Tag Archives: Squirrel Cove

Community, Environment, Forests

Bruce Ellingsen: 2022 recipient of the Jo Ann Green Award

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Every year, the Friends of Cortes Island (FOCI) give the Jo Ann Green Award to a Cortes Islander who has made a significant contribution to the environmental wellbeing of the community. Bruce Ellingsen is this year’s recipient.

“Jo Ann Green was an exemplary environmentalist who came to Cortes in 1969, and she immediately became involved in social environmental activities on the island,” explained Helen Hall, Executive Director of FOCI. 

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Rivers & Oceans

Low seasonal return of chum salmon to spawning grounds ‘a mystery,’ say local monitors

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By Greg Osoba, CKTZ News, through an LJI grant from Canada-info.ca

So far, monitoring of creeks and streams on Cortes Island indicates a very poor return of chum salmon to their spawning grounds this year, according to Christine and Cec Robinson. They’re longtime members of the local stream keepers project, overseen by the conservation and stewardship organization Friends of Cortes Island (FOCI). Monitoring of the chum return occurs from mid-September to early December each year.

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Education

Klahoose education coordinator brings a special something to the classroom

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Windspeaker, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

There is a glow to Julie Hanuse, education coordinator for Klahoose First Nation in the Salish Sea, located between Vancouver Island and the mainland. She has a warmth and strength that has kept her going in her role for 31 years.

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Rivers & Oceans

No Chum in Basil Creek yet, but the outlook for salmon may be improving

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It is November 26 and there are still no Chum Salmon in Basil Creek. Normally they would have returned a month ago, but there was a prolonged drought this year. While the water level has risen, there are still no fish.

“It’s getting to be late for Chum, but we’re seeing other populations come in late. We might see Chum return into the next few weeks, it’s very possible. This year is definitely characterized by a lot of weird conditions,” said Matthew Clarke, DFO’s Head for stock assessment in North Vancouver Island, from Black Creek to Cape Caution (which is actually on the Mainland). His area also includes Cortes and Quadra Islands.    

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Disaster, Indigenous Nations

Apartment Fire at Klahoose Health Centre

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By Steve Brown, Chief, Klahoose First Nation

At approximately 9:00 PM on Wednesday, November 23, a fire broke out in our community which destroyed at least three units behind the Health Centre. A neighbour heard the fire alarm, called 9-1-1, and the Cortes Fire Department arrived shortly after. Thankfully, everyone involved escaped safely and is okay. The fire was extinguished, and staff are currently assessing damage, working to repair what can be fixed, and supporting members in need.

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