Blogs
It has been 2 full days I have been at my new (temporary) home on Shawnigan Lake, having packed up my life again and drove from Parksville. Although they are less than 2 hours apart, the landscape and feel is quite different, yet the same. Since my placement has been virtual I have made it my mission to get out and see as much as I can and to experience as much as I can to help myself connect more and develop my sense of place.
In my placement with Parks Canada Gulf Islands National Park Reserve (GINPR), I have learned and continue to learn so much about Indigenous knowledge and Two-Eyed Seeing. Two Eyed Seeing or Etuaptmumk , is a way of seeing the world through a binocular lens, one being Indigenous ways of knowing and the other western ways of knowing. This framework is becoming increasingly accepted and adopted in the scientific literature, however there continues to be a lack of Indigenous representation in the scientific literature, which I hope will change. Accepting Indigenous ways of knowing is not a rejection of western science, and there is a need to further explicitly recognize that Indigenous knowledge is significant and valid on its own, as it has been for thousands of years and will continue to be so. Together, these knowledge systems can be used to address the very real issues we are facing from biodiversity loss and land degradation to invasive species; both systems are equally valid and together can produce the findings needed for improved outcomes in conservation and human well-being. Gulf Islands National Park Reserve was established in 2003 and is made up of over 15 islands, parts of which are the traditional territory of 19 Coast Salish First Nations (which is a lot). As I began my work I quickly realized how challenging it is for GINPR to meaningfully engage with and collaborate with so many diverse and unique First Nation communities. In engaging, you cannot apply a one size fits all approach, each First Nation may have completely different ways of seeing the world, their own ceremonies and teachings. So far in my placement I have produced a literature review on the bridging of Indigenous ways of knowing and Western ways of knowing that can lead the development of marine research and co-management plans. I then created a guidebook on Indigenous engagement that will be a useful resource and support for Parks Canada staff on guiding principles for engagement and co-management with First Nations. I am now currently working on a meta analysis and systematic review on all peer reviewed literature on the biology and ecology of marine habitat and marine species in the Southern Gulf Islands from 1980-2020, as part of the marine strategic plan.
Last week I had the amazing opportunity to visit the Gulf Islands, and finally see in real time the islands I have been researching and referencing in my day to day work. I stayed in Sidney for a few days where I went exploring up Mount Work and had stunning views over Saanich Inlet. I then went with the Law Enforcement team out onto the water to patrol the Gulf Islands. Jay explained and showed me all the interim sanctuary zones, the protection zones for southern resident killer whales, and the times, areas and species of fish that cannot be fished. It was interesting to see the landscapes across the different islands, the unique ecosystems, wildlife and all the homes tucked away. It was very peaceful and solitary. We saw lots of marine birds, two bald eagles and GOATS! On this day was a king tide, the waters were full of woody debris, HUGE trees and massive stumps floating throughout the island's waters. It was interesting to navigate around it all, the high tide had caused all the woody debris that had been sitting on the shores to float out, the seagulls seemed to have been enjoying them as a perch.
I then spent a few days on Salt Spring Island, what a magical place. I loved seeing all the cute cozy homes with big gardens, lots of stands at the end of driveways selling lavender, soaps, pottery, artwork, vegetables, homemade goods, and clothing. I felt such an overwhelming sense of community while I was here, everyone in town knew one another and were so kind. While here I explored the coastline at Ruckle Provincial Park from which I could see North Pender Island and Prevost Island. I saw a beautiful bald eagle wile here and thought I could be sneaky to get close and watch him, he ended up flying from his dead tree perch as soon as I was under him. I then explored Mount Maxwell which was up there with one of the most gorgeous forests I have walked through, massive blankets of moss and lichen carpet the floor and trees, it was peaceful with just me and the sound of birds. At the top, the clouds cleared and I could see Burgoyne Bay and beyond. I wanted to see as much of the island as I could so I drove down almost every road, to the ends and back. Overall, it was really special to be able to wander and be immersed, if only for a brief time, in life in the Gulf Islands. Although I only explored one of the many islands throughout the Gulf Islands, I feel as though I have developed a sense of place. When I talk about the Gulf Islands now I can vividly picture the coastline, the waters, the bird life, the ecosystems, and the people.
I ended my trip with treating myself to some lunch before the ferry back to Vancouver Island, I found this super cool Tree House Cafe! :)
