Tomorrow, as so many of you know and feel, is Canada’s federal election. And, I’m tariffied. That’s not a typo.
The Canadian election has been dominated by the results of the election on the other side of the border. So many of us are left thinking HOW and WHY did our neighbours ever make that choice?
We feel the global shock waves that are the result – from finance, to human decency, to national security, to consideration of the environment that sustains us.
How and why? Dear Canadian neighbours, now we are there ourselves.
Tomorrow will mirror back to us who we are and what we value (acknowledging and deeply feeling the realities of our non-proportional voting system).
The ugly in the world is not in the shadows.
This is how it began on the other side of the border. He who “says it like it is” – an invitation for more of the ugly to creep out from the dark.
I sense in myself the want to disengage; that I feel disoriented, wounded and even targeted. The leader on the other side of the border is the embodiment of what I have stood against since, as a child, I stepped between a bully and his target.
The gag-inducing hairball, the recoil, the violations of attempted autocracy come together with technology that creates further vertigo about reality, truth, and even who we are.
What to do?
To swing far to the right, is wrong. To create a party that invites and fosters violations of humanity/equality and the environment is wrong.
Feel what you feel and identify your response to it – fading, disengaging, hurting, despairing, scrolling away?
And then say, hell no.
Hell no to the bullying, the attempts to overwhelm, violate, disorient, disempower.
Hell no to handing over our power, identity, values, and the further resources that sustain life (which is exactly the attempted strategy of using the blunt tools of fear and lies).
Tomorrow we vote.
And then we live with the reality, in all cases putting good into the world, having empathy for those who are being sucked under in this vortex of ugly and their inability to see clearly.
Stay afloat, know the way forward, guided by the values that will serve future generations.
I have struggled with whether I will share who I am voting for.
We in the riding of North Island-Powell River have the following reality:
A candidate that has attracted and emboldened the far right.
The alternative choices of three other candidates.
Having to consider strategic voting because the vote for those who do not want the Conservative candidate, will be split three ways.
This has led to the decision to vote for the NDP candidate despite the Liberal candidate being someone I know.
Background on the quote I present here from Rita Leon, Sts’ailes, Nation.
It was provided as a comment on a social media post I made by Wendy Burton: “A dear friend, who is an Indigenous elder, told me many years ago, when knowledge of the Residential school system began to seep into my world: Despair is a position of the privileged. I have no time for despair. It stops me from doing my part to heal this magnificent world. Do I sit in the dark and weep sometimes? Yes. Do I rise up? Always.”
Dear Community, This is a follow-up to my January blog (included below) in which I shared the news about the King Charles III Coronation Medal, which ” . . . recognizes Canadians who exemplify service to others, protection of the environment, youth empowerment, and diversity. Across Canada, 30,000 medals will be handed out to deserving individuals.”
The moment – thanks to MP Rachel Blaney.
I am very honoured and grateful to all who have been part of the journey. The celebration in which I received the medal happened on February 28, 2025 in Port McNeill. Below I include photos, video, and text from the speeches at the celebration. I have made this blog largely for those who were not there – family and beloved friends – some who go back decades and some who are an ocean away. But maybe, it’s of interest to you too.
As someone who cares enough to read these blogs, you’ve been part of the journey.
As I shared at the celebration: “I don’t think there’s been a time in my life, where this recognition could have meant more to me. You are my people. You feel it. It’s a “complicated world”. There are forces riled against facts, science, equality, other beings on the planet, and a healthy future.
This honour puts wind in my sails. You being here lifts me up. And how I hope it does the same for you to reflect upon the good you put into the world. To stand for truth and critical thinking. To know what matters. To love. And to know why there are those who do not want us to have this knowledge, these values, this drive, and the joy that comes from it all.”
Full video of the ceremony is near the end of this blog.
Because I know you will want to know right away. Who made the stunning jewelry? It was essential to me to have symbolism / recognition for the area in which I have learned. This art is from łlilawikw / Sea Wisdom Design. Photo by her sister, who is our MERS Board Member, Emily Wisden-Seaweed. After the placing of the heavy medal. Thank you dear James / Mayor Furney. Friends, dive buddies, neighbours. 💙So much meaning was given to the celebration thanks to Ernest Alfred – K’wak’wabala. The Marine Education & Research Society extended family with MP Rachel Blaney. Team MERS made me a crown to match my medal. 😉
Words from Rachel Blaney (Member of Parliament for North Island–Powell River) included:
“Jackie is based out of Port McNeill, living and learning in the Territories of the Kwakwala-speaking Peoples. She has served as an exemplary and inspiring ambassador for the importance the ocean and undertaking action for the good of future generations.
She returned to British Columbia after teaching in the Netherlands, wanting to find a more effective way to enable people to know their connection to the ocean.
Her greatest aim is to educate about the importance of the life hidden in the plankton-rich waters off our coast – that it is in the cold ocean that there is greater biodiversity and productivity than in the warm ocean.
She does this as “The Marine Detective” – educator, cold-water diver, underwater photographer – and as a cofounder of the Marine Education and Research Society, known as MERS.
She is a Humpback Whale Researcher with MERS and their Education and Communications Director. She and the team embody the dedication of applying what they learn as scientists, to education to speak for the importance of the ocean and how to reduce threats to marine life.
Jackie’s work has been prominently highlighted in various publications and documentaries produced by reputable outlets such as the BBC and PBS.“
My words from the celebration:
“I’m overwhelmed. And really grateful.
Grateful for this opportunity live here, have you as neighbours, colleagues, friends, dive buddies, and to have the opportunity and privilege to learn where the Kwakawala-speaking People have lived for millennia.
I am really grateful Rachel [MP Rachel Blaney] that you came here for this. Knowing the value it would have to shine a light on northern Vancouver Island, Port McNeill, and the people who have been part of this journey, especially those in the Marine Education & Research Society.
Thank you James [Mayor James Furney] and others who knew the value too and my dilemma about where, and what this celebration should be. Thank you Rob [Rob Hilts] for being behind the cameras so I can share this with my parents (who definitely had something to do with me being me) and loves ones far away AND that I can stare right into the camera and say, from depths of my heart, thank you Whitney Melan for nominating me.
I don’t think there’s been a time in my life, where this recognition could have meant more to me. You are my people. You feel it. It’s a “complicated world”. There are forces riled against facts, science, equality, other beings on the planet, and a healthy future.
This honour puts wind in my sails. You being here lifts me up. And how I hope it does the same for you to reflect upon the good you put into the world. To stand for truth and critical thinking. To know what matters. To love. And to know why there are those who do not want us to have this knowledge, these values, this drive, and the joy that comes from it all.
I deliberated saying that I could never have imagined that life would take me here. But, while that’s definitely true that I could never have envisioned this particular heavy medal event, the eight-year-old in me is resistant and believes that some of this was pretty damn predictable. Even the part about being a 61-year-old who goes underwater, with a camera, wearing a tutu.
The eight-year-old in me – she’s strong. She knows things. She has always known it was about Nature, never felt separate from it, and doesn’t understand there are people who do very separate. She’s always wanted to learn, especially about animals, and then run to others, especially children, and say (probably very loudly) . . . LOOK! LISTEN! CARE!
Thank you for listening.
Thank you for caring. Thank you for being part of my life, my community, and maybe even my purpose. Thank you.”
Video and many of the photos are due to the kindness and skill of Rob Hilts of Either Way Productions. Such great thanks to those who were part of the celebration: MP Rachel Blaney and Jorgina Little, Mayor James Furney, Ernest Alfred – K’wak’wabala (meant so much to me Ernest), my dive buddies, my colleagues from the Marine Education and Research Society, Helena Symonds and Dr. Paul Spong for their words read by Ernest, and many other beloved friends and neighbours. 💙
Please note I will be adding more photos to this blog in the next few days, when I have a bit more breathing space 😉. I just wanted to get this into the world sooner rather than later for friends and family.
Royal Recognition – Part 1 Posted on January 25th.
Er . . . I won a medal.
I am deeply grateful for this recognition that shines light on, and amplifies, the values that connect many of us here. This at a time when there are many challenges to equality, truth, critical thinking, human dignity, and the health of the planet and future generations.
It also shines light on our Marine Education & Research Society and on the place where I have learned – northern Vancouver Island, Territory of the Kwak̕wala-speaking Peoples.
This medal also requires acknowledgement and reflection on the history of the monarchy, colonization, and the need to work for the values this award represents.
Many of you have been part of what has led to this recognition – opening doors, joining along the way, encouraging, and supporting. Thank you.
I have learned that Whitney Melan is the one who took the time and effort with the nomination, which means the world to me. It also means so much that the medal will be awarded by MP Rachel Blaney.
I am deeply grateful for this recognition that shines light on, and amplifies, the values that connect many of us here. This at a time when there are many challenges to equality, truth, critical thinking, human dignity, and the health of the planet and future generations.
It also shines light on our Marine Education & Research Society and on the place where I have learned – northern Vancouver Island, Territory of the Kwak̕wala-speaking Peoples.
This medal also requires acknowledgement and reflection on the history of the monarchy, colonization, and the need to work for the values this award represents.
Many of you have been part of what has led to this recognition – opening doors, joining along the way, encouraging, and supporting. Thank you.
I have learned that Whitney Melan is the one who took the time and effort with the nomination, which means the world to me. It also means so much that the medal will be awarded by MP Rachel Blaney. I do not yet know when or where.
Onward.
“The King Charles III Coronation Medal Program recognizes Canadians who exemplify service to others, protection of the environment, youth empowerment, and diversity. Across Canada, 30,000 medals will be handed out to deserving individuals.”
Hello dear Community, I recently sat down with the wonderful team from Whale Tales to have a chat for their podcast. There was laughter and a few tears in reflecting on our Marine Education and Research Society work for the whales, and what I strive for with The Marine Detective.
To have a listen, see the links below. Let me know if this was of interest, and maybe even uplifting for you? 💙 This helps give me direction about future efforts, and where to use my voice.
This is another Ocean Voice blog = my thoughts about hope, connection, equality and positive action for future generations.
I have been dizzied by recent global events and needed to ground myself. You too? The following poem is the result. I shared it on social media where it seems to have resounded with many. May it be of use to readers here too.
I share these more personal posts wanting the words to land where they may be of use to others. The following words emerged yesterday, on Mother’s Day. I shared them on social media and there was a strong response, so I am posting them here too. Here goes . . .
To the children, I did not have You are here, with me
I carry you In spirit and passion Fire and purpose
Every child, the potential of you Every child, motivated by you Every child, the future of you
Grief duller now The path not taken Further behind
I could not be here Were it not for you I am here . . . because of you
There’s no comfort or reassurance needed dear Community. I am living the life I want to live. I also acknowledge that what I put into the world fits under the verb, “to mother”.
I am sharing these words so they may contribute to understanding and comfort for others. 💙
The following is again a more personal post. The words I share below have resonated strongly with many on social media. Therefore, I am sharing them here too. May they land with others who gain from reading them. Here’s to love, in all its diversity and depth.
Daring to share on Valentine’s Day because The Marine Detective is as much about equality and finding one’s way as it is about marine life.
Partner-less? Chlid-less?
We are not “less”.
I am writing this for myself as much as I am for others in the same boat. (See what I did there? So clever! )
If today you can look into the eyes of a partner and from the depths of your soul say “I love you”, that is so very, very much to be celebrated.
THIS is for the widow(er)s, the estranged, the separated, the childless, the partnerless, and / or the loverless (fun word to say). We are not less.
A paradigm is pushed at us that to be coupled is to be better. That being single is something to be solved or cured.
No. Many of us are living realities where this “single” life is so much more than the mediocrity, hollowness, or even damage inflicted from past partners, and that we perceive in the relationships of others.
Here’s to what got us where we are today – the tough decisions made, the growth, the scarring, the healing, the searching, the stopping, the loving, the uncompromising, the escaping, the vulnerability, and the freedom.
Here’s to the love in our full lives, the love in our hearts, the love we put into the world, and the love in our futures – whatever we chose that to be.
To be single, is not to be alone. To be single, is not to be without love.
Hello dear Community, Here’s another more personal, daring-to-share blog.
I posted the following on social media this past week and it resounded strongly with people. So I am also sharing it with you. I am doing so on the day I will attend the watch party in England for the episode of Planet Earth III in which we were involved as Marine Education and Research Society Humpback Whale researchers.
Here goes:
On Thursday, I woke up in the Netherlands (where I am visiting family) with the vivid memory I am about to describe.
This was when I was in grade 11 or 12 circa 1981 and is about the “Top Science Student” award in our high school.
I was very fortunate to receive recognition for how hard I worked including being “Top Female Student” in my graduating class. Yes, making a distinction between Top Male and Top Female was something that no one blinked at back then.
There were dear friends who were brilliant science students and who went on to careers in STEM too. But it happened to be that I had the highest combined science grade that year. The prize was a Texas Instruments calculator. That was a really big deal back then. 🙂
I was not recognized for the Top Science Student award.
What were we being judged on if not our grades? At least one of the teachers believed “I can’t see her in a lab coat”.
So the perception of what a scientist should look like, and behave like, BACK THEN was putting limitations on what a scientist could look like, and be like, IN THE FUTURE.
Well . . . here I am.
Here I am despite so many downward forces about what I was supposed to look like, and how I was supposed to behave.
Granted I am far more of an educator than I am a scientist. But, there too I am applying stereotypes and standards that I actually don’t believe in.
I joked around a lot then, as I do now. I gained self worth through my achievements and the humour helped distract from how hard I was working. There was also some big stuff going on and I knew I had to get the grades to get the hell out of dodge and into the life I wanted. But simply, it’s also how this brain works. It needs humour to remain engaged.
And granted, I am not in a lab coat. I often wear a tutu or a lot of rain gear. But, here I am.
Here WE are. Those who did not fit stereotypes and societal standards and yet still found their way . . . so that many more can follow. ___________________
I wrote the following in my role with the Marine Education and Research Society to accompany the graphic below. Our efforts include workshops on Marine Mammal Regulations and the ethics of imagery and language used by mainstream and social media.
It is so jarring and unfortunate when wildlife encounters are described with language like “the whales put on a show for us”. No, they didn’t.
How I hope my words resound with you.
“It’s not a show.
Wildlife does not perform for humans. Whales do not “put on a show” for us.
Words matter. Words reflect, and perpetuate, our values and actions.
Thankfully, society has come a long way in understanding our connection to the natural world.
May our words reflect that we know the privilege of observing wild animals, living wild lives.
Not “for us”. Not “up close and personal”.
Rather, may we value most that what we observe in the wild happens . . . as if we weren’t there.”
The graphic is available as a sticker or card at our MERS Ocean Store. The card includes the above text. All sales support our research and education efforts.
Illustration made by friend Dawn Dudek based on a photo I took of Humpback Whale Inukshuk (BCZ0339) while conducting research for the Marine Education and Research Society (MERS) under Marine Mammal License MML-57.
I am daring to share the following with you, with Hannah’s permission. I do so because, we are all educators and, as I often express, education is like throwing seeds into the wind. Usually, we don’t know how, or even if, the seeds take root.
Hannah has gifted me an example of how a simple act from 22 years ago may have contributed to someone’s path. Yes, I cried upon reading this. I am crying again now.
“Dear Jackie,
I wanted to give you this memory you so appreciated hearing. If I were an artist, I would draw or paint or somehow physically create this moment for you. Instead, as a linguist, I will do my best to describe it.
A flurry of sensory information was hitting my not-yet-developed brain, so I don’t have many specifics for this memory. I know two things: this memory is one of my first, and I was on the Gikumi, so I felt safe. [Gikumi was the beautiful wooden boat then used by Stubbs Island Whale Watching].
Sight: I sat facing one of the doorways, so my view of the outside was framed. Strangers swiftly appeared and disappeared as they walked along the deck. The land gently rose and fell when some wake hit the boat. It wasn’t too bright for my young, blue eyes. I know now that a slightly cloudy day makes for better nature watching…enough light but no glare.
Sound: The radio blared with voices and static. Captain Jim lowered the volume. Boats engines hum in the distance. A dozen strangers’ voices chatter, so there must not have been whales yet. Something about whales makes us go silent. I’ve always liked that. Even my busy, loud brain goes silent with them.
Smell: Coffee. Mom always had coffee. The breeze never quite made it around that doorway, so the smell of the ocean would arrive later.
Touch: Mom had on a rain jacket, so the arms that surrounded me felt a bit loud for my fingers. Some people understand that a feeling can be loud. It is like how linen is not smooth or rough, but somehow loud to feel. My life jacket provided me with consistent, surrounding pressure, like a hug. I never minded wearing it. Sitting on Mom’s lap, I didn’t have to worry about balance. She held me tightly as the waves made the boat rock. This is a comforting feeling for me, like a vertical rocking chair.
Taste: Captain Jim gave me a cookie. Yum.
The boat continued to glide forward. Suddenly, there was a pickup of chatter and movement. My eyes darted around. Too young to listen to or understand a naturalist talk, I didn’t really know the kinds of creatures that could appear or nature I could experience.
Then, a familiar face appeared in the doorway. It was your kind, sociable, empathetic, and passion-filled face. Your face had excitement in it. Not on it, like a painter choosing an emotion for the subject or a reaction learned through customer service. The excitement was in it. It was true. You said something to Mom, and she plopped me down from her lap and lifted me over the door frame.
This is the vivid moment in my memory. I don’t have much of a mind’s eye. I can’t “see” anything when I read books, and I always thought “picture this” was a metaphor, not an actual instruction. But in my mind, I can see blue-grey sky with your hand reaching down for mine. I take your hand, and it feels warm. You guide me to the bow and position me by the rail. You squat down so you can talk to me, not over me. Your left arm is around me, holding me safe and steady. Your right hand switches between holding the rail and pointing to the water. You brought me out to see the Dall’s Porpoise riding Gikumi’s bow.
This is when I feel the cool wind on my face and smell the slightly salty water. It smells green and blue. The open ocean just smells blue to me, but where we are also smells green. I now know it is the lower salinity, but you intelligently didn’t try to educate me on that fact. Instead, you instruct me to look at how the porpoises glide through the water and move up and down for air. I see the water turn white when they disturb the surface. I hear the puffs of them breathing. You point to their tails and tell me to look at how fast they can go.
I don’t have the ability yet to “wonder” in the sense of pondering or thinking, but I do have the ability to “wonder” in the sense of awe. This new information could have skidded past my brain as unintelligible data too complicated to process. But you took the time to help me see it and help me learn it. You crouched down to my physical and mental level to help me see what you see in this incredible world.
This moment sparked the joy that began my passion for cetaceans. It isn’t the joy that is synonymous with happiness. It is the Joy that C.S. Lewis talks about: an unsatisfied desire for and lifelong pursuit of God. He describes Joy as a longing that comes to you in pangs as you head in the right direction toward God. At this point in my life, I simply consider God to be the ultimate source of goodness. My pangs of Joy are when I feel like I am heading in the right direction toward whatever meaning my life is supposed to have. I believe it is good to pursue knowledge of the world around me, even if it is just for knowledge’s sake. At least, it is good to pursue finding meaning. I think I found my purpose in killer whale research. You sparked that Joy, and I thank you.
Be well, Hannah Cole”
Hannah is clearly an extraordinary writer, and human. Her undergraduate degree is in Computer Science and Computational Thinking with a minor in Philosophy, she is pursuing a Master’s in Linguistics. From Hannah: “I want to combine these into a PHD in Natural Language Processing, studying the language of killer whales. Dr. John Ford discerned their linguistic variation, and I hope to use artificial intelligence to discern any meaning that may be present.”
It also means so much that the medal will be awarded by 
)
The Marine Detective 