I set out for Cedar Coast along with Ian Harland, Emily Kelsall and Sammy Manson as part of an art program I organized, named “The Group of 4”. We volunteered together at the station, and created art during our spare time based on the social and environmental issues we learned about. During our time on Vargas, our group had discussions on topics such as intergenerational trauma, evaluating the difference between acceptance and tolerance, deconstructing the notion of wilderness, and analyzing the responses to oppression.
We gained valuable insight from the team at Cedar Coast, who shared their work on issues such as sea lice and the negative ramifications of fish farms. Everyone at the station is fiercely committed not only to environmental conservation, but social issues as well. Cedar Coast works closely with the Ahousaht Nation, whose traditional territory the station is situated on. Congratulations to Lennie, a member of the Ahousaht Nation and the newest board member at Cedar Coast!
We are grateful to the Fulbright Canada-U.S. Embassy in Ottawa Community Leadership Program, which provides small grants to alumni of Fulbright Canada programs and other United States Government exchange programs to partner with local organizations in order to make a significant positive social impact in a Canadian community through volunteer-based projects. As well, we would like to thank Delta and Artizia for their generous sponsorship.
When the folks at Cedar Coast say that a day in the life of a volunteer varies, they mean it! Most people know that I love making lists, so here is the ultimate list detailing our two weeks on Vargas:
THINGS THAT I LEARNED
- how to sew pressed plants onto paper
- when making way for new plants, cedar brush needs to be burned due to its antimicrobial properties
- how to plant garlic properly
- to hold ants in my hand without freaking out
- that one should always double check the Recycling Depot’s hours
- how to make a killer apple crumble
- there is a species of nudibranch that smells like watermelon
- sea lice decimates juvenile salmon populations
- citrus peels should be composted separately
- microplastics originate not only from broken-down plastic items, but also synthetic clothing fibres that are shed in the wash
- how to properly water seedlings/feel for the moisture in the dirt
- that the frozen raspberries from Co-Op are amazing (thanks Sammy!)
PEOPLE I MET
- Emily K, a phenomenal spoken-word poet (together, we make Emily²)
- Ian, a talented photographer and maker of strange sounds
- Sammy, a gifted writer and artist who gives so much to everyone around her
- Rowen, a true kindred spirit and solid kayak guide
- Sierra, always hard at work and always smiling
- Olivia, who loves marine biology AND Colby College!!
- Heather, an amazing teacher
- Ethan, an art teacher at Maaqtusiis who has the cutest dog ever
- Janessa, who should start an art gallery for her wood-burning pieces
- Mack, most likely to be reincarnated as a fish
- Julia, would most likely still love Mack as a fish
- Val, an accent chameleon and juggler of a million tasks
- Satch, has good taste in music, and books
- Simon, good at spotting otters and other cool things while driving a boat
- Diana, an incredible chef and yoga instructor (her and her sisters are squad goals)
- Lennie and Marcie, a real-life power couple who clearly have so much love for each other, and for those around them
- Special mention: Feliz, one cool cat
THINGS THAT I DID
- explored the tide pools and watched anemones, snails, crabs and fry galore!
- sketched
- marveled at how beautiful our surroundings were
- painted en plein air
- designed and painted a mural on a 5600 gallon rainwater tank
- yoga (albeit not very well)
- hiked over to Ahous Bay and made Ian wait while I took a water break every ten minutes
- took a three hour nap on Ahous Bay
- organized a mini screening of Indian Horse
- saw baby chum salmon spawning (thank you for showing us, Mack) and tried to count them
- helped move an old plastic pipe from the water
- played tag with Carlos, Sammy’s brother
- attended a feast at Maaqtusiis, on the Ahousaht reserve
Although it is impossible to summarize the phenomenal experience I had at Cedar Coast, this list captures some of my favourite moments. Above all, I found a strong sense of community at Cedar Coast, and a collection of open hearts and open minds.