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Awareness film deals with pipelines and coast

"Stand" will be shown on November 12, discussion to follow
Raph Bruhwiler, uni collector. Credit: Nicolas Teichrob / Stand
Raph Bruhwuler

On November 12, Awareness Film Night will screen the documentary Stand which showcases the coast of B.C. and what’s at stake with the proposed new and expanded oil pipelines and resulting increased tanker traffic in our coastal waters. The film, which is under an hour, will be followed by a discussion led by Celine Trojand of the Dogwood Initiative and a draw for over $100 in watersports-related prizes .

Stand features expedition stand up paddler Norm Hann, iconic West coast surfer Raph Bruhwiler and an aboriginal high school class in Bella Bella who are building their own stand up paddle boards.

It takes viewers on a journey through the stretch of coastline of untarnished beauty, pristine ecosystems and a way of life rich in history and culture that is under threat of an oil spill, should (some say “when”) one of those tankers goes astray in a storm or on the rocks both prevalent in that area. The film focuses mostly on the coast near Haida Gwai and Bella Bella that would be impacted by the tankers servicing the proposed Enbridge pipeline, but it also includes some spectacular footage of waves and the surfers in them on the West Coast of the Island.

Celine Trojand began working for the Dogwood in 2009. She is unfalteringly devoted to building power in communities across her home province. Celine is at her best when she’s having exciting conversations and meeting new people.

She will be assisted in leading the post-screening discussion by several members of the local Sooke group that is campaigning in support of the Sooke Municipal Election plebiscite on “no expanded tanker traffic in B.C. coastal waters”.

Everyone, whatever your stand on oil pipelines and tankers, is invited to attend and voice your opinion.

Prizes will be posted on www.awarenessfilmnight.ca

The Stand website has this information on two of the crew; Norm Hann, a professional stand up paddleboarder who spends his time training, racing, exploring remote locations on his SUP and continuing to pioneer the sport in Canada and Raph Bruhwiler who was born and raised in the coastal fishing community of Tofino, and is considered by many to be the “Godfather of Canadian Surfing.”

As usual, the film night will be held in the theatre at Edward Milne Community School, 6218 Sooke Rd. from 7-9 p.m. Admission is by donation.