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.

First Nations urged to boycott BC’s ‘DISINGENUOUS’ forestry plan

National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

First Nations should boycott BC’s current consultation process around modernizing the province’s forestry policy, an Indigenous forestry advisory organization recommends. 

The short timeline and the nature of the consultation process offered by the province is disingenuous, said Chief Bill Williams, president of the BC First Nations Forestry Council (FNFC). 

Continue reading First Nations urged to boycott BC’s ‘DISINGENUOUS’ forestry plan

Sacred journey exhibit celebrates Indigenous canoe culture

National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Nations and families from far-flung parts of coastal B.C. gathered to launch the Sacred Journey exhibit and celebrate the enduring importance of Indigenous canoe culture that stretches across the Pacific Northwest coast.

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Green coalition challenges Canadian forestry certification as ‘sustainable’

National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The fact clear-cutting at-risk ancient forests continues apace in British Columbia indicates Canadian forestry certification standards assuring consumers lumber products are sustainable are a mockery and need to be investigated, says a coalition of environmentalists.

Continue reading Green coalition challenges Canadian forestry certification as ‘sustainable’

BC expanding safe supply to check overdose deaths

National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The B.C. government is expanding access to safe supply to provide more pharmaceutical alternatives to people who use drugs to curb skyrocketing deaths due to the toxic street supply.

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Oyster & Clam sectors burned during heat wave

National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Dave Nikleva walks the shoreline of a Cortes Island beach nudging oysters with the toe of his boot.

“Dead. Dead. Dead,” Nikleva mutters as he goes along.

The shellfish farmer stoops over to pick up one bigger specimen for inspection before tossing it back on the beach.

The stench along this stretch of Gorge Harbour at low tide is tremendous. But it was even worse two weeks ago when a record-breaking heat wave cooked thousands upon thousands of oysters in their shells in the final days of June.

Continue reading Oyster & Clam sectors burned during heat wave