October was a busy month of learning, connection and community action across the Salish Sea!
From hands-on spill response training and birdwatching to conversations about climate justice and an evening of poetry, we brought people together to share knowledge, strengthen relationships and explore different ways to care for the places we love.
Here’s a look at some of the events and gatherings that made October memorable.
Building coastal resilience through spill response training
On October 16, GSA hosted our annual Clean Marine BC Spill Response Training in ƛaʔamɛn (Klah ah men), Lund, with instructors from Waterways Environmental.
The session brought together 19 participants from seven boating facilities across the Upper and Lower Sunshine Coast, including fuel docks, harbour authorities, marinas and local aquaculture teams. Three staff members from Clean Marine BC-certified Okeover Harbour Authority also took part.
Beyond building practical spill response skills, the training provided opportunities to strengthen relationships with local partners, including Lund Harbour Authority and the Tla’amin Nation-owned Lund Fuel Dock.
Thank you to everyone who participated and helped strengthen spill preparedness in our coastal communities!
Connecting nature and advocacy at Roberts Bank
On October 18, GSA joined Chief Jim Hornbrook and the Delta Naturalist Society for a guided bird walk at Roberts Bank, bringing together 57 participants to experience the remarkable birdlife and ecological importance of this coastal habitat.
The group spotted bald eagles, great blue herons, snow geese, dowitchers, green-winged teals, American wigeons and even a northern harrier eating a gull!
Roberts Bank is an important habitat for migratory birds and marine wildlife, and an area facing growing pressure from industrial development. Spending time in this landscape offered participants an opportunity to appreciate the wildlife that depends on it and reflect on why protecting these places matters.
The strong turnout was a wonderful reminder of the connections between nature, community and advocacy. We look forward to creating more opportunities to learn about and help protect the Salish Sea together.
Building connections and strengthening movements through climate dialogue
On October 25, we hosted the first gathering in our Climate Justice Dialogue Series, bringing community members together to explore what sustainable organizing looks like and how we can build lasting momentum for change.
The discussions generated thoughtful ideas for strengthening connections across movements, including developing a shared organizing calendar, supporting local initiatives with interconnected benefits, investing in youth leadership and sharing strategies for organizing while caring for ourselves and each other.
It was a packed house, and we are grateful to everyone who contributed their experiences, perspectives and ideas. These conversations are an important part of building the relationships and collective capacity needed to sustain community action over the long term.
Our Climate Justice Dialogue Series continues with more opportunities to connect, learn and explore how we can build resilient communities together.
Explore the Climate Justice Dialogue Series
Poetry, stories and saltwater connections
At the end of October, GSA and CPAWS-BC welcomed approximately 35 people to Spartacus Books in Vancouver for an evening of poetry, storytelling and connection to the Salish Sea.
From whales and salmon to bull kelp forests and coastal communities, participants shared words and reflections celebrating the sea and the many relationships that connect us to it.
The gathering created a welcoming space for creative expression, community care and imagining a more just, resilient and thriving future for the Salish Sea.
It was a reminder that advocacy takes many forms. Storytelling and creative expression can help us connect with one another, deepen our relationships with the natural world and find inspiration for collective action.
We loved hearing the heartfelt poetry shared throughout the evening. A big thank you to everyone who shared their words, stories and creativity with us!
One of the highlights was hearing “We Are the Sea,” a beautiful poem originally written by Simon and turned into a song by Violizzy. We encourage you to have a listen!
Thank you for being part of our community
Whether you joined us for a walk, workshop, conversation or creative gathering, thank you for helping make these events possible.
Protecting the Salish Sea takes many forms, and each opportunity to connect, share knowledge and learn from one another helps strengthen the communities working toward a healthier, more resilient future.
Check out our events page for upcoming events!