swimming
& Jenna Inglis!
Hello, good people of Haida Gwaii. This week, I had the good fortune of skating and playing a bit of shinny at Don Hancock’s backyard rink in Tlell. I know that many people also had the good fortune to skate at Swan Lake here in Sandspit. Every time it gets cold enough for safe ice, I am reminded that Haida Gwaii doesn’t have a skating rink or a swimming pool, and I wonder why. Kudos to Old Masset, which is in the process of planning for a swimming pool to serve its community. Perhaps one day, we can have a multi-use facility that will assist Haida Gwaii in developing the next Summer McIntosh or Connor Bedard.
When it comes to recreation, we are lucky to have the Sandspit Recreation Committee and Haida Gwaii Recreation. Both groups provide excellent service for Sandspit youth and adults alike. The Sandspit Recreation Committee put on a Valentine’s card-making activity at the community hall recently, provides nightly gym programming for youth, and Haida Gwaii Recreation will be hosting a dog treat scavenger hunt in Sandspit on Family Day, February 17. Look for more information on their Facebook page or in the Sandspit Peeps Facebook page.
The Better at Home program is looking for volunteers. If you are interested in helping seniors in Sandspit, have a few hours you can donate, like connecting with other people, and like making a positive difference in your community, then reach out to Judy Whaley at 250-637-5757.
This week’s Sandspit Shingle interview is with Jenna Inglis. Jenna is one of those people in Sandspit who volunteers with a variety of groups and makes Sandspit a better place. When I was managing the Sandspit Inn, she was a valued mentor and sounding board for much of the learning that I had to navigate. I have always appreciated her for that help.
Sandspit has recently been trying to navigate some interpersonal conflicts between community members, and I feel like we could all be reminded of a pearl of wisdom that Jenna’s grandma used to say: “Be kind.” Let’s be kind to our neighbours, be kind to our children, be kind to our animals, and be kind to ourselves. Life is way too short not to be kind. Haw’aa to Jenna’s grandma for that reminder, and please enjoy our interview with Jenna.
What can you tell us about your origin story? Where did you grow up, and how did you come to be in Sandspit?
I grew up in Georgetown, Ontario, but spent the previous nine years before moving to Haida Gwaii living in Toronto. I was between jobs and apartments when I decided maybe Toronto wasn’t the place for me anymore and somehow found my way to Workaway.info, where you can travel and exchange labour for room and board all around the world. I found Bayview Garden, Sandspit, Haida Gwaii, listed there and was sold on the location and adventure!
What can you tell us about your career path or your line of work?
In Toronto, I was working as a birth and postpartum doula trained through DONA International, as well as working as a nanny for my niece. This work history has translated well into my current role of the past five years as a Family and Resource Consultant with Child Care Resource and Referral. I support families, care providers, and early years centres with programming and professional development opportunities.
What do you love about living in Sandspit?
Sandspit has the most beautiful sunsets and beaches. I am filled with gratitude every day when I get to walk my dog in such beautiful natural surroundings. I also love the community of Sandspit, which has been so welcoming and supportive over the past seven years.
What do you wish was different about Sandspit? What annoys you about Sandspit?
I wish Sandspit had more infrastructure and volunteer/paid opportunities to support community wellness—a community co-op garden/greenhouse would be a dream project!
What can you tell us about your family?
Living this remotely was hard for my family at first, but slowly, more and more of them are able to come for a visit, and instantly, their minds are put at ease—they are so happy for me that this is the community I live in. “Everybody waves at each other!” is a common comment.
Who are some of your favourite or most memorable Sandspitians?
My most memorable Sandspitians are Mackenzie Leslie, who took me under her wing and provided me with a place to live; Jim Henry, who took me up Mount Moresby and always shared so many stories and dump treasures :); and lastly, Neil Carey, whom I had the pleasure of creating a lovely friendship with prior to his passing last October.
What is your favourite Sandspit event?
It’s hard to choose a favourite Sandspit event, but for me, the Wild Harvest Festival peeks out in front because of its cozy feel and grassroots approach to transmitting knowledge around harvesting and foraging. Family-friendly, educational, and local!
Do you have any words of wisdom or advice for the reader?
My Grandma Margaret Carney used to share pearls of wisdom with all of her grandchildren, so I’ll just leave readers with her simplest but most impactful: “Be kind.”