Wildlife photography – and observation research – is a learned skill, improved by information, experience and mentorship. We can all be better at what we do and all of us should constantly demand better of ourselves. That, after all, is being human. As is admitting imperfection – and we’re most certainly imperfect.
Many national parks are trying to re-wild their front and back country and put a heightened focus on animal conservation. This is admirable. But roadways and trails (and, frustratingly, towns and golf courses and ski resorts in Canada’s parks) are here to stay. As a result, this imperfect version of protected wilderness needs to strike a fine balance between animal needs and the bigger picture of helping people foster a love for nature and conservation.
After months of unseasonable sun and heat, summer has finally faded to fall in Canada’s Rocky Mountains, with higher elevations already receiving their first blanket of snow. And what a relief it is. Fires burning across neighbouring British Columbia and into Alberta have made smoke omnipresent and threatened animals and people alike.
In landing in Qikiqtarjuaq and boarding the iconic Canada C3 vessel, the excitement of being in this remarkable landscape never quite took hold, as I knew that if we were to truly honour our role on board the ship, our time at sea would be incredibly challenging. Though I may have been a naïve 13-year-old when I dove into the deep end of the campaign to save the spirit bear, I’ve long since lost my innocence as to how seemingly concurrent challenges often counter act one another, surfacing hard truths and offering nothing more than bumpy roads as solace.
This year is Canada’s 150th birthday and it doesn’t come without controversy. To celebrate the incredible nation in which we live, while acknowledging that we’re far from perfect and have a long road ahead if we are to achieve meaningful reconciliation with our indigenous communities, Simon will be part of a unique endeavour.
While the world mourns the loss of sport greats Ali and Howe, we want to take a moment to mourn the loss of two powerful voices for nature.
The Youth Coalition united the voice of youth. We changed the tone of how the issue was discussed, allowing for support to grow across ideological lines in BC and across Canada. We helped bring international awareness with initiatives such as making the spirit bear the 2010 Olympic mascot and by cultivating unique media profiles and campaign endorsements. And we worked diligently to advance policy goals through quiet diplomacy with decision makers. Of course, we also made many mistakes.
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