Briony Penn

Voices of Conservation chronicles the history and evolution of the conservation movement across eighteen islands in the Salish Sea. Narratively linked by author Sheila Harrington's two-year sailing journey to the islands to gather over fifty interviews with veteran conservationists, the book provides an in-depth view of conservation land trusts, from their emergence forty years ago through multiple legal battles, organizational challenges, hard lessons, case studies, and human-interest stories. Beginning in the 1980s, when logging and development threatened the fragile ecosystems and natural spaces of this region, and culminating in the creation of the Gulf Island National Park Reserve, this book will inspire readers to turn apathy to action and support the cause of conservation in an era of species extinction and climate change. Full of colour photos, maps, and fascinating first-hand stories by conservationists--many of whom are now elders--it reveals how grassroots movements have the power to transform the future of a natural environment.

The Priest Who Left His Religion follows the life of an ordained of a Catholic priest, idealistically destined by his American family prophecy to be the first American Pope. Ordained in 1965 he quickly becomes caught up by the reversals of the Second Vatican Council which attempt to undo many of the liberalizing movements of the Church. Most importantly he is shocked by the Church's disavowal of scientific evidence in order to 'protect the faithful'. Shattered by his discovery of the Church's dishonesty, he experiences the torment of leaving the priesthood and the Church and embarks on a courageous struggle to make the shift from religion to spirituality. He comes to embrace a life in the world and a spirituality that confirms the union of science and spirit.

Based on recorded interviews and journal entries this major biography of Cecil Paul (Wa'xaid) is a resounding and timely saga featuring the trials, tribulations, endurance, forgiveness, and survival of one of North American's more prominent Indigenous leaders. Born in 1931 in the Kitlope, Cecil Paul, also known by his Xenaksiala name, Wa'xaid, is one of the last fluent speakers of his people's language. At age ten he was placed in a residential school run by the United Church of Canada at Port Alberni where he was abused. After three decades of prolonged alcohol abuse, he returned to the Kitlope where his healing journey began. He has worked tirelessly to protect the Kitlope, described as the largest intact temperate rainforest watershed in the world. Now in his late 80s, he resides on his ancestors' traditional territory. Following upon the success of Wa'xaid's own book of personal essays, Stories from the Magic Canoe, Briony Penn's major biography of this remarkable individual will serve as a timely reminder of the state of British Columbia's Indigenous community, the environmental and political strife still facing many Indigenous communities, and the philosophical and personal journey of a remarkable man. Wa'xaid passed away at the age of 90 on December 3, 2020.

"A magnificent journey alongside orcas, bringing these beautiful creatures to life." —Jay Ritchlin, David Suzuki Foundation Spirits of the Coast brings together the work of marine biologists, Indigenous knowledge keepers, poets, artists, and storytellers, united by their enchantment with the orca. Long feared in settler cultures as "killer whales," and respected and honored by Indigenous cultures as friends, family, or benefactors, orcas are complex social beings with culture and language of their own. With contributors ranging from Briony Penn to David Suzuki, Gary Geddes and Michael Nicoll Yahgulanaas, this collection brings together diverse voices, young and old, to explore the magic, myths, and ecology of orcas. A richly illustrated literary and visual journey through past and possibility, Spirits of the Coast illustrates how these enigmatic animals have shaped us as much as our actions have impacted them, and provokes the reader to imagine the shape of our shared future.

A Year on the Wild Side is an uplifting, witty commentary on the social and natural history of Vancouver Island. Composed of 52 essays arranged in 12 monthly chapters, this engaging book reveals the magic and humour of the natural world and reminds us of our place in it. As the weeks and seasons unfold with the turning of the pages, you'll be in sync with the living world that surrounds you. Discover what berries are ripe and the best time to pick them. Learn why the termites swarm, where the herring spawn, and when the maple leaves fall. Get up close and personal with fascinating creatures like the Snowy Owl, the Giant Pacific Octopus, the River Otter, and more. The west coast is abundantly alive, and A Year on the Wild Side will compel you to indulge in unforgettable experiences, week by week, all year long.