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New Indigenous trail signs celebrated at Centre School

Gail Sjuberg
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New Indigenous trail signs celebrated at Centre School

For children who attend Salt Spring Centre School (SSCS) on Blackburn Road, the woodland trail is a well-loved part of their learning environment.

At a gathering last Thursday to celebrate new Indigenous signage on the trail, school principal Kate Richer described how when she asks former students about their best Centre School memories, they invariably “say ‘the forest.’ Playing in the forest, the walks, everything they do outside . . . And so we want to really acknowledge this place, a very special place that really belongs to none of us but that we’re very thankful that we have the privilege to be here for.”

Thanks to the Salt Spring Island Foundation (SSIF), Quw’utsun chef and “food sovereignty warrior” Jared Qwustenuxun Williams and other contributors, students and anyone who walks on the trail can now see images of native plants on the trail, and read text about traditional uses and other cool information, along with a number of Hul’q’umi’num’ words.

The project idea came from SSCS teacher Schuyler Witman, after replacing old natural history signs on the trail was discsussed. At the April 27 event, Witman read a journal entry she had written, giving insight into her motivation. Williams also addressed the group, and talked about how easily the youngest SSCS kids had grasped the Hul’q’umi’num’ words he was teaching them, in contrast to the difficulties some elders seem to have.

“And I realized that my generation is the first generation that actually was able to hang on to the language. Every generation above me for the last five generations has not had that opportunity.”

Williams said it was wonderful to hear the language that was almost lost being spoken by the SSCS children and for the trail sign words to be part of Hul’q’umi’num’ language revitalization.

He also spoke about how every living thing — tree, plant, animal, blade of grass, etc. — is considered a “relative” who has passed. He drummed and sang to invite the ancestors to walk with the group on the trail.

Members of the school and Salt Spring Centre of Yoga communities also attended the event, along with Salt Spring Island Foundation administrative assistant Rebecca Martin. The SSIF grant came from the SSIF Indigenous Priorities Fund.

Viewpoint: Gayle Baker gets writer’s vote

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Viewpoint: Gayle Baker gets writer’s vote

By SAMANTHA SANDERSON

I am pleased that we have chosen to form a Local Community Commission (LCC) through the Capital Regional District (CRD). It’s at last an affordable way to increase our ability to govern ourselves.

I think an important requirement for being an LCC commissioner is having an open mind and an ability to find consensus. We Salt Springers tend to pride ourselves on our disagreements with each other on key issues. I think we don’t need to carry this to our new governance commission. I think we need a group of experienced folks who can work well together to make the new commission strong and effective. This will not be an easy task. It will be hard to achieve hoped-for local benefits if the commission is struggling with internal disagreements, with commissioners who are actually opposed to the LCC model, and a mammoth bureaucracy that has trouble letting go.

We need some commissioners who have experience working with a large bureaucracy and who understand what is required of their role. They need to be able to listen to each other, especially those with different views, and find solutions that will allow the commission to get things done. They need to know how to lead, not just how to promote a particular agenda.

Given the above, I will be voting for Gayle Baker. I have known Gayle for many years. We have been fellow dog walkers through the lives of five dogs (between us). Together we created the Salt Spring Community Alliance after the divisive incorporation referendum. We wanted a forum where folks on different sides of community issues could come together, respect and listen to each other, and build understanding and unity. Out of this Gayle built and chaired the governance working group. It consisted of 20 or so people who represented the predominant views on governance for Salt Spring. This group included politicians who were or would be running against each other, as well as pro- and anti-incorporation folks. In two years, with her guidance, the governance group unanimously agreed to recommendations that culminated in the referendum to form an LCC.

Gayle also created the invaluable ASK Salt Spring initiative. For the past four years, every Friday morning, ASK Salt Spring has made our political and community leaders accessible to all Salt Springers.

I have watched Gayle work over the years. She consistently finds a way to make governance and community issues accessible to everyone. She has worked tirelessly, always as a volunteer and on a shoestring, to make things go better for everyone — most recently as the chair of the Salt Spring Island Transportation Commission, which will now be handled by the LCC. Gayle will also bring her seasoned experience working with the CRD bureaucracy, a skill needed by at least some members of the LCC.

Gayle is a true community leader. She does not come to the table representing a particular issue or set of issues. At the same time, she is deeply knowledgeable about many of the issues. She is also well connected to most of our community leadership, this being balanced by giving voice to all citizens by means of ASK Salt Spring.  

One of Gayle’s great strengths is persistence. I have never seen her give up on something she thinks is important. At the same time, she doesn’t dismiss others or undermine their views if they are different from hers.

In my view our fledgling commission needs Gayle Baker.

Eight more candidates profiled for Salt Spring’s LCC election

Robb Magley
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Eight more candidates profiled for Salt Spring’s LCC election

Campaigns kicked into high gear this week in anticipation of Salt Spring’s first Local Community Commission (LCC) election later this month. 

The 15 candidates officially approved by the Capital Regional District (CRD) to run for the four open seats on the commission are: Gayle Baker, Jesse Brown, Kylie Coates, Benjamin Corno, David Courtney, Lloyd Cudmore, Nejmah Guermoudi, Jamie Harris, Jennifer Kerrigan, Jennifer Lannan, Eric March, Donald Marcotte, Jennifer McClean, Earl Rook and Brian Webster.  

Election day is May 27; the Driftwood has profiled six candidates who have reached out to us so far: Gayle Baker, Earl Rook and Brian Webster in our April 12 edition, and Jesse Brown, Benjamin Corno and Nejmah Guermoudi in our April 26 edition. Today we present eight more who submitted information by the press deadline. Amongst this group, Lloyd Cudmore, Jamie Harris, Jennifer Kerrigan and Don Marcotte are running as a slate. Candidate Courtney is a retired Air Canada pilot, initiator of the Fix for Route 6 Change.org petition to bring two-ferry service to the Vesuvius-Crofton ferry route, and a recently elected by acclamation Salt Spring Fire Protection District trustee. He declined the opportunity to submit material for this week’s instalment.

Eric March

Eric March originally moved to Salt Spring Island to work on one of the island’s many farms; since then, he said he’s been learning about the production of local cider — working in turn for each of the island’s cideries. 

“As much as Salt Spring Island, its nature and its people have captured my heart, we live in a community that can be difficult for, if not hostile to, our working class,” said March. “Without our retail and service workers, our ferry workers, our agricultural and production workers, our eldercare, pharmacy and medical workers, our community turns into a theme park for landowners and tourists.” 

March believes the primary benefit of the LCC will be that by increasing the number of elected officials in local government, we will see an increase in diversity of representation in that government; he said it’s time for Salt Spring to have an elected official to represent younger, working and renting members of the community, drawn from those very demographics. 

“If I am elected, I intend to work tirelessly to do everything within the power of the LCC to advocate for and improve the lives of Salt Spring Island’s working and renting class — and to allow those improvements to trickle up to the rest of the community,” said March. “I hope, whatever the result of our election, our Local Community Commission ends up with a variety of voices forming a chorus of effective government. I hope that on May 27 the voters of Salt Spring Island give me the opportunity to bring a fresh new voice with new ideas to the Local Community Commission.” 

Kylie Coates 

Kylie Coates said he’s a “true Gulf Islander, born and raised here,” attending Salt Spring Elementary and graduating from GISS in 2000.  

“I grew up on a farm on Salt Spring,” said Coates. “This taught me about responsibility, and this has served me well over the years.” 

Coates said his travel across Canada and all over the world has given him a broad perspective about life and culture, and pointed to his record of volunteerism — an important aspect, he said, of giving back to your community. 

“Donating money is one thing, but donating time is another,” said Coates. “I have volunteered with the Salt Spring Chamber of Commerce as a director. It gave me an insight into the concerns of both local business as well as tourism, and what we at the chamber had to focus on to assist businesses in thriving.” 

Projects he worked on there which give him the most pride include working with the RCMP and CRD to help clean up and prevent vandalism in Ganges, and instituting a beautification project with three murals already in place — and more planned for the future. 

“For the last six years, I have been working with the Wagon Wheel Housing Society towards getting low-income housing for workers and families on Salt Spring,” said Coates. “We also created the Salt Spring Laundromat, as it was desperately needed in our community.” 

Coates said he is running for the LCC because he believes he has something to offer. He recently ran for CRD director, and previous to that election ran for Islands Trust.  

“When I ran for CRD, I was able to have many discussions with CRD director Gary Holman about the LCC,” said Coates, “and he encouraged me to run for the betterment of our community, and make the LCC work for all Salt Springers. Win or lose, I will continue my volunteer efforts in making Salt Spring a better place to live.” 

Jennifer Lannan 

Jennifer Lannan said Salt Spring Island has been home — or home base — since her family moved here in 1991, living here full-time since 2008. While raising three children with husband Johnson Emekoba and running a small business in Ganges, Lannan has been volunteering for the community as treasurer to the Salt Spring Saturday Market Society and chair to the Gulf Islands Early Learning Society — which oversees two facilities, one in the start-up phase.  

Lannan pointed to her background in large and small business as well as her advocacy and support of several community endeavours — most recently becoming a co-representative to the DPAC for Salt Spring Elementary School. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies and Philosophy. 

“This is a sensitive time where our community’s governance is starting a new chapter,” said Lannan. “I hope electors choose candidates they trust and will ignite the LCC with a strong footing while listening to the population with an inclusive approach.” 

Lannan said she hoped to see the LCC swiftly address problems that affect working families.  

“We need to work together for a thriving community with highly functional services that are adaptable for current and future needs — as well as respectful to history,” said Lannan. “Solutions need to be acted upon now.” 

Lannan said the community needs flexibility for its diverse society, from transit to parks and recreation plans and building a strong year-round economy. She said she was looking forward to seeing how the new commissioners work to make the best choices within the CRD to assist the various groups working to make Salt Spring Island a more dynamic place.  

“I decided to run for the LCC because I want to be a voice for the family demographic,” said Lannan. “I come to the table as a fair and independent choice as a commissioner and I stand for equity, diversity and inclusion of all people and their needs. The past few years have been challenging for our community and I hope to see the LCC bring some fresh air.” 

Jennifer McClean  

Jennifer McClean said most will know her as Jenny, and that she’s “an islander and a parent” who works downtown and wants to be part of an LCC that gives more voice to people from the community. With a wide range of interests in community services currently run through the CRD, McClean said she wanted to see that body become more democratic. 

“There should not be so many limits put on community participation in meetings as we have seen with the current format,” said McClean. “We need to open the floor and make time for presentations from the public — at times that suit the public to join.”   

McClean has been involved with the school PACs in School District 64, and also fundraised for the preschool, running through “all the regular hoops” Salt Spring parents face. A believer in support and food programs that “bring everyone together and join at a point of intersection,” McClean volunteers with the Chuan Society on community projects.

“Sharing is caring,” said McClean. “Community kitchens, ride shares and alternative housing models are all on my list of what I envision for our shared future. I believe in community programs that are free or affordable and do not create barriers of cost for families.” 

McClean said she wants to have a greener Ganges that is more of an inclusive community space, with less congestion in town, and brings to the table a host of ideas — ranging from multiple transit and parking improvements to a “car free” festival in Ganges. 

As a regular attendee at the commission meetings for services being folded into the LCC — as well as taking part in the Ganges Village planning process with the Islands Trust and other advisory committee meetings — McClean said she saw “no CRD traction” to align services with what islanders truly needed. 

“Too many of the important ideas are shuffled to the back of the line by the current groups in charge,” said McClean. “I would like to cut through that and get some improvements here. I know it can be done.” 

McClean wants to see town planning that gives use, rather than removing use; she is an advocate for several transit improvements and generally a “more vibrant village,” adding that CRD land there should be prioritized for housing, rather than other purposes like an EV charging station. 

Jamie Harris 

Jamie Harris said when he first came to Salt Spring over 30 years ago, he fully immersed himself in the “traditional west coast lifestyle,” reading every historical book he could find about the region. 

“I was very intrigued to see how early settlers, along with First Nations as well as the blended families of both, thrived in these resource-based endeavours,” said Harris, eagerly wanting to become involved in commercial fishing, logging and farming himself.  

“I actively pursued work in all of these areas,” he said. “I have been very active in sustainable logging here on Salt Spring Island for many years, striving to hone my skills to this day.”

Harris said he supplied many people with firewood over the years, enjoying good conversations while unloading firewood from the truck. 

“I have made many great friends, including local First Nations, through work and play here,” said Harris, “and have gotten to know a large number of islanders from all walks of life. I alongside them call this place home.” 

Harris said he was running for one of the four commissioner positions in hopes of having an impact on improving our community, after “30-plus years of watching our community suffer from wasted tax dollars” and from witnessing CRD support for “certain non-governmental organizations who are willing to flat out lie as well as use very misleading information in order to further their concerning ideological agendas at the cost of our communities’ social well-being — while threatening our ability to address the workforce ownership housing crisis we have long been facing.” 

“I say enough is enough,” said Harris. “It is time for a common-sense, reality-based approach to decision making when deciding where to focus our tax dollars.” 

Harris said he felt long-time “generational islanders” with families and children of their own were the best place to start when choosing to elect competent and qualified representation. 

“With a positive narrative and initiatives that will help start to repair the damage done to our communities’ social well-being while at the same time improving our economic well-being, we can achieve a sustainable sense of hope and security for working families, their children and for retirees alike,” said Harris. 

As a current trustee representing Salt Spring at the Islands Trust, Harris said he would bring added value to the LCC by achieving an “automatic collaborative reality” between the CRD and the Islands Trust. 

Jennifer Kerrigan

Jennifer Kerrigan said that as a fourth-generation islander with a strong dedication to her community, her family and the future of Salt Spring Island, she couldn’t imagine a better environment to raise her children.  

Kerrigan and her husband Matt own and operate two successful businesses while raising their kids and being “active and intentional” community members. She said she is passionate about seeing the island thrive through sustainable growth and innovative development, pointing to her administrative and legal support background as attributes she brings to the table. Those skills, she said, have been honed during her years of tackling massive projects as a legal administrator, production coordinator and in recent years working alongside her husband. 

Kerrigan said she is currently working with other residents to bring to the Salt Spring Local Trust Committee an initiative to prevent further pollution of harbours, address dangerous safety concerns, regulate liveaboard vessels and remove derelict vessels. Kerrigan feels strongly that keeping our town, harbours and community safe and viable for all stakeholders for generations to come is the highest priority. 

Bringing a “different and often unique” perspective to every challenge presented to her, and a belief in being highly solution-oriented, Kerrigan said she truly cares about our island, our families and our future. With a sincere and approachable disposition, Kerrigan said she’s “someone you want on your side to help navigate the issues at hand in our community.” 

Don Marcotte  

Don Marcotte is a Salt Spring Island community member with “deep roots” in the area, and a passion for making a positive impact on his home.  

Born and raised on the island, Marcotte said he has always appreciated its many natural wonders, including the stunning ocean and extensive trails, and enjoys riding. He pointed to his background in mechanics and experience as an owner-operator of a successful trucking outfit as the source of a “deep understanding of how infrastructure and transportation affect daily life on the island.” 

Currently working at the highways department, Marcotte feels responsible for ensuring the island’s roads are well-maintained and safe for all residents and visitors. As a father of four, he said he is highly invested in the future of the island and is dedicated to ensuring that it remains a wonderful place to raise a family.  

Marcotte’s experience working in various industries on the island has given him a wealth of knowledge, he said, as well as insight into the workings of Salt Spring and the surrounding islands. His warm and friendly personality allows him to make friends easily, he said, and that a “quick wit and positive outlook” has helped him become highly regarded throughout the community. Marcotte feels he is a true asset to Salt Spring Island, and said he hopes his contributions to the area will be felt for generations to come. 

Lloyd Cudmore

Lloyd Cudmore is a fourth-generation Salt Spring Islander, a proud owner/operator of a local construction company, and has completed many challenging, large projects, pointing to Murakami Gardens for Salt Spring Island Community Services and the Islands Pathway project as examples.  

With deep-rooted ties to his family, friends and community, Cudmore said he was “incredibly grateful” to have been able to raise his two children here alongside his high school sweetheart Tandy. 

“I know how to work collectively, effectively, efficiently and, most importantly, on-budget,” said Cudmore, adding he understood “the importance of connection” and was attuned to the needs and opinions of clients and the community. 

Cudmore said he was highly eco-conscious, and passionate about learning and challenging himself — and about teaching others how to experience growth while practising sustainable methods in different parts of the industry. 

Being able to connect with people on many levels has given him a unique perspective, said Cudmore, allowing him to stay rooted in the past while remaining forward-thinking and innovative when looking at the future. And as an active participant in his children’s education and extracurricular activities, Cudmore feels this has given him valuable insight into the younger generation’s concerns and their outlook on their future. He has continued to maintain those relationships and feels their voices are highly relevant to the island’s future.

Qualified residents and non-resident property electors may cast their vote on general voting day, Saturday, May 27, or at the advance voting opportunities on Wednesday, May 17 and 24.  

Mail ballot voting is also available to all residents (including renters) and non-resident property electors in the Salt Spring Island Electoral Area. Electors must submit a completed mail ballot application form no later than May 5. Completed application forms may be submitted via email or to the addresses provided on the application form.   

For more information on the available voting options, people can visit www.crd.bc.ca/ssi-vote.  

Last October Salt Spring voters approved by referendum a change in governance to consolidate several CRD services under the umbrella of an LCC, with four elected individuals joining the electoral area director to form the LCC. 

Mental Wellness Initiative team provides update and appeals for funds

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Mental Wellness Initiative team provides update and appeals for funds

BY the MENTAL WELLNESS INITIATIVE TEAM

This article is an update on what the Mental Wellness Initiative (MWI), a close partnership of the Salt Spring Health Advancement Network and the Salt Spring Community Health Society, has been up to since hosting six successful summits focused on local wellness supports. It is also an appeal to our community to consider making a donation to the initiative and to get involved.

The Mental Wellness Initiative is endorsed at the provincial level by our MLA, Adam Olsen, who has said, “The Salt Spring Health Advancement Network’s (SSHAN’s) Mental Wellness Initiative is a brilliant, community-led approach to addressing the crucial gaps in the mental health services of Salt Spring Island. Since the Mental Wellness Initiative’s inception I have been kept apprised of their efforts. I extend my whole-hearted support and belief in the approach and efforts on behalf of the whole community. Community fundraising will support the Health Advancement Network’s efforts to obtain grants, and empower my office’s lobbying efforts to secure funding through the Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions. Please find it in your hearts to support this very important initiative.”

Last year the MWI welcomed the Salt Spring community together over Zoom to learn and share ideas around community mental wellness. Six summits brought together local service providers, individuals with lived experience expertise, people who are marginalized, and interested community members. Bringing diverse voices together, mobilizing cooperatively around issues of/for mental wellness and co-creating a community of belonging were the goals of the summit project.

What emerged from the summits were three active working groups that have been meeting, planning and creating.

The peer support working group sees Islanders Working Against Violence, Salt Spring Island Community Services, lived experience expertise, professional counselling and the Salt Spring Community Alliance (SSCA) coming together to design peer support outreach work in the community. This working group has also been working with the Chamber of Commerce, SSCA, Salt Spring Community Health Society and RCMP to initiate a Goodwill Ambassador Project, with trained volunteers providing connection and support around Ganges village. You’ll see ambassadors with easily identifiable vests in the village soon.

The working group focused on volunteer counselling has created Reach Out Salt Spring, with a website in development and campaigns for recruiting at least 10 professionals providing 10 free counselling sessions. This working group consists of an adult mental health practitioner, community paramedic, lived experience expertise, firefighting personnel and a nurse in training.

The third working group is the communications group, which has been working to support the peer support and volunteer counselling groups and overall MWI through internal communications and externally through this article and an upcoming brochure.

One goal of the Mental Wellness Initiative is to co-create a community that can be responsible (response-able) around health and wellness; a community that is willing to come together, to include those impacted by the decisions and to invest in healthy relationship building.

We see the work of the MWI, in particular the work of building A Culture of Care, as creating positive ripples in the community and deepening our partnerships and efforts together. We feel proud to continue to have committed engagement from our community and we look forward to more people getting involved.

Volunteers are needed. There are opportunities to volunteer as a Goodwill Ambassador, help with ongoing coordination of the Ambassador program, assist in recruiting volunteer counselling (and other) practitioners, and participate in a working group. If you want to make a difference in your community, please contact David Norget (davidnorget@gmail.com) or William MacPherson (willieonsaltspring@gmail.com) to find out more.

Donate. Please also consider making a donation to the Mental Wellness Initiative. As we await word on funding applications, the MWI is at a vulnerable stage and so we are making a community appeal. Donations from the community will lessen our dependence on grants, provide a secure future for the initiative, and of course, strengthen our grant applications by demonstrating community support.

Now is a great time to donate as your donation will be matched by an “angel funder.” Donors who contribute $20 or more will receive a charitable tax receipt.

If you, or someone you know, wishes to give to the Mental Wellness Initiative, please consider donating in one of these ways:

• Cash – contact David Norget (davidnorget@gmail.com) or Martha Taylor (marthataylor02@gmail.com).

• Cheque – payable to Salt Spring Community Health Society. Mailing address: 181 Booth Canal Road, Salt Spring Island, B.C., V9K 2N2.

• E-transfer – donations@saltspringcommunityhealthsociety.ca.

• Online – CanadaHelps.org. Search for Salt Spring Community Health Society. Please specify “SSHAN – Mental Wellness Initiative.”

The Mental Wellness Initiative is in service to wellness potential and embodies a community-wide engagement vs. problem-solving approach. Instead of focusing on solving individual problems, we endeavour to recognize these as symptoms and get to the root cause. If you believe in this approach, please join us!

The Mental Wellness Initiative thanks past and present sponsors: the Salt Spring Foundation, CRD Grants-in-Aid and Island Health Community Wellness Grants.

Award-winning ‘Red’ play up next in Theatre Alive staged reading series

Gail Sjuberg
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Award-winning ‘Red’ play up next in Theatre Alive staged reading series

Theatre Alive’s 2023 staged reading series continues with Red — the award-winning play by John Logan about American abstract expressionist painter Mark Rothko.

Red runs at Mahon Hall on Sunday, May 7 at 7 p.m.

Ray Colleran takes the role of Rothko, and Hayden Rabson plays his young apprentice Ken.

Rabson’s mom Cindy Akers Rabson, who is a professional voice-over animation director, is directing the play, with support from Chris Humphreys of Theatre Alive.

Cindy said Humphreys had approached the Rabson family about doing the play last year. Cindy’s husband Jan — who was a professional actor and especially known as a voice artist based in Los Angeles — was to play the part of Rothko. However, Jan died suddenly from massive cardiac arrest while he and Cindy were on a cross-Canada train trip last October.

Humphreys asked the family if they still wanted to carry on, and Hayden — who was a Gulf Islands School of Performing Arts student — said yes, but only if his high-school English teacher Ray Colleran would play the part of Rothko.

“Ray was a big and important part of Hayden’s teen years as a role model and as a mentor,” explained Cindy.

Colleran has been seen in a number of community and Gulf Islands Secondary School theatre productions over the years.

Hayden’s brother Adler will be running sound and lights for the show, while Humphreys is the producer this time out. The event will be dedicated to the memory of Jan Rabson.

The play takes place in Rothko’s studio in the late 1950s. He has been commissioned to do a piece for a new Four Seasons restaurant and faces personal conflict because of the project.

“So it’s about that process for him and coming to terms with what he was doing,” explained Cindy. “And his assistant, who’s a budding young artist, comes in to assist him through the process and ends up being there for two years. It covers their relationship, the mentorship, and understanding what separates the different artists, and basically Rothko educating him in quite a colourful way — because he was quite a character.”

While as a staged reading the set and props are minimal, Theatre Alive will use a large “mock Rothko” painting, created by Salt Spring artist Josephine Fletcher.

“She’s also given us drop cloths filled and splattered with paint because she’s a very, very prolific painter, and brushes and all of that,” said Cindy, adding that everyone is grateful for Fletcher’s generosity and assistance.

“It’s a true Salt Spring collaboration,” she said.

Red premiered at the Donmar Warehouse in London in 2009, and ran on Broadway in 2010 with the same director, Michael Grandage, and two actors: Alfred Molina playing Rothko and Eddie Redmayne as Ken. It won six Tony awards in 2010, including for best play, as well as other industry awards. Playwright Logan is also known for film scripts such as Hugo, Coriolanus, Rango, Sweeney Todd, The Aviator, Gladiator, The Last Samurai, Any Given Sunday and RKO 281.

Tickets for Red ($25 for adults, $5 for youth) are on sale at Salt Spring Books and the door. Cash only.

Athletics association aims to help island athletes with travel costs

Robb Magley
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Athletics association aims to help island athletes with travel costs

Four Gulf Islands Secondary School (GISS) volleyball players have had provincial-level experience this season, with some now headed to national championships.

None of the athletes play for a Salt Spring Island club team; there isn’t one. Playing at the higher club level means long days of driving and deep commitments, according to parents and coaches; and while it can be a lot to handle, the experiences are hugely rewarding, even as finding resources to accomplish it all can be its own challenge. 

Players’ results speak for themselves. GISS students Jahluca Grooms and Julius Galea-Ley won silver medals playing for the Victoria Volleyball Association (VVA) Chargers Black U18 team, which is headed to nationals in Calgary later this month. Finn Hughes played for the VVA Chargers Black (U17, Div. 1) team, placing fourth at B.C. championships, and has been “called up” to join the U18 team headed to nationals. Izzy Nowell played with Mariners Nemesis (U18) and Silas Nowell played for the Mariners Poseidon (U14) team. 

To even participate in club volleyball, they’ve all needed to hop the ferry up to three times a week and head to either Nanaimo or Victoria, plus take extra trips for weekend tournaments. It’s an impressive show of dedication on the part of the kids and no small amount of effort for parents as well, but it comes at a cost. 

According to Gulf Islands Alumni Athletic Association (GIAAA), in past years some team fees have been as high as $500 for a single student’s season — and that’s just the beginning.  

“It’s a $4,000 to $5,000 commitment to play off-island sports,” said parent Inga Michaelsen — a huge financial burden on a family. At the senior level, ferry fares are often covered by general athletics funding; accommodations are not, however, and older athletes who compete in multi-day tournaments that often require an overnight stay due to ferry schedules — or, in the case of national competitions, even flights — are forced to find their own funding. 

Several students have run crowd-sourcing campaigns to fill the gap. Parent Rachel Hughes said she was astounded — and grateful — at how many in the community responded to calls from her family for help paying for trips. 

“It was amazing, I can’t even begin to say,” said Hughes. “People just came out of the woodwork, and [Finn] had the money to pay for his plane ticket.” 

But while these can be successful, it can be uncomfortable for parents to ask for help in support of their child. Casting about for funds to cover travel expenses adds another layer of complexity beyond the juggling act of school, sports and social lives. 

“They’ve really learned how to prioritize and focus on what’s important to them,” said Michaelsen. “There are some centralized funding programs — like Jumpstart — but they’re limited.” 

GIAAA is ramping up efforts to connect islanders and businesses with their mission to support student athletics at GISS. They hope to reduce the barriers to participation for GISS athletes; if a student wants to put in the work, GIAAA wants to be there to support them. 

Sponsorship opportunities range from one-time donations to recurring subscriptions and the “Signs in the Gym” program that puts sponsors on either side of the score clock.

For information on how to help, visit qrco.de/GISSAthletics. 

Maia Cassie wins national poetry contest

Gail Sjuberg
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Maia Cassie wins national poetry contest

A Salt Spring Island teen has won first place in a national poetry recitation competition that had 20,000 participants this year.

Maia Cassie, who is in Grade 11 at Queen Margaret School (QMS) in Duncan, entered after learning about the Poetry in Voice event online. Entrants were required to memorize and perform three poems from a variety of resources from the Poetry in Voice website.

Cassie’s choices were She Said by Robert Bringhurst; Regardless by Aisha Sasha John; and The Ghosts of Women Once Girls by Aja Monet. After being selected as a semi-finalist, Cassie was flown to Calgary for the April 21 on-stage competition, where she earned first place in the English recitation category, a trophy and a $3,000 cash prize.

“The Poetry in Voice national finals were an absolutely unforgettable experience, and I’m so honoured to have had the opportunity to go,” said Cassie. “My time in Calgary was packed with fascinating workshops on everything from changing the world through poetry to making paper by hand, and I got to meet so many talented, passionate poets and performers. I could’ve never anticipated what a welcoming and inspiring community I would discover through this competition.”

Competition judges were poets Richard Harrison, Micheline Maylor and Titilope Sonuga.

Poetry in Voice is a not-for-profit organization that encourages all Canadians to read poetry aloud and holds the annual competition open to all high school students in Canada.

Cassie was accompanied on the trip to Calgary by her QMS humanities teacher Katie Colosimo.

“After spending the week with incredible student poets and reciters, as well as engaging in activities led by professional poets, I have made professional connections across the country and discovered a renewed enthusiasm for the power of poetry,” said Colosimo. “I am excited to bring the Poetry in Voice program into QMS classrooms in the future, and to share at least a bit of the inspiration I feel after this week.”

April was also National Poetry Month in Canada.

Electric plane and The Future is Now author visit Salt Spring

Driftwood Staff
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Electric plane and The Future is Now author visit Salt Spring

Aviation and green-energy enthusiasts have a chance this weekend to spy an electricity-powered floatplane landing in Ganges, with a very familiar logo on its tail. 

Harbour Air’s ePlane, piloted by company founder Greg McDougall, comes into Ganges Harbour on Thursday afternoon, with photographers making the most of the opportunity to capture the ePlane’s first flight to Salt Spring Island.

Harbour Air’s “ePlane” was set to touch down in the harbour on Friday, but came a day earlier, in anticipation of this weekend’s Electrify Salt Spring program events. A crowd of enthusiasts gathered on the docks in Ganges Harbour to see the plane’s first-ever visit to Salt Spring, piloted by company founder and CEO Greg McDougall. Kjell Liem of Salt Spring Community Energy (SSCE) said the Ganges landing was the only Gulf Islands stop this tour for the all-electric, Canadian-built de Havilland Beaver. 

“The plane will continue to downtown Victoria,” said Liem, “making Salt Spring a critical recharging base.” 

After landing, the ePlane will be available to view, and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 6, members of the ePlane team will be on site to answer questions. 

Then from 2 to 5 p.m. at the GISS Multi-purpose Room, a panel called Electrifying Issues for Salt Spring and B.C. takes place.

Electrify Salt Spring is a month-long program bringing experts on electrification and renewable technologies together on the island, as well as a 10-year anniversary celebration for SSCE.

Bob McDonald – The Future is Now

Also as part of Electrify Salt Spring! Accelerating Paths to Carbon Zero event, CBC radio Quirks & Quarks show host and author Bob McDonald will give a keynote presentation at ArtSpring on Friday, May 5 called The Future is Now on the possibilities for a clean energy economy and reversing the climate crisis.

“The Future is Now starts with the good news that all the technology to go green already exists,” states SSCE information about the event. “No new inventions are needed to move to a low-carbon economy. And there is no shortage of energy. It falls out of the sky, blows on the wind, bubbles out of the ground, flows on the tides, it even grows on trees. This presentation will look at the latest in alternative energy systems, energy storage and efficiency, including re-thinking oil so energy can still be extracted without polluting the atmosphere.”

Bob McDonald, host of CBC radio’s Quirks & Quarks, and the author of The Future of Now, who is the keynote speaker for the Electrify Salt Spring festival.

For tickets to the May 5th event, visit artspring.ca.

For details about other events, such as a May 6 panel discussion at GISS, visit saltspringcommunityenergy.com. 

Ikeda show and panel explore Japanese Canadian internment and family history

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Ikeda show and panel explore Japanese Canadian internment and family history

Written and performed by Calgary-based Kunji Ikeda, Sansei: The Storyteller examines one of Canada’s darkest moments. On Dec. 7, 1941, the attack on Pearl Harbor in the U.S. triggered the internment and dispossession of tens of thousands of Japanese Canadians living along Canada’s west coast, including members of Ikeda’s family.

Through an engaging blend of dance, spoken word, historical audio, family interviews and unexpected humour, Ikeda weaves an illuminating tale that is profoundly personal. Sansei: The Storyteller offers Ikeda’s observations about the internment, his discovery of where he came from, and how his family navigated their histories.

“I like to think of it as the most fun you’ll ever have learning about the Japanese internment,” asserts Ikeda. “With such a dark topic, I knew I wanted to include some lightness, some fun, some laughter.”

He explains that stories are powerful magic; the quickest way to respect. Ikeda cleverly breaks down the etymology of “re” to mean repeat (redo, rethink, reuse) and ‘spect’ as connected to ideas of sight (spectacles, spectate, spectacular).

“When you offer someone respect, you are seeing them in another light. This is what Sansei offers; a light-hearted opportunity to see someone in a new light,” he said. “Similarly, this definition gives us a sense of empowerment to allow others to ‘re-spect’ us by offering up different views of ourselves.”

Through his training in dance and theatre, Ikeda developed a unique methodology combining story, imagination and choreography that led to him being named 2015’s Emerging Artist of the Year by Calgary Arts Development Authority, as well as named an artist in residence at the Banff Centre 2019.

Through the Paris-based L’AiR Arts, Ikeda became a member of an ongoing international cohort of interdisciplinary artists with the intention of empowering artists as point people in cross-cultural dialogue to fuel the evolution of culture, politics and society. His award-winning solo performance Sansei: The Storyteller continues to be presented internationally.

A 30-minute post-show panel discussion will be led by well-known islander Kisae Petersen, with Ikeda, Keiko Mary Murakami-Kitagawa,Tosh Kitagawa and author Brian Smallshaw giving audiences first-hand accounts about family experiences and history.
“My own interest and connection is as a woman of Japanese descent whose family was also interned by the government,” said Petersen. “I’m looking forward to the performance and subsequent discussion that will also consider the experiences of Japanese Canadians who lived here on Salt Spring Island. It’s important to remember the way our community was treated during the war and the legacy that continues to this day.”

“At ArtSpring, we see art as a springboard to explore the human condition and social themes, spark conversation and look at challenging issues from new perspectives,” explains Howard Jang, executive and artistic director. “In this way, art has the power to impact communities and inspire change and healing. We are proud to offer the Sansei performance and the panel as a platform to do this.”

While it may be the story of one of Canada’s darkest decisions, it unwraps how – with help from the audience – the story of racism doesn’t need to end in hate.

Ikeda will be leading a workshop for GISS theatre students the day before he takes to the stage on Wednesday, May 3 at 7:30. Tickets are on sale through ArtSpring.

Thank you to Mouat’s Clothing Co. for sponsoring this performance and panel talk.

Steelpan Extravaganza at Fulford Hall Saturday night

Driftwood Staff
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Steelpan Extravaganza at Fulford Hall Saturday night

On Saturday, April 29 at Fulford Hall, islanders can enjoy the sounds of the Caribbean with Bernard Fernandes and his steel drums, for a Salt Spring version of a Caribbean carnival called Steelpan Extravaganza.

Fernandes is bringing a set of steel drums for this event, and in tandem with Swing Shift Big Band there will be a concert featuring him, his workshop participants and a few sax solos from Monik Nordine.

The inspiration for the concert, presented by Magenta Music, was a result of Nordine and Fernandes’ most recent trip to Trinidad where they met up in Port of Spain to hear the steel drum competition there called Panorama. 

“This takes place yearly as part of the carnival celebrations on the island,” explained Nordine. “Each borough or neighbourhood has their own steel pan band with anywhere from 20 to 100 members and practices all year to compete at Panorama for a cash prize of a million Trinidanian dollars. The festival is put on by the government of Trinidad and Tobago along with corporate sponsors and over a million people, roughly 90 per cent of the population, take part in carnival-related events.”

Fernandes will bring 12 tenor pans for folks to try out in the workshop next Saturday, which will consist of learning to play a song by ear on the steelpan along with Fernandes and the others.

Fernandes is a native of Trinidad and the originator of the SweetPan Entertainment and Carib X Press bands. He performs as a solo artist on steel drums, piano, vocals and guitar and has arranged for and/or led La Tropical, Karib Brass, Cinnamon, Fernandes & Co, Sweet Pan and Panarimba.

The Steel Pan Food Truck will be parked at the hall for the April 29 event, with some Caribbean delicacies available from 4 to 7 p.m. Colourful clothing and dancing is highly encouraged.

Workshops will run in the hall from 3 to 6 p.m. and the concert will take place from 7 to 10 p.m.

Workshop cost ranges from $20 to $60, depending on the amount of time spent in the sessions, and includes concert admission. Concert tickets are $20.

Tickets and workshop sign-up are at Mondo and Company in Ganges.

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