Caitlyn Vernon's Posts
Caitlyn Vernon on NPR
Listen to Caitlyn Vernon's interview about her book on public radio in the US.
At the heart of the struggle
As they make the journey, the Panel members will be traveling into the heart of the rainforest. They will fly over snow covered mountains, steep granite slopes where trees barely hang on, and lush river valleys below.
Caitlyn Vernon: Gitga’at people singing for their lives in face of Enbridge pipeline threat
Simgaget, sigadimanana. These words recognize the chiefs and matriarchs, in the language of the Gitga’at people. So many chiefs and matriarchs were present, in their button blanket regalia, that they filled up three rows along the end of the gymnasium where they sat for hours, watching over the speakers and the dancers.
An open letter on the proposed Enbridge pipeline
We are under attack. By our own government, flanked by the oil industry. I don't know how else to describe it.
Is a Virus Killing our Wild Salmon?
In school we learn about the precautionary principle. But in life, it so often seems that we throw caution to the wind. It’s time we remembered this principle of trying to do no harm. It’s time we listened to the scientists and the First Nations who are telling us to be more cautious.
We Stand United
First Nations stood together today in Vancouver, on Coast Salish Territory, to publicly declare a ban on oil tankers and pipelines on both the north and south coasts.
Bearing Witness to a Changing World
There is an old saying - Don’t Mourn, Organize. We tell ourselves there is no time to feel sad, that we need to get on with the work. But we are bearing witness to a changing world. When it comes to climate change, we need to mourn and organize.
The Call of the Whales
Last month I traveled around the islands and through the fjords of the Great Bear Rainforest, along the route that supertankers would have to navigate, if the Enbridge Northern Gateway project gets approved.
Salmon Sparkles
There were stars above and stars below. Below us the oars cut through the dark water leaving glimmering trails of sparkling phosphorescence in our wake. A seal followed the boat, snorting, close enough at times to see its body lit up with sparkles in the water.
Camping with Bears & Bugs
Manning Park, the Stein Valley, the Southern Chilcotin, Juan de Fuca, Naikoon, Garibaldi… these places form part of my memories, part of my mental map of this province.
Stories from Hakai
I am filled with respect for the Guardian Watchmen and the work they do. We ran scenarios at the conference to role-play how to respond in different situations. For example, what to do when you encounter tourists digging for artefacts in a midden, or drunk and belligerent bear poachers?
Into the Eyes of a Wolf
There are moments when I am reminded about why I do the work I do. Seeing coastal wolves for the first time ever, close enough to look into their eyes, was one of these moments.
Visioning: _______ (Your Input Here)
Selling the bad hasn't worked, and may even have perpetuated the sense that it is inevitable. Instead, we need to sell the good, what they call ‘climate heaven.' If we can articulate a compelling vision of a low-carbon future, it gives people something to work towards. The vision needs to capture the imagination in a way that taps into hope and excitement for the future. Got a vision to share? Send it to us!
Caitlyn Vernon: We won’t allow oil pipelines and tankers to devastate Great Bear Rainforest
There was strength in solidarity, with so many standing together, united by a shared commitment to protect the ecosystems, communities, and livelihoods of the coast. First Nations and non-First Nations. Elders and youth. Federal, provincial, and municipal politicians. Young families with children. People who have fought long and hard to stop previous proposed oil projects on the north coast and are prepared to do what it takes to stop this one, and others who are engaging in this way for the first time.
spOILed
It was a night to be inspired - by the wonders of outdoor adventure possible on our amazing coast, and by our collective determination to keep oil tankers out of the Great Bear Rainforest.
Trail Condition: Unknown
Sitting on a high rocky ridge with wide open spaces all around, the smell of meadows covered in alpine flowers, the quiet… these things make me feel good. But my trip to Manning Park was marred by the clear lack of management, maintenance, enforcement, and even just basic information. It's time to revive our parks and to put knowledgeable people on the ground.
Speak From the Heart and Give it All You've Got
A motion has been introduced into the House of Commons that calls for a legislated tanker ban on BC's north coast. Tomorrow evening, on December 7th, MPs from across the country will be voting on this motion. They need to hear from you.
We Gathered to Say Haw'aa
As a kid in the early '80s I had the poster of Burnaby Narrows on my wall. It seemed this iconic image from South Moresby was everywhere at the time -- the bright sea stars and abundance of rich intertidal life illustrating the beauty of the area and raising awareness of the need to protect it from logging.
A Question of Humility
The Great Bear Rainforest is the only place in the world that these bears live. A spill from the proposed oil tankers would put at risk their home and future, as well as the future of First Nations ecotourism on the north coast. But the bears don't know this.
With Strength, and a Whole Lot of Heart
People are speaking from their heart, and the message is clear. There is no way that tankers will be allowed to transit through the waters of the Great Bear Rainforest. Each day more people are taking action to stop Enbridge. More and more I hear from people young and old that they are willing to stand on the line and be arrested, to protect this coast.
