This last year has seen a valiant struggle to protect the remaining ancient forests on southern Vancouver Island. Elders for Ancient Trees spontaneously arose as settler elders lobbied MLAs, marched in the streets, sent food, supplies and themselves to the front lines in Fairy Creek/Ada’itsx. The largest civil disobedience action in Canadian history unfolded in the face of strong police violence. Indigenous voices  moved to the centre.  The government drags its heels. A tough year. 

A social justice activist for over 50 years in the women’s, labour and political action movements, Jackie Larkin integrates a deep ecological and environmental justice perspective into her life work. An educator and facilitator working with the labour and community movements, she offers programs in leadership development (with an emphasis of equity), strategic planning, facilitation skills and “The Work that Reconnects” programs.  She is one of the leaders of Elders for Ancient Forests.