Old Squamish
Let’s be clear: This is not an attempt to “Bring Back Old Squamish.” What is gone is gone. But gone is gone doesn’t excuse continuing on as we have, full steam ahead. We must reverse the forces of destruction, and blend old and new knowledge to forge a new path forward.
This is about protecting the community and environment and creating a diverse Squamish where everyone belongs, not just the affluent or privileged. This is about creating another way of being in the world. It is about changing the system from the ground up to ensure that our political and economic systems are more in-line with community interests and values rather than developers. It is about taking the power back from the affluent and putting it in everyone’s hands.
If we repair damage done in a good way, we can create more life. We can ask, is pursuing “the good life” worth something more than what the consumption-oriented environments such as the so-called “renaissance community” of the Oceanfront offer us? Wouldn’t taking less and working fewer hours enrich our lives in another way? What happens if we change our focus from economic means to revitalization and a little “degrowth?”
Imagine.
Learning how to derive happiness and satisfaction from non-material things…
Learning how to be in the world in a different way…
The possibilities are endless.
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Come join us for a panel discussion on these topics Oct. 9th at the @theledge.ca with climate activists @ngottliebphoto and @avi.lewis, language and cultural teacher, Skwxwu7mesh Charlene Joseph and sociologist, Dr. Peter Hall.
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For more photos and words check out my website or visit the current exhibitions at the @squamishartscouncil wall in the Adventure Center, @greenolivesquamish and the @theledge.ca.
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Thanks the Squamish Arts Councils Community Enhancement Grant for supporting this project!
