Early this morning adventurous passengers of Canada C3's 143-day voyage crossed the stormy waters of Nanoose Bay to be greeted by Snaw-Naw-As First Nation and the Mount Arrowmsmith Biosphere Region Research Institute (MABRRI) team. After a heartfelt welcome from Councillor Lawrence Mitchell and words of thanks given on behalf of Canada C3 at Snaw-Naw-As First Nation's health centre, passengers were divided into two groups to learn of the Snaw-Naw-As Garden of Spiritual Healing or to participate in a wetland mapping project demostration and geochaching activity at Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park. The weather was stormy but spirits were high as the groups merged together again afterward for an informative afternoon led by Chief Michael Recalma at the Big Qualicum Fish Hatchery.
Much like today's weather, Canada's past relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities has been stormy and today shone light in the right direction towards truthful story telling and reconciliation. Canada C3's long voyage from coast to coast to coast brought individuals from all walks of life across Canada to share a day in this beautiful place we call home. Stormy or not, it truly is an amazing place.