The Stories That Brought You Here

Introduction and Context for Guiding Use of Curriculum Resource, “Seaweed Woman” by STAUTW Author, Mavis TIWENOMOT Underwood

In May 2023 a learning cohort was established involving anthropological field research at the traditional village homelands of STAUTW (Tsawout) Indigenous First Nations at TEL,ILCE, renamed by colonial settlers Cordova Bay. This region rests below PKOLS, also referred to by colonial settlers and the government of the day as Mount Douglas Park.

A partnership was launched between STAUTW First Nation and the University of Victoria led by Dr. Brian Thom. The cohort included students from WSANEC who were enrolled in College Prep and University Transfer through Camosun College and the University of Victoria students actively engaged in anthropological studies. The group experienced mentorship and cultural leadership from doctoral candidate Mavis Underwood, cultural teachers Shaun Canute, Barry Underwood, Henrietta and Fred Charlie, and STAUTW Elders, Eydie and Eric Pelkey and was endorsed by STAUTW Chief Abe Pelkey and Council. On June 21, 2023, the marine and land territory was recognized by STAUTW First Nation as an Indigenous Protected Conservation Area.

The context of the story was to reflect in a creative narrative some of the oral history that was shared. One of our Elders shared histories of her arranged marriage when she was 15. Her son was raised to maintain cultural teachings to help protect and guide WSANEC People. In the past a story shared about a killer whale that raised itself up out of the saltwater in Cordova Bay to look around only to reappear in the freshwater of Elk Lake where it showed itself again before making its final appearance in the saltwater of Finlayson Arm swimming to the ocean through Saanich Inlet. This related a phenomenon of an underwater cavern that helped WSANEC People transform and escape attack from invaders.

This resource is intended to provide a way of capturing history, teachings, community knowledge of place and customs to peak the interest of learners in WSANEC Leadership High School and WSANEC College. 

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This recording has been made possible with funding from: the Capital Regional District, the Pender Island Community Resource Centre, the W̱SÁNEĆ Leadership Council/W̱SÁNEĆ School Board, the Pender Islands Museum, and the South Pender Historical Society.

After finishing university in England, Jo thought she was headed to the South Pacific to teach kindergarten. However, an unexpected phone call, would lead her to make a very different choice. She wound up moving to Prince George, B.C., and her life would begin to unfold in many creative, and interesting ways. 

Jo will share stories about meeting her future husband, Greg, while in Prince George, and the two of them becoming deeply involved in music and community while there. After a number of decades, and living in different parts of Canada, she would make her way to Pender Island and use her unique set of skills to help build The Crisp Festival on Pender.

That and so much more.

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Monica Bennett is a long-time resident, and an incredibly active and passionate community member on Pender Island. In this episode, she shares about her personal journey, philosophy on volunteering, and her involvement in various local organizations. Some of these help to enhance seniors' programming, and to promote the arts. She shares insights into the unique energy and sense of belonging found on Pender, reflecting on how small acts of service and community engagement have shaped both her life and the broader island culture.

 

Our conversation also dives deep into Monica's artistic pursuits in felting and quilting, as well, her experiences behind the scenes of the now closed, Red Tree Gallery. She provides fascinating details about the art of felting, the evolution of her artistic interests, and the logistics of managing a cooperative gallery.

 

Enjoy!

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If you are interested in learning more about recording an audio memoir, for yourself, or for a loved one, please click on this, or go to myaudiomemoir.com to find out more.

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Barry and his wife, Clare moved from England to Canada while in their late forties. They first settled in Victoria, but found some challenges adjusting to aspects of this new change. After a few years, they relocated to Pender Island and soon launched the island’s first bookstore, Talisman Books & Gallery. It would become a local hub for readers, artists, and visitors interested in literature and the arts.

Barry will share some stories from these times. As well, describe how he became involved with the Solstice Theatre, through acting and directing. He will also discuss his role in establishing car stops on Pender Island, an initiative that improved accessibility and transportation options for residents by creating designated spots for safe and convenient ride-sharing.

Now based in Sidney with Clare, Barry reflects on their years on Pender. He recalls how their contributions—through Talisman Books, theatre, and community initiatives—helped shape the vibrant island community they came to love.

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If you are interested in learning more about recording an audio memoir, for yourself, or for a loved one, please click on this, or go to myaudiomemoir.com to find out more.

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While in their late-twenties, Craig and his wife, Ruthie, decided to make a big change in their lives. In 2008, they sold their home in Edmonton, packed their bags, and headed out for a year-long trip around the world. One of their major reasons behind this journey, was a desire to discover volunteer opportunities so they could put their individual skills to use. They would wind-up doing this in the countries of Papua New Guinea, Cambodia, and others.

Their epic adventure would eventually take them to Rwanda. While there, they experienced a deep resonance with the country. At the end of their year abroad, they returned home to Alberta, with a plan in place to go back. For the next six and a half years, they would make a life for themselves in Rwanda.

Craig will detail many of the incredible experiences they had during that time. One of which, was his recognition of the need for employment for vulnerable youth in the country. Craig started a plumbing business that would not only help create jobs for those who needed it, but also, would contribute to creating better plumbing in Rwanda.

He will share incredibly in-depth stories about their time in the country, and how it impacted their lives in a wide variety of ways.

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If you are interested in learning more about recording an audio memoir, for yourself, or for a loved one, please click on this, or go to myaudiomemoir.com to find out more.

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Bruce Alexander is a psychologist and professor emeritus at Simon Fraser University. He actively taught at SFU from 1970 to 2005. In this interview, he will speak about many of the pivotal experiences he had during that time. One of which, occurred during the 70s, while he was volunteering at a methadone clinic in Vancouver's downtown eastside. There, he would engage in conversations with heroin users, and learn more about why they chose to use the drug. These talks would help set him on a path to conducting an experiment that questioned the standard beliefs of the day about drug addiction - The Rat Park Experiment.

Bruce will share many interesting stories from his life, and give some fascinating insights about his lifetime search for the truth about addiction.

All that, and much more.

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If you are interested in learning more about recording an audio memoir, for yourself, or for a loved one, please click on this, or go to myaudiomemoir.com to find out more.

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Gregory Franklin has travelled the world photographing bears up-close in the wild. From pandas to grizzlies to polar bears, he has had many unique experiences while taking photographs of these amazing animals. He will explain his process and philosophy that allows him to be in incredibly close proximity with not only bears, but also mountain gorillas in East Africa.

He will also speak about how after a tragic circumstance occurred in his life, he felt moved to do something he had never done before. That was to carve a 26-foot tall healing pole on his property. This act of personal healing, had a profound impact on him, but more so, in the lives of many others who have since visited the site it stands on.

What would follow for Gregory, was an epic ten-year project–the building of his home, Franklin Castle. Based on 15th and 16th century architecture, and made of limestone, he built this house, brick by brick, almost purely on his own. It is now, not just a place for him to enjoy, but also for the community of Pender Island.

Gregory will go into great detail explaining how the building of this amazing structure unfolded over the years, his work with sculpture, and share something special he enjoys doing for others during the Christmas holidays.

All that, and so much more.

___________________________________________________________________________

If you are interested in learning more about recording an audio memoir, for yourself, or for a loved one, please click on this, or go to myaudiomemoir.com to find out more.

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Marc grew up on a dairy farm in South Central Ontario. After finishing high school, he decided to join the Canadian military. For nine years, he had a variety of unique experiences while in the army. This included a transfer from Ontario to British Columbia. It was while living in Comox, he felt a shift within himself and that a change was needed. He decided to leave the military and return to school. In the years that followed, he would earn a degree in psychology. To support himself while in university, he worked as a radio DJ, as well, as a crisis counsellor.

He will share some behind the scenes details about working at a small town radio station. Speak about his recent trip to Europe while on tour with Sarah Smith, and describe some of the important creative pursuits in his life.

All that and much more.

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If you are interested in learning more about recording an audio memoir, you can email me by clicking this.

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In this episode, Paul Williamson will reflect on the many careers he has had in his life. From a logger, newspaper reporter, teacher, lawyer and ultimately a Supreme Court Judge of British Columbia. He will discuss the reasons, and actions he took at various stages in his life, that made him choose between certain paths. Chronicling some of the diverse experiences he had along the way.

We also go in depth into learning about his journey to becoming a lawyer. He will explain some key elements of how the legal system works, and describe some of the meaningful cases in which he was a part of, including, The Nisga'a Treaty.

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If you are interested in learning more about recording an audio memoir, you can email me by clicking this.

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Sarah Smith is a singer/songwriter, who has been performing almost all of her life. She will describe how she first got inspired to sing as a child in church. The musical journey she embarked on eventually led to a decade of playing with the proto-Punk band, The Joys. A busy and creative solo career would follow, which has included multiple album releases, regularly touring through Germany and so much more.

Sarah will share many fascinating stories about all aspects of her life, including personal challenges she faced along the way. Then, how she came out the other side, through surrender and service.

To find out more about Sarah, her music, and more...please visit her website: www.sarahsmithmusic.com

Photo credit to Kevin Vyse

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If you are interested in learning more about recording an audio memoir, you can email me by clicking this.

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