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Four-week speaker series explores the nature of home

Every Saturday in April, learn a little more about the nature of our home.
Bob Turner

During last fall’s municipal election campaign, I was struck by how little attention was paid to the environmental agenda for Bowen.  It got me wondering about our collective connection to nature. Was it healthy? Or were we drifting apart?

So I brought my observations up with my film-making buddy, Len Gilday, over a CocoaWest coffee one morning and we decided it would be a good idea to host a talk series where some Bowen Islanders explore their relationship with our island and ocean surround. 

“The Nature of Home” seemed like the right name. 

Len, a Library board member, suggested the library might be an ideal partner. We met with Tina and Marysia at the library and they were intrigued. The library could provide a speaker-selected reading list companion to the talk series and host the series in the library’s new addition. 

For speakers we wanted some Bowen-bred youthful energy, so Adam Taylor and Fiona Beaty immediately came to mind. 

Adam, a fourth generation islander, scuba diver and photographer, has a gift for sharing his excitement about the underwater world.

Fiona, who grew up summers on Bowen and is now a PhD student at UBC in marine biology, is also excited to share her knowledge and experience in and around Bowen. Fiona is currently up to her gumboots in Howe Sound marine projects from identifying conservation areas of high biodiversity to restoring eelgrass beds.

To provide some more seasoned vitality and bring in a First Nations relationship with the land, we immediately thought of Michael Yahgulanaas, a well-known artist with his own unique Haida Manga storytelling. 

And, I admit, I too wanted to speak. I have been energized by the recovery of marine life in Atl’ka7tsem/Howe Sound and love to share my encounters with wild nature in the short movies that I make. 

Adam and Fiona were excited to speak. So was Michael. Michael’s only stipulation was that we serve gourmet popcorn at his event. He has some bold and provocative ideas to advance reconciliation on Bowen Island and feels strongly that the time to act is now. 

And so, it all came together. The Nature of Home.  

Four discussions, including stories, research and movies. 

Each Saturday in April at 7 p.m. we will present a different speaker –two at the library and two at Collins Hall. Seating is limited so do arrive early (doors open at 6:30 p.m.). 

The schedule is: 

April 6 – Adam Taylor at Collins Hall

April 13 – Michael Nicoll Yahgulanaas at the library

April 20 – Bob Turner at Collins Hall

April 27 – Fiona Beaty at the library

See you there!