in Afghanistan. The Australian Defence Forces have awarded four soldiers the Australian Victoria Cross. New Zealand has awarded one soldier its version of the decoration, and the United Kingdom has bestowed three service members their Victoria Cross.”

Hillier says that Australia is asking for a review based on new information regarding the heroism of an 18-year-old sailor in 1942. This review could lead to Australia granting that soldier a VC. “It’s an important thing for Canada that we have an independent review of the actions of Pte. Larochelle on October 14, 2006, to see if he should become the first recipient of the Canadian Victoria Cross”, says Hillier. “There is new information regarding what happened that day, and that should now be assessed. If this is done and they decide it is a no, we can live with that.

But I think from what I learned from the added information that has emerged from other soldiers who were there that the outcome of a review of his actions on that day could lead to a VC. But let us do it right and get it right.”

the current military chain of command will at least consider a review; and if approved, help establish clear criteria for awarding the Canadian Victoria Cross. While I think that Private Larochelle deserves such an honour, I fully appreciate and agree that it should follow a transparent process with strong criteria that satisfies the collective; a process that could be used for similar purposes in the future.” Hope adds, “I recommend an independent review; keep it outside of the bureaucracy and ensure it is done expeditiously.”

28 OTTAWALIFE WINTER/SPRING 2022

Hillier thinks “it would be good for the country, particularly at this time when things are so divisive that we reexamine the actions of one of our sons who gave so much. If a review showed Pte. Larochelle was deserving of the Victoria Cross, it would be a great moment to recognize that, in fact, do it on Canada Day on Parliament Hill in front of the Governor General,” says Hillier.

He adds that there are other Canadian soldiers from WW1 and WW2 and Korea who also may qualify for the honour and who should be reviewed.

One is Francis Pegahmagabow MM & two bars (March 9, 1891 – August 5, 1952), a Canadian First Nations soldier, politician, and activist. He was the most highly decorated Indigenous soldier in Canadian military history and the most effective sniper of the First

World War. Pegahmagabow enlisted in 1914 and fought to the end of the war.

Although no exact figures are recorded, accounts of his “kills” vary to as high as 378.

Another posthumous candidate could be Thomas George Prince MM (October 25, 1915 – November 25, 1977), an Indigenous Canadian war hero and one of Canada’s most decorated First Nations soldiers, serving in World War II and the Korean War. Hillier has approached the Governor General regarding an independent review of this matter and says has the issue has also been raised with Members of Parliament and the Minister of National Defence.

In a written statement to Ottawa Life Niki Ashton says she spearheaded Petition E-3636 in support of Larochelle being the first recipient of the new Canadian Victoria Cross because: “Other countries have recognized this and have reviewed the citations given to Veterans who ought to be appropriately recognized for their valour. But here in Canada, we haven’t done that appropriately. As a result, Canada has not awarded a single Victoria Cross since it took it over in 1993. In fact, a Canadian has not been awarded a VC since 1945. This must change.

There is an unprecedented movement bringing together the veteran community, including organizations such as the Royal Canadian Legion, members of the military community, municipalities, and grassroots Canadians — together, they are calling for Private Jess Larochelle’s citation to be reviewed and to award him the Victoria Cross he deserves.”

Former higher-ups in the Canadian Forces and personnel of astute reputation have joined with Ashton and Hillier to support awarding Larochelle the Victoria Cross. Major General (retired) Lewis Mackenzie, the Canadian Commander who led UN forces during the Siege of Sarajevo, told Ottawa Life Magazine: “We have twenty of these decorations, and why would we have them made if not to be awarded? This Private (Larochelle) is certainly among those who deserve the decoration.”

“

What Private Larochelle did that fateful October night in 2006 was all done to save his brothers in arms, not for glory or medals. Still, the bravery and determination in the face of an experienced enemy cannot be understated.

”

The nation’s largest veterans’ group, the Royal Canadian Legion, has thrown its support behind awarding Larochelle the Victoria Cross. In a statement on the Legions website, Bruce Julian, the President of Dominion Command, stated: “There is no doubt that Private Larochelle went above and beyond in excruciating circumstances to save his Comrades and serve our nation.” Julian also says: “We ask that our military leaders review Private Larochelle’s actions with a view to honouring him with this award.”

Michael Burns is the former CEO of the phenomenally successful third Invictus Games in 2017, which took Canada by storm and featured eleven sports. Invictus was created in 2014

by Prince Harry for wounded, injured, or sick armed services personnel and their associated veterans. Burns is now Executive Chair of Canada’s Valour Games, the first national, multi-sport competitive games honouring ill and injured servicemembers, veterans, and their families.

The Valour Games are hosted every two years in a select Canadian city, from coast to coast to coast. Burns told Ottawa Life that, “Awarding the Victoria Cross to Private Larochelle would have the effect of also honouring every Canadian who has sustained an injury in service to our country.”

He added that, “it would resonate across the Canadian Armed Forces to every soldier, veteran, military family member, and the Canadian public, boosting morale and ensuring that they all know that their sacrifices are seen and valued. Private Larochelle represents the best of all of us, and in recognizing the importance of what he did for our country in this way, we would honour everyone who has sacrificed for Canada. It is the right

thing for our nation to do.”

What Private Larochelle did that fateful October night in 2006 was all done to save his brothers in arms, not for glory or medals. Still, the bravery and determination in the face of an experienced enemy cannot be understated. In any other commonwealth or allied military, Larochelle would have already been awarded the equivalent of a Victoria Cross.

Today, Jess LaRochelle is a shadow of his former self. Complications from his war injuries have seen him lose enough weight that his father says he is almost unrecognizable. He lives under the care of his parents in their North Bay, Ontario home and continues to pay a high price for his day of courage.

Retired veteran Randy LaRochelle says he only recently learned of the push to get his son the Canadian Victoria Cross.

While he’s supportive of the effort, he’s urging Jess’ case to be expedited.

“Things are not looking good for Jess (medically),” he says. “If you’re going to do something like this, just do it because Jess would be extremely honoured to get it alive. Don’t ask me how he would feel if once he’s passed.

If Private Larochelle is awarded the Victoria Cross, he will be the first Canadian since 1945 to receive the medal. He will also be the first Canadian soldier in history to receive the Canadian-made and awarded Victoria Cross.

Time will tell if the Canadian government and the Canadian Armed Forces do what is right and give a soldier who gave everything to our country the recognition he deserves, for him, his family, and every Canadian who served in Afghanistan g 29 OTTAWALIFE WINTER/SPRING 2022

30 OTTAWALIFE WINTER/SPRING 2022

supporting our veterans by Mckenzie Donovan

Canada’s real heroes take centre stage.

I

n 2017, Toronto hosted the very successful Invictus Games. They brought attention to the cause of helping wounded veterans, service members and their families from around the globe, and they benefitted the city and the country.

The Invictus Games showed the world the grit, determination and the power of the human spirit in all the competitors while also highlighting the human cost of war in a dignified manner, making them synonymous with post-service competition for ill, injured, and wounded veterans and servicemembers.

There have been no similar events in Canada since.

The Invictus Games slated for 2020 in The Hague and postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic have been rescheduled for April 2022.

The positive attention garnered from the games will provide a unique opportunity to recognize the sacrifices of soldiers and their families that otherwise go Michael Burns, one of the organizers unnoticed. The Games provide great of the games, told Ottawa Life: “The programming for military families Invictus Games was an incredible and present the opportune moment to experience for all those who participated thank them. Through the Valour Families’ program, the games will cover the meals and accommodations for the participants and their A Canadian game families while also providing tickets to the games, access will deliver the benefits of to tourist attractions, and general support for the the Invictus experience but to accompanying families. and field, archery, powerlifting, cycling, indoor rowing, swimming and golf.

“

a much greater number of veterans and servicemembers who need it.

The event will give veterans a sense of meaning and purpose that they sometimes lose when they leave the Forces.

An adaptive sport event for Canadian veterans from coast to coast to coast, the inaugural Valour Games will take place in OttawaGatineau in 2023. Canada will send 30 or so participants to the Invictus games whereas 500-plus veterans and servicemembers will benefit from taking part in the all-Canadian Valour Games.

Like the Warrior Games in the United States and the Invictus Games, the Valour Games will include veterans and active servicemembers from across the country. They will be hosted biannually in a different Canadian city and feature ten sports, including track LEFT: Images from the successful 2017 Invictus Games hosted in Toronto, Ontario.

A Canadian game will deliver the benefits of the Invictus experience but to a much greater number of veterans and servicemembers who need it. The event will give veterans a sense of meaning and purpose that they sometimes lose when they leave the Forces. It will be another opportunity for them to wear the Canadian flag on their sleeve and represent that country while being supported by their former colleagues, coaches and cheered on by the public.

”

and for the country at large. We now want to open up more opportunities to veterans and servicemembers who want to compete. Currently, we can only send a few dozen competitors to participate in international Games; however, we have thousands who want to participate in adaptive sport as part of their healing and recovery.

Burns went on to say, “following the U.S. example, a national Games would allow us to accommodate the growing demand and give the country a rare opportunity to celebrate the sacrifices and service of our Veterans, servicemembers and their families every two years.”

The games will also be a unique opportunity to talk about mental health issues that impact far too many of them. It will also be an opportunity for the Forces to highlight the incredible contributions of women in the Canadian Armed Forces. Currently, women make up about 13 per cent of the Forces; however, they have historically made up about 30 per cent of Team Canada at the Invictus Games. The Valour Games also have men and women competing together on team sports – which is a first for any games.

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Moreover, the funding raised for the games will be spent here in Canada supporting our veterans, servicemembers and their families and not diverted on expensive licensing fees to acquire the rights to host foreign games.

Canadian Forces veteran and paraathlete Mike Trauner sees the benefit of sport for healing. Trauner lost his legs to a roadside bomb blast in Afghanistan.

After years of recovery, he was encouraged by Prince Harry to compete and put his energies and efforts into getting into top shape. It paid off. Trauner won two gold medals at the Invictus Games.

Trauner believes that the upcoming Valour Games will benefit all veterans. He says that soldiers “get really bogged down about what happened to them during the war and past experiences and trauma.” Trauner goes on to say that the games give veterans new purpose and something to aspire to: “You start focusing on that and you stop focusing on the bad stuff, you also get a lot of peer support from new friends.”

According to a recent poll conducted

by Maru Group, public support for the Valour Games is significant. Ninetythree per cent of Canadians polled said a domestic version of the Invictus Games is important to have in Canada.

Eighty-nine per cent said they support Canada’s Valour Games.

The Canadian military and veterans have also shown strong support for a domestic competition. More than veterans have already applied to participate in adaptive sports.

“

will be held during the week to assist active-duty members of the Armed Forces in seeing what employment opportunities there are when they consider transitioning to the private sector. The Canadian Institute for Military and Veteran Health Research will also host a symposium. More than 1000 researchers, clinicians, academics and mental health care professionals will highlight the work being done across Canada at more than 25 academic and research institutions to help improve the mental and physical health of our veterans, military personnel and their families.

With ten venues spread across the two cities and the influx of participants and spectators, the economic impact of the games will give a much-needed boost to the local economies, which have suffered after two years of economic slowdown.

Trauner fondly recalled the moment he won at the Invictus Games: “I remember when I was doing my rowing, I was directly lined up in front of all the Canadian supporters that were watching, so I had the whole country right in front of my face and all these Canadian flags, and I felt so inspired and overwhelmed that so many people were supporting me and this journey of mine.”

According to Burns, “Canada’s Valour Games has an opportunity to deliver more impact than ever before for our Veterans and their families at a time when they need it most. It will also be one of those rare events that brings the country together, especially as we emerge from the global pandemic that has had an adverse effect on so many Canadians.”

”

The cities of Ottawa-Gatineau will both benefit from hosting the event.

With ten venues spread across the two cities and the influx of participants and spectators, the economic impact of the games will give a much-needed boost to the local economies, which have suffered after two years of economic slowdown.

The 2017 Invictus Games are estimated to have added $60 million in direct spending at Toronto businesses, from spectators and participants alone.

Concurrent with the games, additional non-sporting events will focus on helping veterans and current armed forces members. A multi-faith celebration on the eve of the games will pay tribute to the sacrifices of veterans and their families. A two-day career fair

The Valour Games are now looking to secure support from the federal government for 2023 and the subsequent bi-annual events. This support will augment the multi-million dollar funding commitment announced by the Province of Ontario in November 2020, along with several leading Canadian companies supporting these and future games in Canada.

The games will be an excellent opportunity for a wide array of different communities to come together through sport.

There will be volunteering opportunities and the chance for cultural engagements with the public and with First Nations communities. The accessibility of corporate Canada to engage with the competitors and veterans will also create jobs and new opportunities.

The Valour Games are an incredible occasion for veterans and active-duty members of the Canadian Armed Forces. Relocating the games every two years will allow the added benefit of national remembrance.

If all goes as planned for 2023, the cities of Ottawa and Gatineau can take pride in knowing that they were the first cities in Canada to host a sporting event of this scale for our wounded Canadian troops g canadasvalourgames.ca 33 OTTAWALIFE WINTER/SPRING 2022

profile by Tatum Bergen

Canadian Olympians Chinese Supporters Society

CELEBRATES THE OLYMPICS & CANADIAN ATHLETES While Canadian athletes are giving their best efforts to represent Canada on the world stage in the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, Canada’s Chinese Diaspora are rallying to support them.

In celebration of the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, the Canadian Olympians Chinese Supporters Society (COCSS) invites all Canadians to vote for their favourite Canadian Olympian and Canadian Paralympian of the games.

The athlete and parathlete with the most votes will win a free trip to China with a guest to experience China’s wonders. The athletes will walk (or run) across the Great Wall, stand in the Forbidden City, traverse the Silk Road, and explore Wuhan, Nanjing, and other famous locations. The trip is a chance to make more memories in China’s most enchanting cultural, athletic, and historical sites.

Canadians can participate in the vote and encourage Canadian athletes by visiting canadianolympians.com.

The COCSS is a volunteer group of Canada’s Chinese diaspora

community and broader business sector.

Their purpose is to support Canadian athletes training for and participating in the Olympics and Paralympics.

The contest is their inaugural event– inviting Canadians to join them in supporting the athletes who working hard to represent them.

“The Olympic Winter Games in Beijing will be an important opportunity for Canadian athletes to shine on the world stage,” says Senator Victor Oh. “I believe the Olympic Games are a chance for the power of sport to bring the world together.”

Canadian Members of Parliament and Senate believe COCSS’ work will bring widespread support for Canadian Olympic and Paralympic athletes. “Each time the Olympics come around,” says MP Leah Taylor Roy, “We are reminded how our athletes value this opportunity.

I truly appreciate COCSS’ efforts in supporting our Canadian athletes.

[COCSS] may take great pride in [their] organization’s contributions to the international Olympic spirit.”

The Olympics, founded on three values of excellence, friendship, and respect, creates activities that promote sport, culture, and education to build a better world. It is a purpose that Canadian athletes, and the COCSS, are working towards together.

“From one generation to the next,” says MP Majid Jowhari, “Chinese Canadians have been helping make Canada great and inclusive.” g www.canadianolympians.com

34 OTTAWALIFE WINTER/SPRING 2022

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35 OTTAWALIFE WINTER/SPRING 2022

ask a lawyer by Paul Riley

Divorcing the narcissist I

n the past few years in particular, I have met with numerous clients who have come to our offices determined that they were married to a narcissist and desperately wanting to get out.

In most of those cases, the ex may have been a jerk, a bully, selfish, meanspirited, or unreasonable. It doesn’t mean they were necessarily narcissistic.

A narcissist is often loosely defined as ‘a person who has an excessive interest in or admiration of themselves’. Clearly, that is a rudimentary definition that could easily apply to just about anyone.

True narcissism is a serious mental condition, a personality disorder that can’t be remedied by couples therapy or family intervention.

Traits commonly exhibited can include; a lack of empathy, no regard for the needs of others, pathological lying, and unrealistic fantasies of success, to name a few.

According to the Mayo Clinic, “Narcissists have an inflated sense of their own self-importance and are disproportionately involved in troubled relationships.”

Taking advantage of someone with whom they are married or partnered with comes as easy to a narcissist as breathing.

But behind their facade of extreme confidence resides a frail self-esteem that crumbles under the slightest criticism.

Being married or involved with an individual like that is rife with pain

PHOTO: ISTOCK

“

Dealing with a narcissist in a divorce is unlike dealing with a rationale person and that’s why mediation or a collaborative approach is often futile.

”

and uncertainty for the partner as the narcissist will almost certainly blame them for anything that goes wrong with the relationship.

Divorcing a narcissistic is a process that must be handled strategically lest you’ll be dragged into a quagmire fuelled by a broken individual who will do anything to win. They will always portray themselves as the victim.

Don’t Be Drawn Back In

While going through the divorce process, keep all communication to a minimum. The narcissist will lie, beg, seduce, literally do anything to gain an advantage in the process.

the proceedings, additional court costs, and lay all blame for the dissolution of the marriage at your feet. You can’t be caught surprised by any of this.

Be prepared as they will try and sabotage the whole process.

Hire the Right Lawyer

Dealing with a narcissist in a divorce is unlike dealing with a rational person, and that’s why mediation or a collaborative approach is often futile.

As part of their tactics, they will focus on irrelevant issues. They will repeatedly delay hearings or not show up at all, and if things aren’t going their way, they will eschew subtleties and resort to blatant verbal abuse. You have to retain a lawyer who knows how the mind of a narcissist works. That lawyer will be your best bet in helping you through what will likely be a high conflict proceeding.

Don’t Respond

The right lawyer doesn’t necessarily mean the most aggressive lawyer, as the narcissist will not mind a drawn-out elongating process.

By responding to overtures or showing them that they can still affect you emotionally, that is a big win for them.

Don’t take the bait.

Most importantly, surround yourself with family and friends. People who care about you and will be there for you throughout the process g

Anticipate Desperate Behaviour

By asking for a divorce, you have publicly removed the veil of perfection that the narcissist cloaks themselves in.

They will not take this lightly and will use any tactic they can to cause a delay in

Paul Riley is Managing Director at The Riley Divorce & Family Law Firm. The firm has offices in Toronto, Ottawa and Kawartha Lakes and focuses on getting you out of bad relationships, while protecting what’s most important to you.

37 OTTAWALIFE WINTER/SPRING 2022

close to home far from ordinary by Dan Donovan

Toronto:

WE THE NORTH

T

oronto is the business and investment centre of Canada and the capital of Ontario. It has worldclass universities and colleges and is the headquarters for numerous global companies. Toronto is home Leafs, the Jays, the Toronto FC, and of course, the Raptors, who captured the imagination of the world and redefined Canadian grit with the We the North slogan on their way to beating the Golden State Warriors in June 2019, capturing their first NBA title in franchise history.

The win was akin to the heroics and emotion of the 1972 Canada Cup, which united a city and a country.

Torontonians celebrated that spirit in true north fashion with a massive downtown parade for the ages attended by millions of proud citizens. In hindsight, that moment was the official coming-out party for the ‘new Toronto,’ a 21st-century city that has changed so much in the past three decades that much of it would be unrecognisable to those of that time. And, the change has been magnificent.

Toronto is a harbour city that straddles 46 kilometres along the blustery shores of Lake Ontario from the Rouge River and Scarborough bluffs in the east down to the mouth of Etobicoke Creek in the

38 OTTAWALIFE WINTER/SPRING 2022

west. Today, there are lakefront homes and condominiums that run the span of the lakeshore with beautiful parks, interlocking bike paths that connect to local transit, and ferries to Toronto Island and the Island airport.

Danforth neighbourhood features a treasure trove of exceptional Greek restaurants. The Chinese diaspora is at the top of their food game on Spadina.

Then there are oodles of hip restaurants on Bloor West.

South of the Union Station towards the lakeshore, a complete and modern new part of Toronto has emerged over the past three decades that is full of the energetic lifestyle, arts, recreation, and leisure that can only be found in a big city. And it is glorious in both design, comfort, ease of access, and lifestyle.

Getting to Toronto from Ottawa is easy by plane, train, or automobile. Once there, we checked in to the historic (and glorious) Omni King Edward Toronto at 37 King Street. Built in 1903

by George Gooderham, owner of Gooderham and Worts Limited, once the largest distillers in Canada, the King Edward was the most glamourous hotel of its day and was advertised as being completely fireproof.

Forty-five per cent of Torontonians speak a mother tongue besides English or French. This multicultural smorgasbord contributes to the immense diversity of Toronto’s food scene, making it one of the world’s great cuisine cities. Within ten blocks of downtown Toronto, you can choose from a plethora of restaurants offering everything from fabulous Cuban, Indian, Korean, Italian, Portuguese, Thai, Spanish, Malaysian, and other multi-national dishes.

Toronto’s

The Omni King Edward remains one of the city’s premier luxury hotels. Over the years it has hosted many famous guests: Richard Burton proposed to Elizabeth here while John Lenon and Yoko Ono stayed before heading to Montreal for their famous bed-in for peace.

Today, the ‘King Edward’ has been reimagined for the 21st century. The

ABOVE: (CLOCWISE FROM TOP LEFT) Looking east towards the CN Tower with new contruction all around. Front Street in Toronto on a snowy morning. Planet Ice exhibition at the Ontario Science Centre. The Ontario Satellite Reef at the Ontario Science Centre is a communitybased art installation. (PHOTOS: OLM STAFF)

superb and friendly staff combined with an elegant and modern atmosphere that respects the history and old-world charm help make this hotel unique. It caters to a business crowd during the week and families on the weekend.

With four ballrooms, it is a popular wedding venue. It’s fourth floor Crystal Ballroom is one of the most spectacular spaces in Toronto.

The King Edward is close to the city’s top attractions, including St. Laurence Market, the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, Eaton Centre, Distillery District (made up of the former buildings of Gooderham and Worts Limited), and some of Toronto’s best restaurants and shopping.

Start your day at the King Edward with one of their popular breakfasts in the dining room or linger over tea and finger sandwiches during afternoon tea—a long-standing Toronto social tradition.

Cap off your night with drinks at the wonderfully elegant and comfortable Consort Bar. If you missed the Immersive Van Gogh Experience, which took Ottawa by storm last summer, catch it until the end of May at 1 Yonge Street. The stunning projection animates Van

Big Smoke restaurants you need to know about: 1.Pho Hung Restaurant • 350 Spadina Ave., Toronto Vietnamese a local favourite with incredible atmosphere, noodles, and pho.

2. Ten Miles BBQ • 359 Spadina Ave., Toronto, Northern Chinese cuisines at its finest . . . delicious.

3. Vietnam Lovely Noodle • 378 Bloor St W, Toronto Vietnamese pho and noodles at exceptional prices.

4. Astoria Shish Kebob House • 390 Danforth Ave, Toronto You will get a flavour of the Danforth here with some of the best Greek food in Canada!

5. Belfast Love Public House • 548 King St W, Toronto Elegant Pub Style - one of my favourite pubs in Toronto. The atmosphere is superb.

6. Korean Grill House • 754 Yonge St, Toronto Korean BBQ is a bucket list experience for anyone. This is a great night out with superb meats, excellent service at superb prices.

7. Hemingway’s Restaurant • 142 Cumberland St, Toronto Pub-style comfort in the Yorkville area.

8. Dim Sum King Seafood Restaurant • 421 Dundas St W one of the best Chinese restaurants in the big smoke. Don’t miss it!

9. Anejo Restaurant • 600 King Street W Mexican does get any better anywhere . . . even in Mexico. Go here and thank me later.

10. Frans Restaurant• 20 College Street.

A diner legend still, after 77years.

Gogh’s brushstrokes, detail, and colours of his works, from his sunny landscapes and night scenes to his portraits and still life.

staff who offer hands-on experiences, whether it’s looking at bugs up close (yikes) or learning about the importance of science in our lives and communities.

Take the time in Toronto to visit one of the many museums. I revisited an old favourite, the Ontario Science Centre, which has welcomed more than 49 million visitors since it opened in 1969.

It remains one of the great destination sites of Toronto. Kids and families love this place with its exciting and educational exhibitions that inform us in simple ways about complex things in science and nature. The best part is the

I especially liked an exhibit that showed the advances in sports equipment over the past 100 years. There is so much to do and see here that you’ll need to plan to stay for three or four hours. Until April 2022, catch the Canadian debut of phenomenal Bug Lab exhibit brought to life by the set designers from Lord of the Rings. Oh, and did I mention it has an OMNIMAX theatre that is showing the new IMAX film Asteroid Hunters, narrated by Daisy Ridley.

One of the great surprises of this trip to Toronto was visiting the Aga Khan Museum, which presents an overview of the artistic, intellectual, and scientific contributions Muslim civilizations have LEFT: (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP)

The grand lobby of the Omni King Edward Hotel. A detail of the incredible original plaster mouldings that adorn the ceiling of the main floor ballroom. Light streaming in the windows of the beautiful fourth-floor Crystal Ballroom. The King Street entrance to the Omni King Edward Hotel in Toronto.

(PHOTOS: OLM STAFF)

39 OTTAWALIFE WINTER/SPRING 2022

LEFT TO RIGHT: The Ontario Science Centre remains a fun destination for all ages. A walk through the different pods of the Bug Lab brings the marvels of the incredible world of entomology to life. (PHOTOS: OLM STAFF)

made to world heritage. The Museum’s permanent collection of over 1,000 objects includes masterpieces that reflect a broad range of artistic styles and materials. Persian culture’s breathtaking history, ingenuity, and contributions to the world and civilization are captured marvelously in this hallowed place.

The curator’s newest exhibit is Hidden Stories. I could have easily spent more time here and plan to return (agakhanmuseum.org). When you visit, I highly recommend you start by having lunch at the world-class Diwan Restaurant, which is located inside the entrance to the museum. Restaurateur Mark McEwan and his team have brought a passion for quality and innovation to Diwan. Lunch here was one of the highlights of our trip. Try the Lamb Suya; it is simply superb!

Off of Cherry Street and Mill Street, Toronto’s Distillery District is a yearround pedestrian-only enclave, set in quaint 19th-century buildings that once housed a large whiskey distillery.

Its 19th-century brick stone buildings and cobblestone streets are lined with cool bars, coffee shops, boutiques, and hip indie restaurants. Art lovers come for the galleries, outdoor sculptures, and dance or see music and stage performances. In December, the annual Toronto Christmas Market

takes over the streets of this entire area, and it becomes a magical place called Distillery Winter Village. A 55-foot-tall (and brightly lit) Christmas tree is at the center of it all.

After visiting, take a 10-minute walk to Gusto 501 at 501 King Street East in Toronto’s Corktown neighbourhood.

I had previously visited their sister restaurant Gusto 101, which is the creation of the renowned Toronto restaurateur Janet Zuccarini. Her takes on Italian fare don’t disappoint. Impressive is the cool and stylish atmosphere and design of this place by award-winning architecture firm PARTISANS. The terracotta walls are unique, and an oversized “garage door” façade opens to reveal a multi-level dining theatre.

Toronto is a cycling city, and you can’t go wrong taking a bike tour at any time of the year. From the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal in the heart of the city, you’re just minutes away from the Toronto Islands—a five-kilometre oasis of 15 interconnected islands that locals have been escaping to for fun, relaxation, and tranquillity for over 200 years. Our Toronto Bicycle Tours guide (torontobicycletours.com)

was well versed in the beauty, history, and attractions of the islands (known locally as “the island”), which also has a quaint cottage-style residential neighbourhood—the largest car-free community in North America. You must see the stunning views of the city skyline from the Island. Another trip highlight for sure!

Be sure to visit The Evergreen Brick Works outdoor skating rink, which weaves through snow-covered gardens under exposed beams from the roof of the old brick factory. In 2010, Evergreen transformed a collection of deteriorating heritage buildings into a global showcase for green design and an award-winning public space.

Another great option is the Bentway outdoor rink directly underneath the Gardiner Expressway in front of Old Fort York Park. As I skated here on a frost-chilled night with the sounds of the city in the background and the happy smiles of the locals in the foreground as they traversed around the ice, I thought . . . how innovative and wonderful.

Only in Toronto. We The North g

LEFT: (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP) The clean lines and minimalism of the architecture

lend the Aga Khan Museum a sense of serenity. A 19th Century Uzbekistan chapan (robe) worn by either men or women. An intricately carved Oliphant (ivory horn) made between the 11th and 13th centuries. A late 18th century Qur’an is one of a large collection of illuminated manuscripts at the museum. Lunch at Diwan was a most delicious affair. (PHOTOS: OLM STAFF) 40 OTTAWALIFE WINTER/SPRING 2022

travel by Darcy Rhyno

Big Ocean Country:

Sou’West Nova Scotia

“D

umping Day” in Southwest Nova Scotia is the last Monday in November. In harbours from Lockeport around the southwestern tip to Digby, thousands of small fishing boats wait, their engines humming, their decks piled high with hundreds of traps, their crews chomping at the bit, to get to work.

The weather is critical to the start of any dumping day – any wind and dumping day has to be delayed. Families, friends, and curious on-lookers gather on the wharves to wish the crews a safe and prosperous season, which extends through winter and the February-long Nova Scotia Lobster Crawl festival to the end of May. Half of Canada’s $1.5-billion annual lobster catch is landed in Nova Scotia. Over half of the Maritimes 3,000 lobster licenses are fished in Sou’west Nova Scotia.

with fresh seafood. In summer, visitors are encouraged to walk the wharves and strike up conversations with a fisher who might be repairing a boat or just docking after a fun afternoon fishing for mackerel with rod and reel.

Along the coast, sentinels of old that guided fishers to safe haven like the Sandy Point Lighthouse—at low tide, walk right up to it across a sandbar— make for great photos. Climb to the top of the replica Cape Sable Lighthouse in Barrington and marvel at the feat of engineering it took to build its giant lens. The tall “apple core” Cape Forchu Lighthouse at the mouth of Yarmouth

“

A fishery this large translates into a lively culture and a built heritage that makes this part of Nova Scotia worth visiting year round. Dockside restaurants specialize in dishes made

ABOVE: Lobster fishing in Southwest Nova Scotia. (PHOTO: TOURISM NOVA SCOTIA) Cape Forchu Lighthouse, Yarmouth.

(PHOTO: TOURISM NOVA SCOTIA/@DAVEYANDSKY)

Out on the Bay of Fundy beyond the lighthouses, whales breach and blow as they hunt for fish and phytoplankton.

Whale watching tours depart from Long Island and Brier Island off the tip of Digby Neck, a narrow peninsula pushing into the bay. Guiding services like those offered by East Coast Paddle Company and Candlebox Kayaking get visitors out on the protected waters of places like the Tusket Islands and in the sprawling inland Tobeatic Wilderness Area for paddling and catered picnics.

Half of Canada’s $1.5-billion annual lobster catch is landed in Nova Scotia.

”

Harbour has a whale skeleton on display and was the site for the filming of the 2018 movie The Lighthouse starring Willem Dafoe.

Pick up a self-guided birding brochure from a local visitor centre to enjoy some of the best bird watching in Canada. These shores and forests sit on major migration routes. The guide provides birders all the information they need like public viewing sites and the best time to see some of the region’s nearly 400 species.

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PHOTO: TOURISM NOVA SCOTIA /MEGAN HIRONS

LEFT: Black Loyalist Heritage Centre, Birchtown. BOTTOM: The Digby Pines Golf

Resort & Spa.

river and transforms raw fleece into yarn. In Wild Axe Park behind the mill, the Lumberjack Experience—log rolling, pole climbing, sawing, and axe throwing—makes for a fun afternoon.

Boxing Rock Brewery in Shelburne serves Wild Axe Beer in honour of the experience and occasionally hosts axe throwing workshops outside their taproom.

The rich cultural diversity of Sou’west Nova Scotia surprises many visitors.

Much of the coastline is known as the Acadian Shores for its many French communities. In summer, folk music and energetic festivals complement traditional foods like rappie pie—a hearty potato and meat dish—popular in local Acadian restaurants. The tallest wooden church in North America, the magnificent Église Sainte-Marie, stands as a welcoming beacon at Church Point.

PHOTO: TOURISM NOVA SCOTIA

The Black Loyalist Heritage Centre in Birchtown near Shelburne fills in a missing chapter in the story of slavery.

At the national historic site, walk on a glass floor in the interpretation centre’s exhibition room flooded by light from a wall of windows. Below are displayed some of the 16,000 artefacts discovered

nearby that date from the 1780s when thousands of freed and escaped slaves arrived here after the American Revolution. In the years that followed, many made their way from here to Africa where they founded Freetown, the capital of Sierre Leone.

The region has a wealth of unique museum experiences. At the Firefighters’ Museum in Yarmouth, check out the exhibits of immaculately preserved equipment and vehicles. See Canada’s oldest fire pumper, a 1750s Newsham, at the Shelburne County Museum.

Inside the Dory Shop in Shelburne, help build a dory, a two-person rowboat launched from fishing schooners in the age of sail. The Barrington Woolen Mill at the museum complex in Barrington built in 1882 is powered by the passing

There’s no shortage of classy accommodations when visiting Sou’west Nova Scotia either. Luxurious Trout Point Lodge deep in mature Acadian forest offers star gazing, forest bathing, saunas, fishing, and paddling, as well as sensational cuisine. The Digby Pines Golf Resort and Spa has been the go-to for golfers since 1929. Steeped in history, the Cooper’s Inn in Shelburne dates from 1785 and sits across the street from the Barrel Factory, one of the world’s last small scale wooden barrel makers. Across the harbour, The Islands Provincial Park is a popular destination for campers. The larger Ellenwood Lake Provincial Park has almost 300 sites and offers the best of lakeside camping.

At sunrise on Dumping Day, the harbours empty of boats and the great lobster season of Sou’west Nova Scotia begins. So too does the annual cycle of life in this part of the province, nicknamed Canada’s Ocean Playground. Life revolves around the fishery and the seasons. The welcome mat is out all year round for visitors to share in the wealth of fresh seafood, rich cultural experiences, grand landscapes, and exciting activities on the water.

This is big ocean country where big memories are made g Visit www.novascotia.com to begin planning your next getaway today!

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PHOTO: TATUM BERGEN

travel by Mckenzie Donovan

The archaeological site of Karaha Tepe sits on the rolling hillsid near the Turkish-Syrian bord (PHOTO: Kubilay Akdemi

Travel through the cradle of civilization IN GAZIANTEP AND URFA

Şanliurfa is a city many in Canada have never heard of, and that’s extremely unfortunate. A week in Turkey exploring the oldest man-made structures ever found will leave you with an impression few other destinations can replicate.

Known by locals as Urfa, Şalinurfa is a city of holy pilgrimage near the Syrian border and home to two million inhabitants. Unlike its neighbours in Iraq or Syria, Urfa is a moderate metropolis of modernity with westernstyle shopping malls and infrastructure that co-exists with mosques that date back to the height of the Ottoman Empire’s rule. Vibrant stores and bazaar areas are filled with colour, and the smells of baklava, Turkish coffee and kebab, radiate everywhere. Here you will find some of the best street PHOTOS: MCKENZIE DONOVAN

food sold at low prices by humble sellers in modest stands or shops.

Urfa’s residents are among the kindest ABOVE: (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP) One of the

most visited places in Şanliurfa, Balıklıgöl is known in Jewish and Islamic legend as the place where King Nimrod threw the Prophet Abraham into a fire. Cruise the Euphrates and take in the sunken city of Halfeti. The Gypsy Girl, the oldest mosaic known to man, was returned to Turkey after being smuggled to the U.S.

people anywhere. Asking for directions will inevitably lead to being invited for tea either at their home or business, as happened to me on three separate occasions on just my first day. While visiting, we stayed at the centrally located Nevali Hotel. It provides topclass service and has a beautiful view of the city’s hills.

The greater Urfa area has been constantly inhabited by humans since the early Neolithic era, more than 12,000 years ago. To get a sense of the region’s history, start your journey with a visit to the Şanliurfa Archeology Museum—a world-class institution showing human development from the stone age era of the caveman into the early pre-pottery 43 OTTAWALIFE WINTER/SPRING 2022

Neolithic period when homo sapiens began to settle into a community-based stationary lifestyle.

Using some of the world’s oldest historical artifacts, the museum intricately details the origins of human civilization in the Neolithic era. Upon entering the first gallery, a statue known as the Urfa Man stares at you with black obsidian eyes.

Believed to be at least 9,500 years old, it is the oldest human form statue ever discovered and absolutely stunning in some of its details.

Other artifacts include the stones tools found in the area and carvings made in soap and limestone. Also, there are early jewelry items and animal totems of species that were hunted or farmed by the Neolithic settlers. Perhaps the most interesting statue shows a man carrying a large predatory cat. Experts believe that the creature’s restful posture and facial expression depict the beginning of a more symbiotic relationship between man and animal.

TOP TO BOTTOM: Göbekli Tepe dates back to the dawn

of the Neolithic period and is thought to be the oldest permanent human settlement anywhere in the world.

The 9,500-year-old sculpture, Urfa Man is one of the key artifacts at the Şalinurfa Archeology Museum.

The still-inhabited beehive-shaped homes of Harran have existed for millennia. Located on the bank of the Euphrates River, the ruins of the Rumkale (or Roman) Fortress merge almost seemlessly into the surrounding cliffs—a testament to the skill of the expert builders.

The museum also contains life-sized replicas of nearby Neolithic ruins that the guests can walk inside to get a perspective on their scale, something you cannot do when visiting the archeological sites.

A five-minute walk from the museum is the city centre of Urfa. Home to the Balıklıgöl, a canal or pool full of large carp considered holy in Islam, it is a picturesque sight to behold. Mythology says that when the Prophet Abraham was cast into the fire by King Nimrod for not partaking in the worship of idols, the flames turned into the canal’s water and the wood in the fire became the fish that still swim in there today.

The cave that the Prophet Abraham was born in, according to Islamic mythology, is located in the Mevlid-i Halil Mosque a couple of hundred meters away, and the locals are very accepting of all who wish to see the site.

The centre of Urfa is unbelievably beautiful, and there is a true sense of wonder in the air when first seeing it.

Walking through it, you cannot help but think you are in the court of an Ottoman Sultan. It is magical in a way that’s hard to describe.

PHOTOS: MCKENZIE DONOVAN

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Turkey, located at the crossroads between Europe and Asia, has had dozens of civilizations inhabit the territory that the modern Turkish state encompasses.

Still, more fascinating is that the oldest signs of human society on the planet are in Turkey and all relatively close to Urfa.

Fifteen kilometers from Urfa is the site of Göbekli Tepe, now a UNESCO world heritage site. The remains of the structures found at the site are from at least 10,000 BCE. Incredibly, a local farmer found small rock statues and turned them over to a local museum, leading to German archeologist Klaus Schmidt beginning excavations at the site.

At the top of a massive hill, under a newly erected cover to preserve the ruins, excavations are ongoing. Four enclosures that were once primitive buildings make up the covered area of the site. Ground radar scans point to dozens more sites yet to be uncovered in and around the area.

Large T-shapes chiseled out of limestone stand everywhere. It’s hypothesized that the inhabitants used them for supporting roofing.

These structural remains are well preserved, and carvings found on the sides of the posts are still observable to the naked eye from several stories up.

Walking the path around the site is a nearly surreal experience, and you cannot help but ponder the origins of human civilization as you stare down into the ruins. Göbekli Tepe is also home to an advanced visitors centre with an interactive display and a historical exhibit on Neolithic humanity.

About an hour outside Urfa sits an older archeological site, Karahan Tepe. Opened to the public in the fall of 2021, Karahan Tepe sits on the rolling hillsides near the TurkishSyrian border. The permanence of this site is its most fascinating aspect.

Stone benches carved out of the limestone walls still sit amongst the bricks and pillars left by the site’s creators. Most captivating and exciting is the large chamber carved into the limestone. Now open to the sky, the T-shaped columns that protrude out

of the ground were part of what our guide said is believed to be a ritual site or temple. The creators’ integral carvings can still be seen on the walls.

Karahan Tepe is so intriguing.

Archeologists excavating the area believe that the site predates human agricultural settlements and was ultimately filled in before it was abandoned.

Located about an hour south of Urfa stands the ruins of the ancient city of Harran. It was a vital trading post during the Mesopotamian era through to the beginning of the early Islamic age when it became an academic centre. The ruins of the Harran University, thought to be the oldest in the world, stand on the planes.

“

Urfa is where civilization and Abrahamic faith started, but it is the Turkish spirit as well as the people that will see me return.

”

Ethnic Arabs inhabit the village of Harran today and live in beehiveshaped mud homes that are only found in this part of Turkey. Although relatively primitive in appearance, they provide insulation during the hot and cold months and have electricity.

The simple complexity and continued habitation of the homes are fascinating.

Harran gives a glimpse of a people living between modern and ancient times. Stepping inside a beehive house and seeing how the residents have lived for millennia is eye-opening.

The next stop was Halfeti, a small town on the Euphrates River, and a riverboat ride to see the underwater mosque whose minaret sticks out of the water.

The sight is bizarre and scenic at the same time. The spectacle is the result of a 1999 dam construction project that flooded part of the Halfeti area.

While cruising down the Euphrates River, the vast Rumkale Fortress from the Greco-Roman era stands

out like an iceberg, with a large cross still visible in the masonry. The boat trip was a magical experience, only made better by the delicious Kebab lunch at local restaurant Başkanın Yeri with a fantastic view that sat floating off the shore of the ancient river.

West of Halfeti is Gaziantep. Home to two million Turks, it is a sprawling lively city with a castle at the centre of town and vibrant streets selling anything a person can think of. For central accommodation and excellent service, look at the Tugcan Hotel. It is close to the exciting nightlife, great clubs, and restaurants.

A must-see when visiting Gaziantep is the Zeugma Mosaic Museum. Named after the city of Zeugma, a Greek then Roman city that has long disappeared, the museum features what may be the most famous mosaic in the world, the “Gypsy girl.” The eyes of the Roman-era piece appear to stare at you from anywhere in the room, much like the Mona Lisa. It’s worth traveling to the museum to see this masterpiece of antiquity and the dozens of Hellenistic and Roman-era mosaics. There is truly no place in the world that comes close to this museum.

Urfa and Gaziantep are two worldclass cities for the historically minded traveler and easily match up to Rome or Cairo in their significance to human history. What makes it even better is the Turkish food, which is among the most delicious I have experienced in my travels. Everything is fresh, and trying a dish often is like eating for the first time.

Even better is the charm of the average Turkish person. It is a nation of wonderfully kind people who want to show you the best of their country and offer abundant hospitality and friendliness while making sure you’re enjoying.

Urfa is where civilization and Abrahamic faith started, but it is the Turkish spirit as well as the people that will see me return g For more information visit Go Turkey Tourism at www. goturkiye.com/ 45 OTTAWALIFE WINTER/SPRING 2022

DREAMS SOAR ALONG

the Bay of Fundy Shorelines in Nova Scotia

S

tepping onto the ocean floor of the Bay of Fundy in Nova Scotia to take your seat at a proudly local sumptuous three-course feast feels like a promise kept—a promise for one-of-a-kind adventures that get your heart pumping in the best ways.

One of the most exhilarating and fun things you can do to experience the phenomenon is tidal bore rafting on the

ABOVE: Dining on the Ocean Floor at

Burntcoat Head Park. RIGHT: Tidal bore rafting on the Shubenacadie River.

For another epic ‘pinch me’ moment, book onto the Dining on the Ocean Floor experience at Burntcoat Head Park in the Minas Basin where on select PHOTO: TOURISM NOVA SCOTIA/TIDAL BORE RAFTING RESORT

The Bay of Fundy, named one of the Seven Natural Wonders of North America, has created geology and marine diversity unlike anywhere else, and with it, matchless Bay of Fundy moments. Perhaps yours will come riding horseback and scouring sea cliffs and shorelines for millions-of-years-old fossils, gasping at breaching whales, or overnighting on a deserted island to watch the Bay of Fundy’s powerful tides—the highest in the world—fill and empty, a natural phenomenon that sees some 160 million tonnes of seawater sweep in and out twice a day, every day.

Shubenacadie River, where the Bay of Fundy’s incoming tides meet up with outgoing currents, crashing, careening, and temporarily reversing the flow of the river to create some roaring, soaring waves of up to four metres that guests can ride with experienced river guides at a number of local tour companies.

You’ll bag bragging rights—and a lifelong memory—of climbing aboard a Zodiac to ride the rushing tides, an experience only found in Nova Scotia.

Tide conditions and time of day let you opt for a milder or wilder ride depending on your preference. Adding to the fun? That’d be the chance to go mud sliding along the riverbanks.

(and tide-dependent) dates each year, guests feast on a three-course meal of Nova Scotia’s finest flavours, paired with local wine and beer all backdropped by red sandstone cliffs, blue waters, and invigorating sea air. It’s surreal to see tables jauntily set on a seabed where water flowed hours before—and will flow again in mere hours. Adding to the magic, the event offers opportunities to learn about local wild edibles, to see fossils and tidal creatures, and to end with a campfire on the tidal flats watching incoming tides.

Another neat way to get up and personal with the Bay of Fundy tides is to plan to stay overnight on your own private island, hunkering in to witness the tidal cycle’s dramatic changes in its entirety.

If this sounds appealing (yes, please!) check out Nova Shores Adventures Seal

PHOTO: TOURISM NOVA SCOTIA / ACORN ART & PHOTOGRAPHY

travel by Shelley Cameron McCarron

There are so many cool ways to experience the Bay of Fundy. Around Digby Neck, a narrow peninsula in the Bay of Fundy, and surrounding Brier Island and Long Island, book one of the local whale watching cruises and expect goosebumps galore as you scan the waters for these majestic, wild creatures.

It’s one of the best places in Atlantic Canada to go whale watching as the plankton-rich waters draw an impressive marine crowd, including humpback, finback, and the North American Right Whale. Local operators are also known to focus on research efforts.

In Tiverton, a small village on Long Island, you can board The Second Secret, a 43x15 foot lobster fishing boat, to try your hand at hauling in a trap, banding a lobster and learning about the industry with Bay of Fundy Scenic Lobster Tours. They stop too at spectacular Bay of Fundy viewpoints giving passengers dreamy water vantages of landmarks like the famed Balancing Rock, Boar’s Head Lighthouse, Whale Cove Harbor, and, of course, seals out on the rocks.

With over 15 kilometres of worldsignificant, fossil-studded cliffs and pounding Bay of Fundy tides that continually expose new discoveries, the Joggins Fossil Cliffs UNESCO World Heritage Site is a glorious place to explore. Its sea cliffs hold the world’s finest examples of the “Coal Age” fossils dating back over 310 million years (yes, predating dinosaurs!) Step into this world, marveling and learning, and taking advantage of excursions such as the guided, 90-minute Explorer’s Experience Beach Tour. Who knows what stories the rocks may reveal?

Cool experiences abound too within the Cliffs of Fundy UNESCO Geopark.

Here, you can book a small, customized group tour with Local Guy Adventures,

PHOTO: TOURISM NOVA SCOTIA / SOAR PHOTO: TOURISM NOVA SCOTIA / ACORN ART & PHOTOGRAPHY

Cove 2 Day Adventure, where you can drift to sleep in a tent on secluded Seal Cove with the water lapping near your site, then wake to a huge beach exposed when the tide recedes. The adventure launches from Spicer’s Cove, near Advocate Harbour, and takes visitors into Cape Chignecto Park, all while serving up such fun as kayaking, hiking, and eagle spotting along the way.

ABOVE: (TOP TO BOTTOM) Whale watching

in the Bay of Fundy. Horseback riding on the shores of the Bay of Fundy with Spirit Reins Ranch

Horseback Tidal Floor & Fossil Tour where riders clip along the ocean floor to Wasson Bluff, a site of significance where 200-million-year-old dinosaur fossils were discovered. As you ride across the Minas Basic, be sure to keep an eye out for sea creatures, shorebirds, sweet views and more.

Also, within the Geopark, rockhounds will dig the Eldon George Rock and Mineral Tour, a three-hour geological discovery jaunt along the Parrsboro shore, revealing (and reveling in) Nova Scotia’s geology and mineralogy history and visiting Jurassic Beach—the site of Canada’s oldest dinosaurs!

The nearby Fundy Geological Museum in Parrsboro also offers several guided tours, including the Fossils on Horseback Overnight Getaway (a horseback tour to their fossil dig site packaged with overnight accommodations) and the 200 Million Trail Ride Day Tour (a day version of the horseback tour).

Launching this year will be Family Fossil Fun at Five Islands, a hands-on, expert-led tour of the geo/paleo story at Five Islands Provincial Park designed for families, as well as the Shoreline Sensations at Wa’so’q, which will see visitors explore the landscape at nearby Partridge Island via art and local foods g

Just outside Parrsboro, Spirit Reins Ranch tour offerings include a

Visit www.novascotia.com to begin planning your next getaway today!

where perhaps you’ll opt for the waterfall hike, a guided excursion that brings you to one of only three slot canyons in the province.

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