Vancouver BC Canada (Etienne & Ray Ricárdez) July 21, 2024

I have embarked on what I hope will be a 4 month, 17,000 mile motorcycle ride through the US and parts of Mexico and Canada to visit family and friends and to benefit Children International.  Please consider supporting me – learn more here Will's Charity Ride for Children International - PledgeIt

University of British Columbia, Vancouver July 21, 2024

I've arrived Vancouver, BC Canada 16,205 miles from home.  After just a few miles from Holly's house I arrived easily paying and because I was riding, motorcycles scoot up past all the cars to board the ferry first.  Easy ferry crossing from Swartz Bay to Tsawwassen passing by various Gulf Islands more like a scenic tour than a simple transit from one place to the next.  It took about an hour and a half, which allowed me to blog, and as there is a pet section, wander around and pet some dogs. 

The name "Tsawwassen" originates from the Tsawwassen First Nation, who have lived in the area for thousands of years. The word "Tsawwassen" means "land facing the sea" in the Halkomelem language, which is the traditional language of the Coast Salish peoples. The Tsawwassen community is located on the southern coast of British Columbia, near the Canada-U.S. border.

Etienne waved down to me from his penthouse apartment on the campus of the University of British Columbia in Vancouver when I arrived.  Upon entering his apartment, I met one of his roomies, Guillermo, and his brother Ray.  I’ve made camping reservations on Vancouver Island and we're going to figure out how to fit their camping gear onto Etienne's 200cc “mopedcycle” along with his brother.

The view from Etienne's Penthouse!

Since about Wyoming, it looked like I had gotten passed the threat of rain.  Well, now that I am here in Vancouver, not so much.  At the moment, there is the likelihood of rain on Vancouver Island both today and on Wednesday 60% chance.  There are two activities that I really don´t want to do in the rain, ride and camp.  In addition to that, Etienne has to submit his thesis by August 2, and so it is unclear as to whether he has time to take a few days to go camping.  And the other logistics relating to going camping with Etienne and his brother Ray, are a bit complicated.  To accommodate them, they need 2 sleeping bags and a tent and they need to carry all that on Etienne's 200cc mopedcycle, plus Ray’s computer as he has to work.  (He's a journalist in Mexico and the recent events relating to the US presidential election has called him to be very involved in publishing news as he is here working remotely, not on vacation.)  So as of this writing, Monday morning, it is not clear that we will actually camp on Vancouver Island tomorrow and Wednesday.

Well after further consideration and honest assessment, it looks like I am on my own and will head over tomorrow to Vancouver Island by myself.  I a bit disappointed, but not at all surprised.  The logistics of getting 2 people with camping gear onto Etienne's motorcycle seemed undoable to me from the start.

Well after further consideration and honest assessment, it looks like I am on my own and will head over tomorrow to Vancouver Island by myself.  I a bit disappointed, but not at all surprised.  The logistics of getting 2 people with camping gear onto Etienne's motorcycle seemed undoable to me from the start.

Arcadia Beach, Vancouver BC

:

Etienne and his friend Chanya on the UBC Campus

Museum of Anthropolgy UBC

The Museum of Anthropology (MOA) at the University of British Columbia (UBC) in Vancouver is a treasure trove of world cultures, with a special focus on the indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest Coast. Housed in a stunning building designed by Canadian architect Arthur Erickson, the museum features huge glass walls that let in natural light and offer gorgeous views of the surrounding landscape. Inside, you'll find a jaw-dropping collection of over 50,000 ethnographic pieces and 535,000 archaeological objects. The Great Hall, with its high ceilings and natural light, is filled with towering totem poles, intricately carved canoes, and other monumental indigenous artworks that give you a real sense of the rich cultural heritage and artistic brilliance of the First Nations peoples.

But MOA is more than just a place to look at amazing artifacts. It hosts a variety of temporary exhibitions, public programs, and educational activities that explore cultural expressions from all over the world. The museum is all about fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of cultural diversity, sparking dialogue, and promoting respect for all cultures. Interactive displays, multimedia presentations, and engaging workshops make the experience even more dynamic and immersive. Outside, the Haida Village and surrounding gardens add to the experience, providing a peaceful, reflective space that beautifully complements the rich cultural heritage showcased inside.

Haida Creatioon Myth - Raven Discovers Humans 

The story of Raven discovering humans in a clam shell is another important Haida myth that explains the origin of humanity. In this tale, Raven plays a central role in the creation of human beings.

One day, while Raven was exploring the world, he came across a large, pristine beach. As he walked along the shore, he noticed something unusual—a giant clam shell lying partially buried in the sand. Curious, Raven approached the shell and gently pried it open with his beak. To his amazement, he found tiny, frightened humans huddled inside the shell.

Raven, seeing the potential for these creatures to inhabit and enliven the world, coaxed them out of the shell. He assured them that the world outside was vast and filled with wonders waiting to be discovered. Gradually, the tiny humans emerged from their hiding place, squinting at the bright light and taking their first tentative steps on the beach.

Raven, delighted by their curiosity and willingness to explore, guided them and taught them how to survive in their new environment. He showed them how to find food, build shelters, and make tools. Under Raven's guidance, these first humans began to thrive and spread across the land, establishing the foundations of Haida society and culture.

This myth emphasizes Raven's role as a creator and nurturer, bringing life to the world and fostering the growth of humanity. It also reflects the deep connection between the Haida people and the natural world, as well as the importance of curiosity, exploration, and learning in human development.

A Shameful Past

A potlatch is a significant ceremonial feast among Indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest Coast, where hosts demonstrate their wealth and social status by giving away gifts to guests. It includes elaborate rituals, dances, speeches, and the redistribution of wealth, reinforcing social structures and community bonds. The event serves various purposes, such as marking important life events, establishing status, and maintaining cultural traditions.

In Canada, potlatches were banned under the Indian Act of 1884, which prohibited Indigenous ceremonies, including the potlatch, a central cultural and social event for many Indigenous groups. The law aimed to assimilate Indigenous peoples by eradicating their traditional practices and imposing European values. Violating the ban could result in imprisonment, fines, or the confiscation of ceremonial items, deeply affecting Indigenous communities. The ban remained in effect until 1951, when amendments to the Indian Act repealed the prohibition, allowing potlatches to be legally practiced once again.