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.
Here’s to the salty sisterhood of cold-water divers (and the men with whom we submerge). I am a week late with posting this for “Women’s Dive Day”. Yes, it’s been busy.
But, it’s still really important to me to put these photos into the world and reflect on how much this sisterhood means to me, and why. I have tears in my eyes as I type this, so apparently, the feelings run deep.
Scuba sister Jacqui Engel with Egg Yolk Jelly.
Why? Because you may have noticed that, by some, there is an increasing downward pressure on womxn in an attempt to limit the spaces in which we expand and the choices we WILL make. Because some want to hold on to the assumption of inherent privilege based on the absurd “criteria” of skin pigmentation; whether one’s chromosomes have one X or two; or gender identification. Because some fight equality to claim superiority.
I now have some pretty good expletives in my head which I will not type here.
Scuba sister Natasha Dickinson and Sunflower Star. We documented the same one over a span of 71 days. It’s the sea star species that was / is impacted the most by Sea Star Wasting. This individual is on an anchor block covered with encrusting coralline algae.
Of many examples of times it has become very clear to me that being a womxn* in science and scuba is important, let me share the following:
On a really hot day, I was “show and tell” for two children in our community. I dressed up in all my dive gear (the full weight and heat of it) and walked down the hallway and into the classroom with Cayden’s little hand in mine on one side, and Sophia’s little hand in mine on the other.
I walked in as a surprise to the other students. I then was gifted the time to talk about the science of the dive gear and the life that lived in the cold Ocean; our neighbours who were just below the surface of where we lived.
I took the equipment off piece by piece after explaining what it did. The children chose to try to lift the weights and cylinder and we discussed pressure and buoyancy (always good metaphors ).
In the course of this, among so many moments the filled my heart, a little boy looked up at me. He had such an open expression on his face and he said . . . “You’re my first scuba diver”.
I was his first scuba diver – me an older woman, speaking for science and the sea, engaging not in an elevated way but in a way that invited them all to follow where their loves took them, and yes, I was wearing a bright green tutu.
Scuba sister Janice Crook.
How does this help shape the future? We will never know will we? We are all projecting our energies and images into places where we might increase what is good in the world, or suppress it.
From the depths, love to you my scuba sisters, and to the men we swim beside. Respect and gratitude to all who shine their light so that others may follow; who do NOT push others down in an attempt to feel elevated. That’s such a tragic and transparent indicator of being a hollow human.
Below: A slideshow to honour some scuba sisters.
For those that may not have seen the use of “womxn” before. The spelling of womxn is a feminist choice in two ways. It removes the “m-a-n” from “woman” and “m-e-n” from “women”. It’s also an acknowledgement that I am including trans and non-binary humans when I use the word.
It also means so much that the medal will be awarded by 
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The Marine Detective 