Esquimalt-Colwood All Candidates Meeting

Thank you to everyone who attended the online and live All Candidates Debate for the Esquimalt-Colwood riding (includes Vic West and View Royal) co-sponsored this past Wednesday evening at Esquimalt United Church, 500 Admirals Rd., by Creatively United for the Planet, Climate and the Arts, the Citizens Environmental Network in Colwood (CENiC), Esquimalt Climate Organizers (ECO), Esquimalt United Church Justice Team, Gorge Waterway Action Society and the South Island Climate Action Network (SICAN).

This graphic also shows the YES/NO or ABSTAINED “answers” given to a number of important questions raised during the debate by both candidates present.

The Conservative candidate declined the opportunity to attend or to provide written answers to the questions provided in advance. A member of our organizing team provided information from the Conservative’s website in relationship to the questions in an effort to provide fair representation for all.

Metamorphosis: A Healing Journey

Theatrical Performance and Book Launch

Thank you to everyone who attended and supported Creatively United’s recent premiere performances and book launch of Metamorphosis: A Healing Journey and the incredible cast, crew and volunteers we were so fortunate to work with.

This live theatrical production involved a cast, dancers, crew and volunteers of more than 20 people, and an almost equal number of choir members from the Victoria Philharmonic Choir (under the direction of Peter Butterfield). See cast bios here.

Just like an ecosystem, we had to work in perfect harmony for things to flow, which further strengthened the unique collaboration of Indigenous and non-Indigenous voices, professionals and amateurs, young and older.

We experienced a metamorphosis together in the creation and delivery of this show. Everyone gave it their all and we thank our audiences for being so receptive. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.

Going through this process is not for the faint of heart. We salute all performing artists and technicians who deliver their gifts and presence to making this world a more thoughtful, creative and beautiful place and to those who support the arts and environment.

We are grateful for the leadership and support in our community from businesses and organizations like Copper Mountain Acupuncture, Lifestyle Markets, the Polis Foundation and Climate and the Arts/Victoria Foundation.

Changing Course: A River’s Journey of Reconnection

Did you know that British Columbia is named after the Columbia River which used to be one of the world’s largest salmon bearing rivers in the world?

Creatively United for the Planet has produced a 60-minute documentary that explores the degradation of what was once one of the most productive salmon rivers in the world. It looks at the dams and storages that eliminated wild salmon from the main stem of the river in Canada, and how this loss cut the heart out of Indigenous culture throughout the basin. The film also touches on the Columbia River Treaty, which came into force between Canada and the United States in 1964. At the time, it had a very narrow focus on flood control and hydropower. Sixty years later, however, new thinking is needed to ensure a sustainable future for this important river.

In Changing Course: A River’s Journey of Reconnection, leading voices from Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities eloquently express the need for new approaches to water management and governance that are more connected to nature, account for climate change, and meaningfully include First Nations leadership.

Produced and directed by Jonathan O’Riordan; co-producer and narrator Frances Litman and filmmaker, Bohdan Doval.

Please visit Creatively United’s YouTube channel to view this film and see Creatively United’s many other offerings.

Creative Solutions for a New World Webinar Series

Since 2012, Creatively United has hosted large, in-person, zero-waste Earth Day events in celebration of community – until the arrival of Covid in 2020.

Like many others, we pivoted to online learning and engagement with a free Climate and Artists webinar series. More than 40 timeless webinars, featuring an incredible array of world-class presenters, authors, and artists, can be found on Creatively United’s YouTube channel, with a few examples below.

Please be sure to sign up for our newsletter to stay informed with occasional updates about upcoming events and information.

Housing That Heals The Future 

Mark Angelo’s The Little Creek That Could

The Little Creek that Could is a children’s story written by Mark Angelo celebrating his life long commitment to bringing degraded urban streams back to life.

Mark Angelo is a globally renowned conservationist, teacher and writer who is an Order of Canada recipient for his successes in restoring rivers both locally and around the world. He is the founder of World Rivers day now celebrated in 100 countries. He has paddled more that 1000 rivers worldwide with his work being featured in several films.

Mark lives in Burnaby with his family where he undertook the restoration of Guichon Creek.

Mark is an inspiration to us all.

A Cellobration of Nature

Eight cellists from University of Victoria Cello class, under the direction of Pamela Highbaugh Aloni, recently debuted a new composition by Hollas Longton, featuring the poems of Creatively United’s Frances Litman. The commission, funded by the Gail O’Riordan Climate and the Arts Legacy Fund, is presented here with Frances reading and illustrating the pieces with her outdoor nature videography. This compilation is less than 4 minutes with footage from southern Vancouver Island.

Trees Matter Premiere – A Creative Collaboration

Awaken Forest Ballet

If you love our forests and trees, please share this special short film produced by Creatively United in collaboration with Ballet Victoria.

Awaken, an exquisitely intimate performance inspired by the soft whispers of the forest, features original music composed, sung and orchestrated by Canada’s multi award-winning legend, Ann Mortifee, in collaboration with former Chilliwack band member, Ed Henderson (guitar), and Finn Manniche (cello).

Awaken debuted at Ballet Victoria’s live opening night performance of The Little Prince this past year.

The story follows the delightful journey of a young girl and her dog who discover the magical wonders of the forest thanks to guidance from forest sprites.

Shot in one of the few remaining intact wild urban forests on private land in Victoria, BC, the film Awaken was created to help bring awareness to the importance of protecting and preserving forest habitat. We will share more details about ways to save the forest shown here. Stay tuned.

The Gail O’Riordan Climate and the Arts Legacy Series is proud to have supported this worthwhile project. We thankfully acknowledge the  Westcoast Sacred Arts Society for their contribution to this project.

“You have touched my heart and that of my wife. We both just watched the video, wow!”

“I believe in truth and beauty at the core of existence and you demonstrate that and affirm it time and time again. This video takes us on a magical journey in one of our islands beautiful and unique forests. Our imagination is set free to wander with these lovely forest sprites who exemplify grace and serenity.”

“Creatively United only gets better and better.” – Dan and Jitka K

Mountain Road Forest Success!!!

Thank YOU to all the supporters of the Mountain Road Forest campaign for stepping up to save this precious jewel of undeveloped forest land and rich biodiverse ecosystem.

Located in the Interurban/Quayle Road area of Saanich, Mountain Road Forest features 49-acres of magnificent mature second growth Douglas Fir forests, Garry Oak meadows, rare Arbutus groves and a fresh water stream that forms part of the headwaters of the salmon-bearing Colquitz Creek.

Thanks to the property owners’ stewardship, dedication and perseverance for more than 10 years in seeking and enabling a conservation-based outcome, the CRD’s pledge of $2 million and more than $1.1 million donated by individuals, businesses and organizations. The owners of the Mountain Road Forest property have agreed to work with CRD and others to bring the final resources to bear to save this special place for generations to come. A big shout out to the Habitat Acquisition Trust (HAT) for spearheading this campaign.

Creatively United produced this video in partnership with Ballet Victoria, Canada’s multi award-winning musical legend, Ann Mortifee, famed guitarist Ed Henderson, and cellist Finn Manniche to help raise awareness of the importance of urban forests like Mountain Road.