18.07.28 Walbran Convergence (Event)
Event photographer for the two-day event. Years after the struggle to preserve this old growth forest, organizers started the Walbran Convergence. This was the 5th annual gathering of supporters. Walbran is situated beside the Kaxi:ks (Big River) in unceded Pacheedaht territory. At the opening ceremony Pacheedaht elder Bill Jones welcomed those in attendance. Additional speakers included representatives of Friends of Carmanah Walbran, the Wilderness Committee, Private Public Workers of Canada president Gary Fiege, MLA Adam Olsen and Federal MP Alistair McGregor. It was a sunny weekend, with hikers exploring the old growth forest and swimming in the emerald pool, the marble canyon and pools in a section of cascading waterfalls. Juliet led a nature interpretation walk. After a community dinner, there was an acoustic performance by folk troubadour Luke Wallace on the Walbran bridge. Sunday morning, beside the emerald pool, Torrance Coste from the Wilderness Committee lead a community discussion about the movement to protect ancient forests. The organizers and volunteers did a fantastic job putting together this special event. Words and photos cannot adequately describe the beauty of this area. For more information check out Friends of Carmanah Walbran’s website and/or the Wilderness committee’s Facebook post.
https://friendsofcarmanahwalbran.com/
The Wilderness Committee’s Facebook post
James Holkko photography. © 2018 All rights reserved.