The Legends of Vancouver tour is based on sites mentioned in E. Pauline Johnson (Takehionwake)’s book Legends of Vancouver. The tour visits some of the sites of those legends, and examines places of sacred meaning to local First Nations.

Have I mentioned lately how much I love my neighbourhood? Since moving into Downtown Vancouver almost 12 years ago, I have never regretted picking the West End as my home. This area is home to hundreds of restaurants, flanked by beaches and the best urban forest in the world. A block in from one of […]

The History of Lost Lagoon in Vancouver, BC on the edge of Stanley Park. 1894-2016. Photos from the Vancouver Archives and more

The Lions are to Vancouver what the Matterhorn is to Switzerland. They are the two most iconic peaks in the Vancouver area, sitting atop the North Shore mountains at 5,400 ft (West Lion) and 5,269 ft (East Lion). The Lions are also known as Ch’ich’iyúy Elxwíkn by the Squamish First Nation, which translates to Twin […]

I’m often asked about how busy I am, what events I’m attending, and which trips I’m taking next all for the sake of my blog. It seems like a pretty glamorous life but honestly I am most happy when I can sit at home my desk with a hot cup of coffee, look out at […]

Soon after I completed my online order of “Flint and Feather” the biography of E. Pauline Johnson by Charlotte Gray, I called Composer Tobin Stokes who mentioned that he had a copy of the book sitting by him as we chatted. Stokes was tasked with composing Margaret Atwood‘s libretto for PAULINE, a chamber opera about […]

Poem: Rainfall by E Pauline Johnson

Pauline Johnson documented and shared “Legends of Vancouver” over 100 years ago, telling famous tales of the Lions peaks and giving Lost Lagoon its name. Many of Pauline’s works are in the Public Domain and her book, “Legends of Vancouver” is available on iBooks, and for free on Kindle. I wanted to share (more) of […]

City Opera Vancouver presents the world premiere of PAULINE, a chamber opera about Canadian writer-actress Pauline Johnson, with libretto by acclaimed Canadian author Margaret Atwood and music by Tobin Stokes. Tickets are on sale today for this highly-anticipated production that is sure to sell out. I can hardly contain my excitement about this opera as […]

Happy 127th Birthday Vancouver! It was on this day in 1886 that the City of Vancouver was incorporated. Our beloved city, built up within the traditional territory of the Coast Salish First Nations, is more than a place we call home. It’s a natural playground, an inspiration, a melting pot of cultures. First City Council […]