All posts by Rochelle Baker

Rochelle Baker is a staff reporter with Canada’s National Observer, thanks thanks to a grant from the Local Journalism Initiative of the Government of Canada. She previously worked as a newspaper reporter and photographer in BC’s Lower Mainland for over 7 years.
Community

Tiny B.C. coast community launches its first official Pride celebration

National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A colourful crowd emitting bursts of laughter and bubbles assembled at the elementary school on Quadra Island as the small B.C. coastal community gathered to celebrate the Discovery Islands’ first Pride event on Sunday.  

The festival celebrating 2SLGBTQ+ people and allies on Quadra, Cortes, Read and other neighbouring B.C. islands got underway at noon sharp. Participants young and old streamed from the school grounds to march the two blocks that comprise Quathiaski Cove’s main drag before arriving at the village green for a family-friendly party. 

Continue reading Tiny B.C. coast community launches its first official Pride celebration →
Rivers & Oceans, Water

Reflections on the extraordinary power of slow water

National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The advance of the climate crisis, marked by its extremes — droughts or deluges, fires or floods — makes abundantly clear the human habit of trying to contain and control water isn’t working. 

For her new book, Water Always Wins, National Geographic Explorer Erica Gies criss-crossed the globe, witnessing some of the unanticipated results of modern society’s preference for engineered solutions. 

Continue reading Reflections on the extraordinary power of slow water →
Community, Indigenous Nations

Jody Wilson-Raybould awarded Order of B.C. for being ‘a force for change’

National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Jody Wilson-Raybould is among 14 outstanding British Columbians awarded the province’s highest honour on Monday for exceptional contributions to society. 

The Order of British Columbia is often granted in the twilight of an illustrious career, but Wilson-Raybould, Canada’s first federal Indigenous justice minister and twice-elected regional chief of the BC Assembly of First Nations, is just hitting her stride as she continues to be a force for reconciliation in Canada. 

Continue reading Jody Wilson-Raybould awarded Order of B.C. for being ‘a force for change’ →
Health

Alert Bay residents worried as overnight ER services shut down for two weeks

National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A remote B.C. island community is anxious as it faces a two-week overnight closure of its local emergency room due to the ongoing medical staffing crisis across the province. 

Island Health announced the closure of Alert Bay ER in the Cormorant Island Community Health Centre from 7 p.m. to 8 a.m. nightly, which started Tuesday and will last until Aug. 16.  

Continue reading Alert Bay residents worried as overnight ER services shut down for two weeks →
Rivers & Oceans, Waste

West Coast infrastructure is on the rise to stem the wave of ocean plastics

National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Editor’s note: FOCI volunteers carried out a ‘Mother’s Day Beach Clean-up of the beach between Hollyhock and Seaford Road, Cortes Island on May 9, 2022.

Coastal community cleanup groups on eastern Vancouver Island have been itching for the opening of B.C.’s newest ocean debris recycling depot. 

The Cumberland site, operated by Comox Strathcona Waste Management (CSWM) in partnership with the Ocean Legacy Foundation, opened in mid-June to tackle the tonnes of plastic washing ashore in the region, said Stephanie Valdal, CSWM’s waste management services co-ordinator. 

Continue reading West Coast infrastructure is on the rise to stem the wave of ocean plastics →