Storyteller

The Lesson of Bolivia

2011-05-04T14:55:00.000-07:00

Travelling through South America for seven months last year really opened my eyes to the true meaning of the words “developing nation”. I had always thought it meant a country on its way to prosperity because the global economy had finally arrived and was the sole solution to all their former woes. Nothing could be farther from the truth.

That promotes the idea that a high material standard of living and rampant consumerism is the ultimate goal of any society. And I now understand that the mere presence of consumer-based corporations within any country, in no way reduces poverty nor addresses any real social needs. Indeed it creates a myriad of other problems, most notably 'out of control' pollution from plastic packaging (i.e garbage).

Cholitas sell anything they can on the streets of La Paz. Bolivia is the poorest (and highest) country in the western Hemisphere. Copyright Doug Pyper

Mega-corporations like Coca Cola and Nestle are strangling our planet with packaged consumer goods and are now making these products available to the poorest of the poor in South America at prices they can afford. These corporations in no way provide any subsistence or a better quality of life for the common people...unless you consider an impoverished vendor selling Coke in a bus terminal or by roadside in the middle of nowhere as meaningful employment.

Indigenous roadside vendor selling plastic east of La Paz, Bolivia. Copyright Doug Pyper.

In developed countries we've become experts at hiding this petrochemical disaster in our land fills and to some extent with recycling programs. However, these so-called solutions are all but non-existent in South America especially in rural areas, small towns and the fringes of large cities. These people have existed for centuries (albeit with great hardship) on biodegradable natural foods and livestock. They could throw their garbage on the ground and it would go away. It is no longer so, and they are now being buried in their own plastic refuge…with no apparent solution.

It was disheartening to travel throughout Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador and Colombia and witness this corporate born disaster. Garbage is everywhere! What’s worse is, whenever possible it is discarded into the few watersheds that do exist. Seems as humans we all harbour an inborn misconception that if you put something in any form of flowing water it will go away. In very dry countries like Bolivia this is nothing short of catastrophic. Western Bolivia is mostly high dry desert known as the "Altiplano". At 4000 meters above sea level there is little water at all.

The garbage landscape across rural Bolivia, Peru and Ecuador. Copyright Doug Pyper.

Fortunately it seems there is a growing awareness of the issue. It was heartwarming and inspirational to witness an “Environment Day” in the tiny village of Samaipata in eastern Bolivia. Children and educators filled the small central square to celebrate the salvation of our the planet. One would suspect that this type of education is prevalent in Bolivia, if it exists in such a remote location as this. But more importantly, it begs the question…how much are we doing to educate our own children on issues of global survival and environmental issues here in North America.

Additional photos here: http://dougpyper.photoshelter.com/gallery/Samaipata-Bolivia/G0000H50KL4nU6fk

Poster at children's environment event in Samaipata, Bolivia. Copyright Doug Pyper.

Child at environmental awareness day in Samipata, Bolivia. Copyright Doug Pyper.

Children with their artwork at environmental awareness day in Samaipata, Bolivia. Copyright Doug Pyper.

Respected Nigerian author Ben Okri wrote: “Childhood is the father and mother of humanity. If you want to understand a nation study the way it treats its children, the way it educates them, the way it moulds them”.

And with regard to life in so-called developed nations Uruguayan writer Eduardo Galeano penned “Almost everywhere growing up has come to mark the start of a deadly race to consume at all costs. It often begins nearer to infancy than it should and for the most part it means submitting to the dismal regulation of joyless work”

Perhaps we should all rethink our often arrogant life view. The people in the countries I visited with few exceptions were full of joy despite their hardships….something I see much less of in my own country Canada. It was a personal wakening for me.

Recently Bolivia is taking a leading role on environmental issues in South America and on the world stage. As one of the foremost victims of climate change it is essential to their survival.

They are in the process of passing La Ley De la Madre Tierra (The Law of Mother Earth), which would give nature similar rights as those granted to human beings. And in July 2010 a resolution was brought forth by Bolivia to the UN General Assembly declaring access to clean drinking water and sanitation a human right. It was was unanimously passed with 122 countries voting in favour. Canada represented by Stephen Harper refused to sign this declaration. All Canadians should be made aware of this travesty in our name.

And perhaps globally we can all learn a lesson from Boliva's model and follow their ideologies for continued existence here in the fragile hands of mother earth.

The Final Fight for Jumbo Wild is Now!

2011-02-09T17:11:00.000-08:00

Copyright Doug Pyper

For over twenty years the people of the Kootenays have fought diligently in opposition to the proposed Jumbo Glacier Resort...and for good reason. In reality it is merely a real estate development based on building a ski resort and resort municipality on a shrinking glacier in the pristine wilderness of the Purcell Mountains for the internationally wealthy.

Countless studies and public opinion polls have shown over and over again that this proposal is not viable environmentally or economically for our region. Yet it seems there are powers and a current provincial government agenda that want to move this project forward nonetheless.

After twenty long years of opposition by people of this region, some recently elected MLA by the name of Steve Thomson (Minister of Natural Resource Operations) from Kelowna, will soon make the final and sole decision on this contentious issue. He was elected in 2009 and immediately appointed as Minister (his background...long time orchard owner and recent president of the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce)...to quote a common phrase "no experience or knowledge necessary." How totally bazaar and ridiculously undemocratic!

Given the overall climate toward selling out our resources and our natural heritage by the current government there is little question what his decision will be.

I hope the 'white shirt and tie' from Kelowna' and his BC LIEberal government are prepared to meet head on with the people of the Kootenays. It'll be a war in the mountains for sure and it's best they understand the dedication, beliefs and willingness to battle oppression that is, and always has been, the nature of Kootenay people.

I would like to include two wonderful videos here.

The first by my friend and filmmaker Kevin Shepit from Kimberley, BC (and amazing documentary) and another by Miriam Needoba (Small Town Films, Nelson BC) who documented the recent Jumbo Wild Rally in Nelson.

If you need a refresher on the whole issue these two video productions combined will provide it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DHn0YRke7Us

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5lCZ0-hfNA

Send emails with your concerns and comments to: steve.thomson.mla@leg.bc.ca

Keep Jumbo Wild !!!

Kudos from Children International

2010-12-26T16:30:00.000-08:00

I recently did a photo assignment for the Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) Children International in Quito, the capital city of Ecuador. Here are their comments on my work. Its not often one makes a lot of money in this profession, so it is nice to get few appreciative strokes once in a while.

"Doug is a gifted and accomplished photographer! Excellent eye for drama, humanity, and the world in which we live. And it’s evident from his images that he has an aptitude for communicating emotionally with children of all cultures.

He made things easy for us, by understanding the project, taking charge once he hits the ground, and getting it all done on time with incredible results.

Children International will be using his Ecuador images for years to come, because they capture perfectly the real lives of the people we help. No qualms about recommending him to anyone or any organization".

Scott Cotter

Communications Director

Children International

Global NGO

Children in the slums of Quito, Ecuador. Copyright Doug Pyper

Scroll down to previous post for more on the project and a link to image gallery.

Poverty in Quito, Ecuador

2010-12-15T09:30:00.000-08:00

The amount of poverty that exists across South America is almost unimaginable to someone from an affluent society.

Driven by powerful cultural beliefs and the emotional rewards of family life, along with largely Roman Catholic values, most couples have many children very early in life. In most cases, any sort of economic stability is only a minor consideration. They will choose love and family over monetary wealth always and will labour relentlessly any way they can to sustain it . An idea that we in North American society might give some thought to, where more often than not, these values succumb to rampart consumerism and the pursuit of physical comforts.

Unfortunately, the economic reality in South America is that many children go hungry....and needless to say, necessary health care is rarely accessible in this struggle to survive.

The people of Ecuador are a pure joy! They are happy, content, friendly, respectful, accepting of each other and deeply dedicated to family...it is their nature. Truly, this is what fuels my love for this country. It saddens me that children go hungry here as they do elsewhere in the world.

I very recently completed an assignment for Children International. We visited three families in the one of the poorest areas of the city of Quito, Ecuador.

Here is a selection of images from that shoot. Viewable as slideshow:

http://dougpyper.photoshelter.com/gallery/Children-International-Quito-Ecuador/G0000utqVtRS4LH0

Please feel free to leave your comments on child poverty in South America and worldwide.

Threats to Indigenous People of Colombia.

2010-12-12T09:12:00.000-08:00

My friend Anna Rose recently wrote this letter to the president of Colombia. It was delivered by postal mail. She states well the horrific situation transpiring there and the concerns we all should have about this and similar situations around the world.

10 December 2010

Señor Presidente Juan Manuel Santos
Presidente de la República
Palacio de Nariño, Carrera 8 No. 7-26
Bogotá, Colombia

Dear President Santos,

I am a health professional living in Canada. I am enjoying learning Spanish, but I am not up to writing much in it, yet. I am writing because of my concern with the multiple threats to the indigenous nations within Colombia. I first became aware of some specific instances of violence against indigenous villages when I read a book last year by a Latin American journalist. In presenting cases for letter-writing in their annual Write for Rights Day this year, Amnesty International has given more examples and confirmed that the protection given by the Colombian Government to the peoples and their lands is inadequate. Colombia is signatory to the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, which clearly outlines the protection of and assistance to indigenous people which each State must work towards.

Please
- commence an impartial and exhaustive investigation into the death threats issued to the leaders of the Consejo Regional Indígena del Cauca by las Aguilas Negras
- bring the perpetrators to justice promptly
- implement fully Constitutional Court Ruling 004 of January 2009 which lays out
effective protection measures

As affirmed in the UN Declaration, “all peoples contribute to the diversity and richness of civilizations and cultures, which constitute the common heritage of humankind.” I am told there are at least 32 indigenous nations in danger of extinction in Colombia. It would be everybody’s loss if even one nation vanished due to paramilitary violence, forced eviction from their lands by developers, and lack of protection against these threats by your government.

Respectfully,

Anna Rose
Box 115, Gray Creek, BC
Canada V0B 1S0

c.c. Hon. Lawrence Cannon, Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs

Finally Some Photos!

2010-12-08T13:05:00.000-08:00

Finally some photos of Bolivia!!

I’m chilling out in Banos, Ecuador right now. It’s my favourite little town in all of South America, tucked away in the lush green eastern Andes Mountains. The pace of my recent travels through Bolivia (for five weeks) was near frantic, followed by a four day race across Peru that was exhausting. Spare time was virtually non-existent.

I’ve been in Banos for a week now and have finally found time to edit and upload to my website some images from Bolivia. You’ll find a collection of twelve separate galleries from different locations in the country.

I had written a blog post about my travels in Bolivia, but lost it in a copy/paste operation. Bummer! I decided it was too much work to re-write it.

The images themselves will tell the story to a great degree. They are all fully captioned and the “descriptive text” introducing each gallery is probably more informative than the blog post I lost. It offers some detailed background on each of the image galleries and my personal point of view on experiences, locations and issues.

The very best way to view image galleries is SLIDESHOW MODE. Better yet: pause the slideshow and use arrows to navigate at leisure back and forth through each gallery.

Here’s the link. Enjoy! Viewable as Slideshow:

http://dougpyper.photoshelter.com/package-show/Bolivia-12-Galleries/P00000Ngqu5q_p3c

Hope to start doing stories regularly now that things have slowed down little. Keep checking back if you like.

Looking forward to Christmas in Banos!

Location of my Blog Title image?

2010-10-17T09:28:00.000-07:00

The image currently at the top of Blog is my friend Anna Rose on the banks of Howser Creek in the Purcell Mountains north of Kootenay Lake, British Columbia. (Copyright Doug Pyper)

This pristine glacial-fed creek is currently under threat from independent power producers . The plan currently under review by the BC government would divert the creek into a huge tunnel to a power generating station leaving the creek bed dry forever.

A similar plight faces of thousands of creeks and rivers across our province under the recent BC Energy Plan legislation. A frightening situation which puts the future of British Columbia and our beautiful natural resources at risk.

Find out more here: http://www.ourrivers.ca/

Website Changes, Fresh Blog and New Directions

2010-10-14T20:40:00.000-07:00

It’s been a while since I’ve posted to my Blog. Actually more than a while..…my last post was on returning from Ecuador last March. I must apologize for my lack of enthusiasm in this regard.

I’m now looking at renewed focus on publishing, and promise to deliver on a regular basis. Though not the reason to begin blogging again, returning to and spending the next three months in South America will certainly be a major stimulant. I’m in no way planning a generic travel blog, although I’m sure the new surroundings will give birth to much inspiration. I will be travelling throughout Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador and Colombia.

I envision my ‘new’ blog as multi-faceted, focusing on stories and images from near and far. It is my goal to create engaging photojournalism, showcasing creative images and expressing my thoughts and opinions on all things including environmental issues, regional and international culture, people, politics and the art and craft of photography in general. Hope to make it all informative, enlightening and an enjoyable read. Not to mention (of course) sharing my images on a regular basis. I will be posting links to my website image galleries and multimedia productions on a regular basis.

I had a great summer, during which I began thinking about how things are changing in the photography world and for me personally as a photographer. Recent changes to my website pretty much sum up where I’m heading with in my profession and my personal life…which are virtually inseparable. What’s new and exciting and what I’m leaving behind in some respects is due to the changes resulting from the digital age on this profession ….some things just don’t work anymore. One example is marketing stock photography globally through agencies. However, marketing stock images to local and regional clients seems as good as ever, if not better. In other respects changes are just a result of artistic growth, which seems to be drawing me in some new and exciting directions.

I have removed marketing “wedding photography” from my website entirely. I will continue to take some bookings and I do enjoy it, but quite frankly I find it (the business) all a bit of a circus these days with the advent of the digital camera…something I prefer not be associated with anymore.

As always my commercial work will continue, but my past focus on editorial, cultural and multimedia has blossomed into a major passion recently. I am equally excited about increased world travel and associated assignments and projects.

In my travels to South America this winter I will be engaging (along with other work) in a few assignments for NGO’s including a shoot for Children International in Ecuador. Very inspiring given my love for photographing children.

Hope you all had a chance to view my new image galleries from the past year on my website Portfolio page. Particularly special to me is the gallery “The Children of Ecuador” All galleries are viewable as slideshow. Check it out!

I have recently become a member of the International Guild of Visual Peacemakers….a very inspiring organization of humanitarian and cultural photographers. I have been a member of the Editorial Photographers of Canada for years. Both are now linked on my homepage.

Please visit my website to see the somewhat new look (changes) and check out images in my Portfolio from the past year if you haven’t been there for a while.

I’ll post about my upcoming trip to South America soon. Leaving in five days!!!

http://www.dougpyperphoto.com/

Doug

From Baños Ecuador

2010-03-05T07:55:00.000-08:00

Sorry folks! I didn´t deliver the stories of my travels I promised on leaving Canada my last blog post in November.

Seems I´ve been just too busy to write......but my camera has rarely been idle. It became my means of communication with these wonderful Ecuadorian people as I struggled to improve my Spanish. I have included a link to a collection of 19 photo galleries below. The images leave no doubt about the willingness of these incredible people to share their hearts and souls with a stranger, and the joy that they felt in someone taking an interest in their lives is evident......especially with the children. In all reality, what I did here in Ecuador as a photographer would not be possible in Canada or many other places in the world for that matter.

I came to Ecuador to experience its geographical diversity so to speak. To explore a small country about the size of Colorado that seemingly had everything South America had to offer in one compact little package.

That was over three and a half months ago. I´ve since travelled thousands of kilometers back and forth across this precious land. From a journey down a jungle river in the upper Amazon basin to the warm blue surf of the Pacific Ocean.

And I have traversed and lived in the mesmerizing central highlands of the Andes Mountains that separate the two.

I´ve shared ramshackle buses with indigenous people winding their way from pueblo to pueblo on roads clinging to the sides of 20,000 ft peaks along heart stopping ledges. This made all the more surreal by the crates of live chickens on the roof and the resounding joyous rhythm of Latin American music....ever present on the buses of Ecuador.

I have lived on three separate occasions in Baños, a vibrant yet mellow little town, nestled beneath steep green slopes in the shadow of the active Volcano Tungurahua. The population was evacuated in 2000 during the most recent major eruption. It is a place I´ve come to feel as a home away from home and returned here often during my travels to chill-out. Strangely, it has a certain Kootenays feel to it.

This land has fulfilled all my expectations. But it is not a memory of a place I´ll bring home, but that of a people.

Ecuadorians are extremely poor for the most part, especially in rural areas and small towns. Yet they have a natural sense of earthy dignity, joy and love for each other that is rarely seen in North America.

That joy is in their eyes to see and in the melodic voices of their children to hear. They have given me a new way to look at life and at myself. It is this gift from these very special people that I bring home with me in my heart.

And before I leave I will re-visit a small indigenous village high in the western Andes called Chugchilan. In some almost mystical way it completely defined Ecuador for me.

"Yo cambio atra ves la montaña senderos de Chugchilan"

"I walk again the mountain paths of Chugchilan"

Hasta Luego Mis Amigos en Ecuador!

I take a part of you home with me, and leave a huge part of myself here with you. I will return soon!

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Click Here
For Gallery Collection: THE PEOPLE OF ECUADOR

Then click on each desired gallery to view. Galleries best viewed in Slideshow Mode!

Off to Ecuador

2009-11-23T21:08:00.000-08:00

When autumn falls on the West Kootenay my thoughts usually drift from a seemingly endless summer to anticipation of the bottomless snow that will soon blanket the amazing Selkirk Mountains. And I dream of fresh days of deep powder skiing and think of friends with whom I share the winter.

But this year it's south to Ecuador and the Andes Mountains, the warm South Pacific coast and remote rivers of the Amazon Jungle. Lost in the excitement and promise of a new adventure, it's almost odd that I feel a soothing voice deep within me. It quietly assures me that these special mountains and the shores of Kootenay Lake is where I belong, and offers me the comfort of knowing that I will always return to my beautiful homeland.

Copyright Doug Pyper

My next post will be from Quito, Ecuador in about ten days. I'll be posting regularly from South America with all kinds of stories and photos.

So keep checkin' in.

BC for Sale

2009-11-08T16:32:00.000-08:00

In my opinion this is one of the most important and well done films of the decade about British Columbia.

Twyla Roscovich produced this a few months before the last provincial election to enlighten and forewarn British Columbians of the inherent outcome of another four years Gordon Campbell. She called it the election film. Upon viewing it you will undoubtedly be struck with apprehension. This video outlined what Campbell would do if re-elected. He presently has that mandate.

It unfortunately now outlines what he is currently implementing (mostly in backroom deals) as he begins his four year tenure of sell-out and destruction. It makes this "election film" more relevant than ever, calling us all to action to stop this corrupt, corporately controlled government from totally selling out and devastating our beautiful province in the next few years.

I hope the film inspires all us to fight for the preservation of our province until the next election. Thanks so much for this Twyla, we will all take heed!

PLEASE FORWARD THIS INSPIRING VIDEO TO EVERYONE YOU KNOW AND LOVE.

And visit Twyla's great website CALLING FROM THE COAST

CLICK ON THE FOUR ARROW ICON IN THE LOWER RIGHT TO VIEW FULL SCREEN.

BC for Sale from Twyla Roscovich on Vimeo.

Death by Plastic

2009-11-07T13:44:00.000-08:00

What are we doing to ourselves, our planet and the blameless creatures who share it with us?

It seems we are hopelessly addicted to plastic. Virtually every manufactured product is made of it. We don't give it a second thought, all in the name of convenience. A throw away society!

Since the 1950s, over one billion tons of plastic has been created AND EVERY PIECE OF PLASTIC EVER MADE IS STILL HERE WITH US. With growing world population and more developing countries production is on a staggering increase.

Our landfills are full of it, and so is the Pacific Ocean. The "North Pacific Gyre" also known as "The Great Pacific Garbage Patch" is a plastic soup twice the size of Texas.

This three minute video tells of this catastrophic situation. After viewing it will offer you a selection of 15 more related videos to watch if you so desire.

CLICK ON THE RECTANGLE IN THE LOWER RIGHT CORNER TO VIEW FULL SCREEN.

On Midway Island on the north end of the Hawaiian Island chain thousands of Laysan Albatross young die every year. The adults fly out over the North Pacific Gyre to fill their gullets with food, but instead return with a cargo of plastic to feed their chicks. A picture's worth a thousand words. CHECK OUT THESE DISTURBING IMAGES.

You can learn all about the Great Pacific Garbage Patch HERE.

Question is, what can we do about it?

Vanishing Rainbows

2009-10-31T21:09:00.000-07:00

This is a short multimedia video (9 minutes) on the proposed independent power project (IPP) currently threatening Glacier and Howser Creeks in the West Kootenay region of BC. I shot and produced this about a year ago, and it screened at the Fliks Canadian Film Festival in Nelson last February.

It addresses the potential loss of these pristine watersheds to Axor Corporation of Montreal and the injustice facing the two sole residents of the valley. The Grabowskys stand to lose their water, their simple mountain lifestyle and their small horse ranch at the hands of the Campbell government and the corporations that he feeds. Sadly it's a familiar scenario worldwide!

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P.S. Have heard some people are experiencing "jerky playback" of this video. I would appreciate anyone experiencing this contacting me by email. It may be just an individual computer issue or a major streaming issue from Vimeo (in which case I'd like to resolve it). Thanks. Doug

CLICK ON SMALL ICON WITH ARROWS IN LOWER RIGHT CORNER TO ENABLE FULL SCREEN VIEW

Vanishing Rainbows from Doug Pyper on Vimeo.

A Thought to Consider

2009-10-17T19:09:00.000-07:00

With summer waning our spirit and energy often tend to lose momentum as the warm sun disappears. Here's a beautiful thought to embrace.

Look to this day,
For it is life.
The very life of life.
In its brief course lie all
The realities and verities of existence.
The bliss of growth,
The splendor of action,
The glory of power---

For yesterday is but a dream,
And tomorrow is only a vision,
But today, well lived
Makes every yesterday a dream
of happiness
And every tomorrow is a vision of hope.

Look well, therefore, to this day

Sanskrit Proverb

Pics of the Week

2009-10-17T19:01:00.000-07:00

Autumn in the Kootenays

Memories of Summer Near Slocan Lake

It's Not Easy Bein' Green..... Or Is It?

2009-10-08T18:26:00.000-07:00

Well perhaps not for Kermit the Frog, but seems its a piece of cake for Gordon Campbell.

Do wonders never cease? Gordo just returned from the 2009 Governors’ Climate Summit in California held September 30 to October 02. This corporate puppet a.k.a. our duly elected dictator, continues to portray himself as organic green. It’s nothing short of astounding!

Here’s a clip from a recent press release by the Office of the Premier:

LOS ANGELES – Premier Gordon Campbell signed the 2009 Governors’ Climate Summit Declaration on behalf of British Columbia, committing the Province to work co-operatively with all levels of government around the world to combat climate change.

“Climate change is a challenge on an unprecedented scale and calls for an unprecedented level of co-operation between governments at all levels – national, state, provincial and municipal,” said Premier Campbell. “This declaration reaffirms our commitment to work collaboratively with other jurisdictions around the world, even as we take steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions within our own province. I want to thank California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and all host governors for giving a voice to sub-national governments on this important issue.”

YOU GOT THAT FOLKS? NOW HERE'S THE REALITY OF THE GORDON CAMPBELL AGENDA:

This government is actively supporting and promoting the Northern Gateway Enbridge Pipeline across northern BC that will carry dirty Alberta Tar Sands oil to a proposed oil tanker port at Kitimat (snuffing a 30-year moratorium on coastal tanker traffic) that protected us from oil spills similar to the Exxon Valdez. This will allow a 50% increase in production from the Tar Sands, the biggest contributor to GHG emissions in Canada, and considered the most destructive project on the planet.

BC is currently one of the largest exporters of coal, providing carbon emitting fuel for power plants and steel production in Japan and South Korea. (now possibly including the new proposed Vancouver Island mine). Is this “working with governments around the world to combat climate change”? A little hard to swallow!

The lower mainland Gateway Project will produce more urban sprawl and build freeways gobbling up food producing Fraser Valley farmland while massively increasing single vehicle freeway traffic and consequently GHG emissions, instead of opting for increased rapid transit initiatives.

Gordon Campbell and the Fiberals blatantly promote off shore oil exploration and development and have provided 1.5 billion dollars in subsidies to oil and gas companies. That’s your tax dollars by the way! Green Initiatives???

And this government is in full support of coal-bed Methane gas exploration by British Petroleum (BP) in the pristine Flathead Valley of southeastern BC, an area that many foresaw as a future National Park.

It’s goes on and on.....there's no end in sight!!!

THESE GUYS ARE NOT GREEN AND THEY’VE GOT CONTROL OUR PROVINCE BY THE BALLS!!

The Terminator and the Corporator

Photo Courtesy of Gordo's Public Affairs Bureau

I can honestly say I never really envisioned my blog as engaging in political commentary. My sole concerns at the root have always been “close to the heart” environmental issues. However, it seems inevitable that when addressing environmental issues you're drawn into the realm of political discourse, unavoidably when you share a province with the likes of Gordon Campbell and Co.

Quite frankly, politics makes me very weary, being foreign to my generally peaceful state of mind. I'd say I have a sort of “respectful disdain” for most politicians. An oxymoron perhaps, but I do reluctantly accept politics as a necessary evil in running the affairs of the human race. I even believe a rare few are actually there to serve.

But seriously, one cannot responsibly ignore Gordon Campbell. It’s not so much a crime that he’s selling himself and his political and corporate cohorts as green. That’s mere hypocrisy. The real crime is that the people of British Columbia buy into this gigantic lie. It’s tragic.....we’re being robbed of our geographic and natural heritage and ultimately our future. We follow like lambs to the slaughter as he gives away our province to corporate interests and the global new world order.

HOW DOES HE DO ALL THIS? Well, seemingly a bullet proof image (until recently) provided by his Public Affairs Bureau along with the "conscience soothing" carbon tax was all he needed. Meanwhile the corporately “dominated” mainstream media hailed him as a veritable “little green leprechaun”. Add to the scenario an NDP Party that offered no real alternative vision (and still doesn’t) and you've got a bogus carbon tax and a government seen in the eyes of the public as a panacea for climate change.

Sorry folks, but the buck stops with us. Let’s be realistic...with greatly fluctuating fuel prices the carbon tax isn't even noticed at the pumps, and statistics reflect that fact.

FUEL CONSUMPTION HAS ACTUALLY INCREASED SINCE THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE CARBON TAX. Further, those in rural British Columbia who often use their vehicles because they have to, not because they want to, are screwed by this ‘green wash’ political tactic. The big polluters...including the oil and gas companies.....yes they pay, but it’s returned to them in generous subsidies (as noted 1.5 billion dollars in subsidies) to keep them at work devastating our planet for personal gain, squeezing the last fossil fuels out of mother earth here in BC and Alberta.

There are alternatives to the Campbell's ineffective CT and numerous avenues to pursue for reducing GHG emmissions here in BC and worldwide. Increasing rapid transit, promoting car and ride sharing, curtailing the auto industry from further production and promotion of unnecessarily large gas guzzling consumer vehicles and above all putting the 'cuffs' on large industrial polluters. Numero Uno...immediate scaling down of the "Canadian" Tar Sands.

I could go on forever. Enough said! Let’s get rid of this white collar criminal before the next election (there are democratic options). It’s really up to us folks.....together we can toss out this arrogant crook through recall or a general strike! The Americans got rid of Nixon.....we can do the same with Gordo!!!

Rivers at Risk

2009-10-02T11:58:00.000-07:00

The Western Canada Wilderness Committee (WCWC) has recently published a new paper (tabloid size brochure). This is a "must read" and as noted in their memo below can be ordered from them at no charge.

If you're concerned about the corporate takeover of our rivers you may wish to order some and distribute copies throughout your community.

You can view and read the publication by clicking on the graphic illustration below and then clicking on the PDF file in the upper left corner.

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Hello friend of BC Rivers

Our latest paper just arrived. It’s called BC Rivers at Risk, and is a successor to our Power Grab paper from last year. It looks at the threats to BC’s rivers caused by privatized hydropower projects. All around British Columbia people are concerned about the rampant privatization of our rivers. This newspaper gives people a way to channel their concerns into action.

It sheds light on how the BC government, through the 2002 BC Energy Plan forbade our profitable Crown corporation, BC Hydro, from competing with the private sector by barring Hydro from producing new sources of electricity. At the same time, it directed BC Hydro to meet future projected electricity needs by purchasing from private power developers. Since that time, there has been a phenomenal 1140 percent increase in these so-called “independent power project” (also known as IPPs) applications throughout BC.

The paper shines a spotlight on two large and extremely unpopular proposed projects: Bute Inlet (150 km north of Powell River) and Glacier/Howser (in the West Kootenays). It also points out breaking news that the BC government is finally admitting what we’ve accused them of all along: that this private power would not be generated to serve British Columbians, but rather is intended for export. The newsletter also shows how we can do green power right: in a way that respects local communities, promotes conservation, fights against climate change, has real environmental oversight and benefits the public - not just corporations.

Here’s where YOU come in. Due to popular demand for our last IPP paper, we’ve printed 75,000 copies of this latest education report, and we want to get them to as many folks as we can to your local coffee shop, Doctor’s office, or friends, family and co-workers. If you can help, please e-mail us at rivers@wildernesscommittee.org or phone us at 604-683-8220 (1-800-661-9453 outside the Lower Mainland), and we’ll send you reports right away!

Sven Biggs
Outreach Assistant
Wilderness Committee

Photographer and Writer

2009-09-23T23:09:00.000-07:00

I am available for editorial and commercial assignments upon request.

Please contact me at: info@dougpyperphoto.com

Will travel as required.

Doug Pyper

Pics of the Week

2009-09-23T22:29:00.001-07:00

Shamus Burrell, West Kootenay Goat Herder

Prospector and Little Girl, Fort Steele Heritage Town

Beyond the Spin

2009-09-21T21:12:00.000-07:00

The Gordon Campbell PR machine has become extremely well versed in political spin since the onslaught of their autocracy in 2001. They spew well-tailored rhetoric, but it rarely speaks any truth much less gives any indication of their real intentions in any given matter.

The "Throne Speech" is a superb example of well-chosen word dressing which has nothing to do with reality or honesty.

I re-wrote a short segment of the speech which addresses the BC Energy Plan, specifically private river power projects (IPP's) and the recent BCUC ruling that states neither are in the "public interest"

It's a much more enlightening speel with a few well-placed words expressing what they really have in mind.

Hope you enjoy my short expose' published as lead article in Vancouver's Columbia Journal.

READ IT HERE: http://www.columbiajournal.ca/

Adrenalin Anyone?

2009-09-17T20:30:00.000-07:00

It was a typical West Kootenay autumn afternoon......warm sunshine and bluebird skies, with a mix of that indefinable surreal tranquility known as Indian Summer. Veteran whitewater kayakers Carl Jacks and Chris Ryman phoned to say hello and tell me they were in my neigbourhood to run a “small waterfall” on the Kaslo River. They asked if I’d like to join them and photograph their little shindig. Hey, it’s what I do guys.....I’ll be there!

The Kaslo River is a pure gem. It flows out of the high alpine of Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park and journeys downward through the lush green forests and deep quiet valleys of the pristine Selkirk Mountains before spilling its crystal clear water into Kootenay Lake at Kaslo. (which is where I live for the time being).

An old ski buddy of mine attempting to be profound with brew in hand once commented, “Extreme sports are all about challenging and pitting yourself against intense terrain, under intense conditions, at an intense level of experience.....whether it be skiing, mountain biking, climbing, whitewater kayaking or whatever. But whitewater paddling (and surfing) are a real bitch, because the terrain actually moves under you. And that movement can change on any given day which makes things extra scary. There’s just no time for second thoughts, because everything is fluid and raging.”

Point taken....which is why I’ve stuck to mountain biking and skiing. And being an Aries fire sign I’m not a water baby anyway.

By the time I arrived and scrambled down the steep bank with my camera gear, Carl and Chris along with friends Bradd Tuck and la femme Laurence Bachand we’re scoping out a planned route through the falls from the bluffs above.

I’m a photographer and photojournalist. I would describe myself as a storyteller. Every good image tells a story! Even an engaging portrait speaks of the subject.

The slide show that follows is a story of a few hours shared by friends. It tells of the fear and excitement (often the same thing), exhilaration, camaraderie, elation, personal accomplishment and fulfillment. It was a sharing of special time enjoyed by all...photographer included. A captivating little river dance!

CLICK SMALL SQUARE IN LOWER RIGHT CORNER OF WINDOW TO VIEW

FULL SCREEN (BEST)
*******************************************************************************

Chris Ryman owns Endless Adventure in Crescent Valley, BC on the banks of the Slocan River. http://www.endlessadventure.ca/

Carl Jacks is president of Borderline Boaters here in the West Kootenay. http://www.borderlineboaters.com/

A bit of a digression. A few years ago Carl and Chris along with some other elite Kootenay paddlers formed a group called the Endangered Creek Expeditions. Their agenda was to paddle the high flow creeks across BC threatened by proposed private hydro development (IPP’s), an initiative of Gordon Campbell's ill-conceived BC Energy Plan.

Their goal was to show the people of BC the beauty of these incredible natural places by filming their experiences.

It was also an attempt to draw attention to certain clauses within the federal Navigable Waters Act, which placed restrictions on construction of industrial structures on watersheds considered "navigable". Paddling these raging creeks, considered by both government and power producers as "unnavigable", brought this issue into question or so they thought.

This past year Prime Minister Harper introduced legislation that significantly changed this act (which dates back to confederation), basically opening up all our Canadian watersheds to industrial development.

Smells of a very timely collusion between Ottawa and Victoria during the current push for private river power development in BC. But that’s another story!

This Camera Takes Good Pictures

2009-09-17T19:08:00.000-07:00

I really can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard this phrase. And it seems with the onslaught of the digital age it’s become epidemic. For the record cameras don’t take pictures, people do. And if you want to be a good photographer it might be well to understand this.

It's about the light ...period!

Cameras are merely a tool.....film (and yes, the immortal sensor) are merely a canvas. Furthermore, Photoshop and other editing software are not the panacea. They comprise a digital darkroom; considerably more user friendly than the traditional film darkroom, but that is their sole purpose. They don’t make you a better photographer. (computer geeks take heed).

Photography is an art form at its best...although it is mostly a personal documentary medium for the average person, and that’s all fine and good. Perhaps it's best not confuse the two, because that’s less important to all camera toters than understanding that photography is about light.....period!

That is your medium. And whether you’re an aspiring artist or you just want great family or travel photos, it all begins with an understanding and visual recognition of this simple fact.

As a career photographer and photojournalist I offer this advice from my website.

TAKE YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY TO THE NEXT LEVEL.

"Although subject matter and composition are important elements in creating a photograph, if you aspire to be a great photographer you must be a student of light"

Without exception it is the quality of natural or controlled light that creates the drama, emotion and visual appeal of an image. Subject matter and composition are secondary.

Photography truly is the "art of seeing" or better stated the art of recognizing the sometimes dramatic, but more often subtle and infinite diversities and changeability in the quality of light. A camera is merely a tool, for a true photographer "light is the medium".

These workshops offered in both studio and natural settings will enlighten and excite you, and will change the way you look through your viewfinder forever. You'll begin to create the images you really desired and envisioned.

Pics of the Week

2009-09-02T15:22:00.000-07:00

Legendary Richie Havens at Kaslo Jazz Fest

Northern Purcell Mountains at Dawn

Glacier Howser Rally and Public Meeting

2009-06-28T11:23:00.000-07:00

Kaslo. BC

June 23, 2009

Children

(more photos to follow story)

If there was ever any doubt that so-called 'run-of-river' private power projects are a government/corporate coalition.......those doubts were completely dispelled for anyone attending the so-called Public Consultation meetings in Kaslo and Meadow Creek recently. It was Simon Gordeau, Axor Corporation spokesperson (proponent) and Gary Alexander, BC Environmental Assessment Officer at the head tables, joined at the hip in a blatant alliance against the public.

The EAO was clearly in defense of the Glacier-Howser project and answering questions merely as a matter of government process, repeatedly defending the proponent and their application. Alexander frequently passed questions he simply could not answer over to the proponents who would then implement their well-rehearsed rhetoric of lies. It was alarming and disgusting....if not frightening.

The EAO had refused a meeting in Nelson assuming that limiting the meetings to the remote smaller communities would lower the profile. Suprise! The largest assembly at any private power meeting to date in the province.......over 1100 socially, economically, and environmentally savvy folks from throughout the region rallied in Kaslo to voice their opposition to the theft of our rivers. They lined up at the microphone for three hours with educated and informed concerns.

We showed them what the West Kootenay is all about. Be proud people! And keep up the energy. But be aware the EA process is streamlined legislation in the interest of these private companies. It is a "rubber stamping" process....period.

An environmental certificate has NEVER been refused to any river diversion or other project to date. These public meetings are mere window dressing and an affront to the people of this province. The passing of Bill 30 (legislated dictatorship) by Gordon Campbell stripped regional disticts and municipalities of any legal say in these matters. The reality is our tax dollars are being spent on paying bureaucrats to set up and perform this political public theatre. Adding insult to injury!

Similar government backed corporate giveaways of public resources for private profit are common in the third world. Since we live in a supposedly modern democratic society they rely on public lack of education and apathy to carry on what is done more tranparently in developing nations. But be aware we are being raped in exactly the same way.

Cherish your public resources.....you're rapidly losing them. Speak out for the repeal of Bill 30 and other corporate initiatives by the Campbell government. It's your province and your home he's giving away!

Take a serious look at what this government is doing with our precious rivers and ask yourself one all important question. What's in it for us ....the people of BC. You'll find there is no answer to that question!!!!

And frighteningly they have another four year mandate to arrogantly attend to the desires of their corporate friends and political donors.

Your letters and emails to the EAO are merely "catalogued" as part of this whole sham. Nevertheless, keep it up so they are "on record" when other pressures such as unavoidable civil disobedience are brought ot bear on this autocratic government.

Buses ArriveFrom Nelson

People from Buses

Crowd of Over Eleven Hundred Assembled

Michelle Mungall MLA

More Rally Folks

Marilyn James Sinixt Spokesperson

Gabriella "Storm" Grabowsky

Lee-Ann Unger from Eco-Society

Samba Band from Nelson

Parade Around School to Gymnasium

Gary Alexander, Environmental Assessment Officer

Simon Gourdeau Axor Spokesperson

Members of Axor Corporation Panel

Starbelly Dancer

2009-01-08T23:41:00.000-08:00

This African Dancer's energy was amazing and a photographer's dream.

She appeared with Alpha Ya Ya Diallo at Starbelly Jam Music Festival on the East Shore of Kootenay Lake last summer. Click on tiny square Icon in lower right to view Full Screen. It's soooo much better!

Pics of the Week

2009-01-08T23:11:00.000-08:00

My buddy Mark Morrison taming the bumps at Whitewater Resort

Backcountry Skiing in the Selkirk Mountains Goat Range

Ruin Of the River

2008-12-19T12:41:00.000-08:00

Glacier Creek. Photo Doug Pyper

Planned for Glacier and Howser Creeks.

The ill-conceived BC Energy Plan presently being implemented by the Campbell government outlaws BC Hydro from developing any more power in the future. Instead BC Hydro must now purchase electricity from private power producers who are essentially being given rights by the government to all our watersheds here in BC.

The idea is being sold to the public as “run of the river” or “green” energy. Although some projects do fall within those parameters, in truth most of these projects are large industrial corporate endeavors that create environmental devastation involving dams, diversion tunnels, clear-cutting and road building through old growth forest for new transmission lines. Large corporations are looking at projected profits of one hundred million dollars plus per year. The people of British Columbia stand to gain nothing from this giveaway of our public resources. What we get out of it is a trashed environment and increased hydro rates.

Currently there are over 600 licenses on rivers and streams in BC, with an identified potential for 8000 licenses over the next decade. So long Supernatural British Columbia!

Ashlu River Hydro Project. Photo courtesy of Western Canada Wilderness Committee.

The project proposed for Glacier and Howser Creeks just north of Kootenay Lake by Axor Corporation of Montreal is the largest and most destructive to date here in Kootenays. They plan to divert the water from both creeks into two tunnels 4.5 meters in diameter totalling 16 kms. in length. (producing 350,000 cubic meters of rock-muck sledge). “Run of the River” implies the water is returned to the creek beds to proliferate the ecosystem it supports. (i.e. spawning Bull Trout etc). Not so! These diversion points are 10.5 and 12 kilometers upstream from the mouths of these pristine creeks. The water is never returned to the creek beds. It travels through the tunnels to a powerhouse on Duncan Lake reservoir where it is then dumped into the lake.

With possible diversion of up to 80% of mean stream flow to feed the turbines, there will be virtually little or no creek left existing downstream from the diversion points especially low flow seasons.

Another consideration is that Glacier Creek forestry road is access to the beautiful backcountry of Monica Meadows, Jumbo Pass, and MacBeth Icefields which many of us enjoy. The possibility exists that this road will be gated by Axor during construction and most definitely access to these areas will be impacted by project infrastructure.

Axor Corp. is saying this will create jobs. Yes, perhaps a few in the construction phase for loggers to clear the site and cut transmission corridors for power lines. Most of the labour will be contract or union from outside the region. When completed, this fully automated structure will permanently employ only a few people, as does the similar completed Ashlu River project on the coast. It’s all a very high price for pay for a few short term jobs.

Doug Pyper

Pics of the Week

2008-11-15T17:55:00.000-08:00

Pristine Howser Creek - Purcell Mountains

Mountain Biking High Above Kootenay Lake

Paws for Thought

2008-10-31T22:15:00.000-07:00

18 Things You Can Learn From Your Dog.

Never pass up a chance to go for a joy ride.

Allow the experience of fresh air and wind in your face.

When loved ones come home always run and greet them.

When in your best interest always practice obedience.

Let others know when they have invaded your territory.

Take naps and always stretch before rising.

Run, romp, and play daily.

Eat with gusto and enthusiasm.

Be loyal always, no matter what.

Never pretend to be something you're not.

If what you want is buried, then dig until you find it.

Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.

When someone is having a bad day be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently.

Thrive on attention and let people touch you.

Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.

On hot days drink lots of liquid (your choice) and lay under a shady tree.

When you're happy dance around and wag your entire body.

No matter how often you are critisized don't buy into the guilt thing and pout. Run right back and make friends.

Quoted from column in Nelson Daily News.

Mountain Mustangs

2008-10-27T14:04:00.000-07:00

Mick and Gabriela "Storm" Grabowsky are quintessential mountain people. They have lived in a remote area of the Purcell Mountains of British Columbia for over twenty five years. 'Rainbow's End Ranch' is situated on pristine Glacier Creek north of Kootenay Lake. It is home for them and their unique "family" of mountain bred horses that free range some of the wildest mountainous terrain in the province. Their simplistic earthbound lifestyle and the delicate ecosystem of beautiful Glacier Creek may be coming to an end compliments of Gordon Campbell and the BC Government. Glacier Creek is one of over six hundred watersheds in our province slated for destruction by private power development under the new BC Energy Plan.