Memories and Stories

Today was a good day. The water was calm like a transparent sheet. The only ripples made were from seabirds coming to a smooth landing, or taking off in flight to meet up with friends along the bay. Kris, Sam and I went on a little boating adventure to look for full crab traps. No crabs were to be found today, but there were numerous moments I was astounded by. Like the layers of green bull kelp glistening on the water's surface as we cruised between two small islets. The great bald eagle perched on a tree top, intently staring down at us, waiting until we pass to exhibit its massive wingspan and glide away into the distance. The young deer, creeping about the underbrush on one of the smaller islands, skillfully arriving there through a cold journey through the brisk waters of the inlet. I kept thinking to myself.."Why is it always the days that I forget my ultrazoom camera that I feel I see things like this and need it most?"

Then I realized this often happens to me as a reminder to live in the moment. To take these scenes and visions and lock them away in my mind's memory. They will forever be more valuable than a pretty picture. They can serve as a basis for reflection, sharing and stories. And what grande stories my experiences have been forming!

Reassurance

I just watched Avatar. Not on a big screen in a theatre with 3-D glasses on, but in the teen centre on a normal TV here on Haida Gwaii. I was hesitant to see this film the first few weeks it came out because of its following. Everyone who had seen it thought the world of it, and anyone who hadnt seen it, wanted to. I assumed it was because of the sci-fi and special effects. Aside from all that, this film stirred up emotions in me. Emotions that haven't been lit up like this in a few weeks, but now, there is this pain I feel within my soul. Apart from the cartoons, special effects, love story and action packed adventure, this film has a story line that I understand. This is what I've been studying this semester, and its so real. It hits home for me because this is what ACTUALLY HAPPENED. Here on Haida Gwaii, and in many other places across Canada and in the world. Colonization into "empty" spaces to conquer the unfamiliar and indigenous ppl and things on the new found land. Classify and dominate what is unknown and make the surroundings "civilized". Dig up resources from underground, cut down trees, overharvest fish and contaminate waterways. Do whatever it takes to make a buck, no matter whose home you are affecting and whose history and culture you're ruining.

I do not consider myself a cynissist, just a realist. This movie has reassured the drive in me to contribute to a just world-socially and environmentally.