This is the time of year, as the southeasters come streaming down Johnstone Strait, my dreams are not about Mexico, but some of the great summer spots in our sheltered waters. The Inside Passage is a unique area in the world because of its protected locations. Thousands of years ago First Nations people chose some of these sites to establish their villages, usually facing them south to catch the warmth of the sun.

Village Island, in the Broughton Archipelago was one of these superb locations. The Mamaliliculla First Nations inhabited it for centuries. . In the First Nations people’s native tongue of Kwakwa the island is called " Village of the Last Potlach", Meem Quam Leese, a tribute and recognition of the time when the traditional potlach was banned. The naming was a tribute to and recognition of the traditional potlatch.

Many of the long standing historic Totem Poles, old buildings and relics of the past have fallen but are still proudly left resting on the ground. . Untouched and left to return back to the earth, the Totem Poles are "spirits at rest". Because it is so steeped in First Nations’ history, Village Island is an exciting and “out of the ordinary” place, but if you are going to visit it, you should respect its rightful proprietors and get permission first from the Namgis First Nations Band.

It is several years since I was at this, one of the most beautiful places on earth and did the sketch for this painting. I don’t know whether the carving, even then decaying in the grass, still exists, but I do know I had to “get it down” while it was still in my memory. I made myself a promise to return to this fascinating, spiritual place next summer; of course, with permission from its owners!