Here, the coastal waters are never more than a few minutes drive away, and we are blessed with many small bays, swim holes and beaches. I grew up in Winnipeg, the daughter of a Métis father and Ukrainian/Polish mother. My paternal grandfather, Tommy Campbell, spent his entire life fishing or working the traplines in and around Winnipegosis and Dauphin, Manitoba. My grandfather ended his working life as a Captain on the commercial fishing vessel "Myrtle M", which netted for Pickerel on Lake Winnipegosis.

I suppose it's fair to say that water has been part of my life since I was a child, swimming and angling with my own father in Lake Winnipegosis during summer vacations. Moving to Vancouver Island in 2015, I was captured by the beauty and moodiness of the ocean. Some days the water is mill-pond still, and others, it's angry and white-capped. To this day, the tides fascinate me, rising and falling, somehow synchronized to the pull and phase of the moon.

Having always had a soft spot for whales and porpoises, I feel so fortunate to now live in a part of the world that affords me the occasional opportunity to see them out on the water.

Last summer, at Telegraph Cove, our family was lucky enough to have a killer whale swim right under our boat. In the video we took, two whales can be seen coming towards our boat (engine off, of course!). I can hear one whale blow, before its black fin disappears into the darkness of the water. A few seconds later, the whale is swimming from port to starboard, its white markings visible as it appears from underneath the boat. I can hear myself quietly, emotionally saying to my 13 year old's that "this is why we have to do all that we can to protect these creatures". I remember fighting back tears. How lucky were we at that moment? I felt so humbled, so small. Later that evening, as I marveled still about that thrilling encounter, I wondered what it was I could do to protect these waterways and these giants. How could I make a difference?

Enter Angel Fisher, Director of Coastal Conservation with BC Métis Federation, and her invitation to BC Métis members on Vancouver Island to join an initiative she has been spearheading. I signed on to become a Coastal Water Protector, a program Angel founded nearly 5 years ago, in the hope that perhaps this was my vehicle for making that difference.

The protection and welfare of our coast and its waters is paramount to the health of our marine mammal populations and coastal wildlife. Coastal Water Protectors are dedicated to making a difference by learning how to be the difference. I am honored to be a part of this group of caring, interested and active men and women who volunteer their time and efforts to the benefit of something much bigger than themselves. I am excited about the initiatives Coastal Water Protectors are pursuing, and I encourage all members to support us and join us in our important efforts. So watch this space!