Tag Archives: Bute Inlet

History

At the Cortes Island Museum: Fossils Left by the Last Glacial Age

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The story of fossils left during the last glacial period is currently on display at the Cortes Island Museum. They are Buchia mussels, Belemnites, and Ammonites—creatures that lived in the Chilcotin region at the same time as the dinosaurs. The rocks containing their fossils were relatively undisturbed for nearly 130 million years. Then, during the last glaciation period, fragments broke off and were carried to Cortes, Read, Sonora, and other Discovery Islands.

In this morning’s interview, Christian Gronau, a retired geologist and Cortes Island resident, tells their story.

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Rivers & Oceans

Threat of oxygen-poor ‘dead zones’ surfacing on BC central coast

Canada’s National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The spectre of low-oxygen “dead zones” is surfacing along BC’s Central Coast, threatening the region’s rich marine ecosystems and fisheries. 

Widespread hypoxia — when oxygen levels in the ocean fall below levels required by marine life — is being detected in the deep waters of Queen Charlotte Sound for the first time, said Sam Stevens, an oceanographer at the Hakai Institute and lead author of a new study. 

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Arts, Indigenous Nations History

Public Launch in Campbell River of Homalco First Nation’s Graphic Novel

Xwémalhkwh Hero Stories, was publicly launched at a reception at the Museum at Campbell River on February 27, 2025.  Homalco’s Community Launch was held in November, 2024, at the Discovery Inn.  Xwémalhkwh Hero Stories is the latest outcome of a journey of rediscovery and preservation of Xwémalhkwh history, culture, language, and traditions that began in the early 1990’s with recordings of the stories of the elders.  

At the gathering on February 27, the Project Manager and Editor of the Graphic Novel, Tchadas Leo, explained how the novel came into being as an outgrowth of Homalco’s radio station, The Raven, 100.7 FM’s podcast series, that used a portion from the recordings of the Elders to produce 12 episodes entitled, Remember – Recordings of the Elders Explored, available on Spotify. The gathering was treated to segment of one of the recordings with the voices of Elders speaking their language and translation.  This introduction provided the context for the graphic novel which tells three traditional stories.

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Politics

Area C Director’s Report: upcoming Public Hearing & private property signage

From the desk of Regional Director Robyn Mawhinney

Hello,This report updates on Trespass Act provisions which may affect you, an upcoming online public hearing for a Zoning Bylaw amendment application in Bute Inlet, and a mention of Strathcona Gardens.

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Animals, Rivers & Oceans

DFO: Chum runs are looking much better throughout most of our area

There are more Chum swimming up Basil Creek than we’ve seen for years. According to Matthew Clarke of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), Cortes Island isn’t the only place where the Chum run is good this year. 

“As a general rule this year things are looking much better for Chum than they have looked, albeit with a couple of places that are not quite as strong as we would have hoped to see,”  he explained.

Continue reading DFO: Chum runs are looking much better throughout most of our area →