Voices & Visionaries – Page 2

Ghosts of Mount Tzouhalem and Stone Butter Church

On July 21st, I was in the Cowichan Valley for the filming of Harold Joe’s new documentary, Tzouhalem. Produced by Les Bland Productions and by Harold himself, the film will attempt to unpack the oral stories and urban legends surrounding the near-mythic figure of Chief Tzouhalem, who Mount Tzouhalem is named after.

What makes this project unique is that Harold is a Quamichan traditional Gravedigger. The Quamichan Nation acknowledges the existence of human and nonhuman spirit entities, so strict protocol is observed during funerals in order to avoid problems with either. Harold’s role often calls upon him to repatriate human remains and to help disembodied ancestors find peace.

Chief Tzouhalem had a complicated relationship with this same spirit world. So who better to investigate the legends surrounding him than someone familiar with his teachings? Tzouhalem was a member of the nation Harold is, as well, which means Harold has access to oral histories no other investigator would ever be able to acquire. Continue reading “Ghosts of Mount Tzouhalem and Stone Butter Church”

Remembrance Day and Afghanistan

Can you share a little bit about your experience in the Canadian military (what regiment you were with, how you got involved, where you served, anything else you are comfortable sharing – for example, I think you’re writing a book about your experiences?).

I was part of the Battle Group in Afghanistan during Operation Athena from 2009-2010. I’d been a reservist with The Royal Westminster Regiment in New Westminster but was hired by 1 PPCLI Regular Forces in Edmonton. There were a few of us reservists attached to the Battle Group. My role overseas was as a rifleman and to carry a bomb jammer to block remote-controlled explosive devices. This sometimes put me in dangerous situations. Continue reading “Remembrance Day and Afghanistan”

Cowichan Elder Della Rice Sylvester’s Medicinal Plants Workshop

This past weekend, I was fortunate enough to attend a Plant Medicine Workshop taught by Cowichan Elder Della Rice Sylvester. It was held in the Skutz Falls area near Cowichan Lake and hosted and organized by Rebecca Christofferson. Auntie Della (as I have been taught to refer to female elders) describes herself as a cultural keeper and healer. Continue reading “Cowichan Elder Della Rice Sylvester’s Medicinal Plants Workshop”

The Pod Couple Interview: The Haunting of Vancouver Island

Hey everyone,

This week I was interviewed by The Pod Couple and indie videographer Jeff Carpenter about my new book The Haunting of Vancouver Island. The episode was made available today. If you’re interested in listening you can click on the link below or find it on iTunes. Continue reading “The Pod Couple Interview: The Haunting of Vancouver Island”

Brother XII: A Canadian Cult Leader’s Use of Black Magic

Much has been written about Brother Twelve – Canada’s infamous cult leader of the 1920s and 1930s. He was, after all, the charismatic leader of the Aquarian Foundation and later the leader of a similar offshoot group as well. Edward Arthur Wilson – as Brother Twelve was legally named – would swindle hundreds of thousands of dollars from his most faithful followers. In the end, however, they would rise up against him, and a battle would ensue involving legal proceedings, “psychic attacks,” “black magic”, protective First Nations magic, and attacks conducted by discarnate spirits. This war would be waged in the courtrooms and upon the soil of Vancouver Island, but also on the spiritual planes, as well. In the end, Brother Twelve would flee the field with his closest of confidants – Madame Zee – but he would still ultimately perish on the run. Even the facts surrounding his death, however, have been contested to this day. While the following article may sound a little fantastic, it’s important to remember that according to sources, all of the people involved actually believed that these events were real…

Continue reading “Brother XII: A Canadian Cult Leader’s Use of Black Magic”