National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The emerald shores and unspoiled bays of the Octopus Islands Marine Park are a longtime haven and popular destination for boaters and kayakers exploring the beauty of B.C.’s Inside Passage.
Continue reading Octopus Islands Marine Park is 20 hectares largerNational Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
First Nations culture along B.C.’s West Coast is rooted in the majestic and monumental cedar tree.
Known as the “Tree of Life,” cedar has a multitude of uses for coastal peoples, says Na̲nwak̲olas Council president Dallas Smith.
But more than a century of industrial old-growth logging has mowed down these forest giants that can live for thousands of years, putting the shared spiritual and cultural well-being of First Nations at risk, Smith said.
Continue reading Na̲nwak̲olas council strikes agreement to protect sacred cedarsNational Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
A West Coast MP is urging Ottawa to craft a transition plan with those affected by the potential employment and economic impacts of a recent decision to phase out fish farms in the Discovery Islands.
Continue reading MP Rachel Blaney wants a transition plan for fish farm workersNational Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Should you find yourself walking any West Coast beaches this winter, take a moment to send loving vibes to the tiny — but mighty important — little fishes that may be underfoot, a Cortes Island marine biologist recommends.
It’s peak spawning season for the Pacific sand lance, one of the crucial forage fish species being mapped as part of an extensive citizen science project along the east coast of Vancouver Island, says Sabina Leader Mense, the marine stewardship co-ordinator for the Friends of Cortes Island Society (FOCI).
Continue reading Mapping forage fish on Cortes IslandNational Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
As far as climate change and human health are concerned, no wood stove is the best wood stove, according to some experts.
Continue reading The burning question: airborne pollutants from wood stoves?
